Pain medicines can be effective in reducing
pain when used as directed. However, these
medicines can also cause serious injury or death
when misused or abused. They can also be
Women and
addictive.
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider
about how to safely use pain medicines. Also, ask
Pain Medicines
your healthcare provider about other options to
treat pain.
Use this fact sheet to help you talk to your
healthcare provider about how to safely use
Women experience pain
pain medicines.
differently than men
• Women report more pain than men.
• Some types of long-term (chronic) pain,
Types of Pain Medicines
like migraines and back pain, are more Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines
common in women.
OTC pain medicines are in many common
• Women may become dependent on products for headaches, colds, and menstrual
prescription pain medicines more quickly (period) cramps. Common types of OTC pain
than men. medicines are acetaminophen and NSAIDs
• Women are more likely to be prescribed (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), such
prescription pain medicines, be given as aspirin and low-dose ibuprofen.
higher doses, and use them for longer
time periods than men.
Prescription Medicines
• Non-opioid medicines – Medicines that
treat pain. Types of non-opioid prescription
medicines include diclofenac and ibuprofen.
While ibuprofen is also available over-the-
counter, your healthcare provider may give
you higher doses.
• Opioids – Medicines that may be effective for
reducing moderate to severe pain, like after a
surgery. Common opioids include oxycodone,
hydrocodone, fentanyl, and morphine.
There are benefits and serious potential
FDA Office of Women’s Health risks for both over-the-counter (OTC) and
www.fda.gov/womens prescription pain medicines.
Women and Pain Medicines
Pain medicines can cause serious injury or death when they are misused
or abused. Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
?
Talk to Your Healthcare Ask Before Follow the Directions for
Provider about Your Pain You Take Opioids Your Pain Medicines
• Ask your healthcare provider if you should • Don’t drink alcohol or use medicines like
take opioids or use other options to antihistamines and benzodiazepines when you
effectively manage your pain. Opioids are take certain pain medicines. Combining alcohol
not right for everyone or every type of pain. and different types of pain medicines or other
drugs can cause you to stop breathing.
• Keep track of your pain. Make note when
you feel pain, what it feels like, and where • Tell your healthcare provider if you have been
your body hurts. Share these notes with your addicted to medications, other drugs, or alcohol.
healthcare provider.
• Get rid of unused prescription pain medicines.
• Don’t share prescription pain medicines. Check the FDA website or ask your healthcare
Keep pain medicines locked up and away provider about the best way to get rid of unused
from children and others. medication.
• Don’t take pain medicines for longer than • Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit
you are supposed to. Get the facts about https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ if you or
your medicine. Find out how long you should a loved one needs help finding treatment for
take it. If you are taking other medications, ask addiction to pain medicines.
your healthcare provider if pain medications
are safe to take at the same time.
This fact sheet was developed by the FDA Office of Women’s Health.
To get other women’s health resources, go to:
www.fda.gov/womens
2018
