One of the biggest and most difficult challenges of living with cancer is pain. This pain can be caused by the cancer itself, or it can be a side effect of cancer treatments. However, the most important thing to tell you is that this pain is not something you have to endure in silence . There are many medications and methods that can help you manage it, help you sleep well, eat well, and do your work. That's what we're talking about today.
Tell the doctor as soon as the pain starts!
This is the first and most important thing you should do. If you feel pain anywhere, don't try to figure out if it's because of the cancer or the treatment. No matter how minor the pain is, tell your doctor right away . Remember, it's much easier to control pain when it's mild. When it gets severe and you have to take medication, it may take longer and more medication to control the pain. So, don't try to be a hero with the pain. Get help right away.
Commonly used painkillers
These medications may be sufficient to control mild to moderate pain. Although some of them can be purchased over the counter at a pharmacy, as a cancer patient, you should never take any medication without first consulting your doctor .
| Type of medicine | Things to know |
|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | This is a commonly used paracetamol type of medicine. It is safe when taken in the prescribed dosage. However, taking high doses for a long time can damage the liver. Taking it with alcohol is also very harmful to the liver. If you have a liver disease, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. |
| NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) | This includes medications like Aspirin , Ibuprofen , and Naproxen . These help reduce pain and swelling. But they can cause side effects like stomach inflammation, gastritis, and ulcers. They can also damage your kidneys and increase your blood pressure. Using these can be dangerous if you have kidney disease. |
Remember, if you are taking other medications for cancer, or if you have other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, it is imperative that you tell your doctor before taking any painkillers.
Medicines for mild pain - Opioids
When your pain is moderate to severe, your doctor may prescribe a class of medications called opioids. Sometimes these are given alone or in combination with other painkillers.
There are two main types of these:
- Weak Opioids: For example, drugs like `(Codeine)`.
- Strong Opioids: These are medications used to treat very severe pain. Examples include medications such as `(Fentanyl)`, `(Hydromorphone)`, `(Methadone)`, `(Morphine)`, and `(Oxycodone)`.
What are the side effects of these medications?
Some people may experience the following when taking this medicine:
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't panic. Don't stop taking your medication on your own . Tell your doctor right away. He or she can adjust the dosage or give you a different medication, such as an anti-nausea medication, to reduce the side effects.
Other medications that help with pain
Sometimes, there are other medications that are used in conjunction with medications like opioids to control pain. These increase the effectiveness of the main painkiller and help reduce side effects.
- Nerve Pain Medication: Sometimes cancer pain feels like a stabbing, tingling, or burning sensation. This is called nerve pain. Anti-seizure medicines and some antidepressants are used to treat this type of pain.
- Steroids: These are medications that reduce inflammation in the body. They are especially useful for pain related to the spine, brain tumors, or bones.
What are the methods of administering medicine to the body?
Painkillers are administered to the body in various ways. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate method based on your condition.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Oral medication | It comes in the form of tablets, capsules, liquids, sublingual tablets, or oral sprays. |
| Suppositories | These are medications that are inserted into the body through the rectum. |
| Injections | Injections under the skin or into the spine. |
| Skin Patch | When these patches are applied to the skin, they gradually absorb the medicine into the body. |
| Intravenous (IV) medication | The medication is given directly into a vein. Sometimes, a method is used where you press a button to get the exact dose of medication (Patient-Controlled Analgesia - PCA) . |
Are you afraid of becoming addicted to medication?
Many people, especially when using strong painkillers like `(Opioids),` are afraid of becoming addicted to them. This is a very reasonable fear. But what we need to understand here is that rather than suffering with unbearable pain, taking proper medication and controlling pain under the supervision of a doctor can greatly improve your quality of life.
To use painkillers safely, remember these things:
- If you or anyone in your family has ever been addicted to drugs, tell your doctor about it.
- Take your medication exactly as your doctor prescribes, and at the right time. Don't wait until the pain is severe before taking medication. The best way to control pain is to treat it when it starts.
- If you feel that the pain is not being controlled by the medication, never increase the dose yourself . Tell your doctor. Over time, your body can become accustomed to the medication (tolerance). Then you may need to increase the dose or switch to another medication. Only your doctor can make that decision.
- When you are ready to stop taking your medication, your doctor will not stop the medication all at once. He will gradually reduce the dosage. This will give your body time to adjust.
Take-Home Message
- Cancer pain is not something you should suffer in silence. Even if you feel a little pain, tell your doctor right away.
- There are various types of medications to control pain. Your doctor will choose the one that is best for you.
- Even if it's a common painkiller you can buy at the pharmacy, don't use it without consulting your doctor.
- Follow the dosage and time of taking the medicine exactly. Do not change the dosage or stop the medicine at your own discretion.
- It's normal to be afraid of becoming addicted to medication. Talk openly with your doctor about that fear. Managing your pain under proper medical supervision can make your life easier.
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