module menu iconA different approach to pain

NICE guidance

When to refer

Assessment

module menu icon When to refer

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module menu icon When to refer

WHEN TO REFER

Customers with headache should be referred to their GP if:8

  • Their headache keeps coming back
  • Painkillers do not help and their headache gets worse
  • They have a bad throbbing pain at the front or side of their head – it could be a migraine or, more rarely, a cluster headache
  • They feel sick, vomit and find light or noise painful

Customers with back pain should be referred to their GP if:9

  • Back pain does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks
  • The pain is stopping them doing their day-to-day activities
  • The pain is severe or getting worse over time
  • They are worried about the pain or struggling to cope
References

1. Kantar Worldpanel Pain LinkQ study, data to December 2020 (n=1000)

2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/415963/over-the-counter-otc-medicine-breakdown-of-sales-in-great-britain/

3. Nurofen 2021 Pharmacy Staff Survey

4. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/analgesia-mild-to-moderate-pain/

5. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/back-pain-low-without-radiculopathy/management/management/

6. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg150/chapter/Recommendations#management-2

7. Daniels et al. A randomised, fiv e-parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial comparing the efficacy and tolerability of analgesic combinations including a novel single-tablet combination of ibuprofen/paracetamol for postoperative dental pain.” Pain vol. 152,3 (2011): 632-642.

8. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/headaches/

9. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/

All references last accessed December 2022

Product information

Nurofen Express 400mg Liquid Capsules (Ibuprofen 400 mg). For symptomatic relief of non-serious arthritic conditions, rheumatic or muscular pain, backache, neuralgia, migraine, headaches, dental pain, dysmenorrhoea, feverishness, colds and influenza. Licence Holder: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd, SL1 4AQ Legal category: P. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5632.

Nuromol Pain Relief 200mg/500mg Film Coated Tablets (Ibuprofen 200 mg and paracetamol 500 mg). For the temporary relief of mild-to-moderate pain associated with migraine, headache, backache, period pain, dental pain, rheumatic and muscular pain, pain of non-serious arthritis, cold and flu symptoms, sore throat and fever. This product is especially suitable for pain which has not been relieved by ibuprofen or paracetamol alone. Licence Holder: Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd, SL1 4AQ Legal category: P. Information about this product, including adverse reactions, precautions, contra-indications, and method of use can be found at https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13804/smpc

Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for the MHRA Yellow
Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Adverse events should also be reported to Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd on: 0333 200 5345

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