Managing Post-Op Pain at Home: Medicines

Pain after an operation (post-op pain) is common and expected. These guidelines can help you stay as comfortable as possible.

Taking pain medicines

• Take only the medicines that your health care provider tells you to take.

• Don't take more than prescribed. Don't take your next dose sooner than prescribed.

• Take pain medicines with some food to prevent an upset stomach.

• Don’t drink alcohol while using pain medicines.

• Don't drive while taking opioid pain medicines. 

Types of pain medicines

Non-opioid

• Check with your health care provider before you take any over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever in addition to or instead of your prescribed pain medicine.

• Non-opioids include OTC acetaminophen and ibuprofen and some prescription pain relievers.

• All relieve mild to moderate pain. Some reduce swelling.

• Possible side effects include stomach upset and bleeding. High doses may cause kidney or liver problems.

Opioid

• Opioids are available only by prescription.

• Opioids ease moderate to severe pain.

• Possible side effects include stomach upset, nausea, drowsiness, rash, and itching.

• Opioids may cause constipation. To help prevent this, eat high-fiber foods and drink plenty of water.

• Your health care provider may recommend a stool softener.

• Don't drive, make important decisions, or operate machinery while taking opioids.

When to call your doctor

Contact your health care provider or seek medical attention right away if you:

• Have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach cramps.

• Have breathing problems or a fast, racing heart rate. (Call 911.)

• Feel tired, sluggish, or dizzy.

• Have a skin rash or other allergic symptoms.

• Have pain that is not eased with the pain medicine.