Studies* that look at the effectiveness of pain medicines prescribed to patients after a surgical procedure found that a combination of 200 mg of ibuprofen and 500 mg of acetaminophen worked better than prescription opioids. Treatment with opioids alone actually provided the least amount of pain relief.
Medicine Efficacy (click for larger image)View all graphics
Ask your medical provider to discuss all your pain relief options before accepting a prescription for opioids – there may be safer and more effective choices.
*Independent review of clinical research conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration in 2014. Learn more
The Board's position on treating pain
- Caring for pain patients amid mounting opioids regulation
- Position Statement: Policy for the use of opioids for the treatment of pain
Safer choices
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You have options when it comes to pain management, some of which may actually work better and have fewer risks and side effects. Talk with your doctor about what options may work best for you.
- CDC Non-Opioid Treatments
Media and Video Resources
The Rx Awareness campaign
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Watch real stories of people whose lives have been negatively impacted by prescription opioid use and abuse.
- Watch the video series
WRAL Documentary
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A must watch documentary by WRAL-TV focusing on the opioid crisis in North Carolina. No matter who, how, or why folks become addicted to opioids, this is a public health crisis that touches us all.
- Watch the documentary
