May 26, 2012
Topics A-Z Drugs Post-op Pain Medication
Post-op Pain Medication |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I had an osteochondroma removed from my left distal femur. Was prescribed acetaminophen and oxycodone, two days after the surgery I stopped taking the oxycodone because it was just knocking me out, found there was no difference in pain. Along with oxycodone my prescription says to take 2x500mg acetaminophen 3 times daily as well, stopped taking that yesterday and still feeling the same painwise. Which is not much pain at all. Really don't see the reason to put my body to work cleaning out these drugs if it's just for the non-existant pain, did a little research it looks like these two drug are primarily for pain. Curious if there is any other reason for taking these drugs beyond pain? Dear Adam: Both oxycodone and acetaminophen are pain relievers. Generally if you were prescribed the extended release tablets of oxycodone that would mean that the intention was to continue to take the medication as prescribed by the doctor. If you were prescribed the fast acting tablet of oxycodone that generally is on a "as needed basis" for pain relief. The acetaminophen is for the breakthrough pain when the oxycodone is wearing off. These medications main purpose is for pain relief after the procedure so that you have good pain control which would lead to a speedy recovery. Also the other purpose is that these pain medications help in increasing blood flow to the area. Some physicians want their patients to take the medications for at least 24 - 48 hours to get both benefits of pain relief and good blood flow in the area. But, in your situation which is well over 2 days and if you are not finding yourself in pain it is not necessary to take these medications. Hope this information helps you. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 July 2010 ) |
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