Opioids are a group of medicines prescribed for the treatment of pain; examples include codeine, morphine and fentanyl.

For more information on individual medicines please visit this website: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines

Under the supervision of a Pharmacist, some products containing opioids can be purchased over the counter at your local  pharmacy.

Research suggests that opioids can provide useful pain relief in the short and medium term but there is little evidence they are helpful for long term pain.

 Patient resources for advice on living with pain

Please see the resources below to find out more about opioids and for advice on living with pain.

Websites:

• Faculty of Pain Medicine – Opioids Aware
   
• The Pain Toolkit
   
• Live Well with Pain

Videos:

• Understanding Pain Video – Brainman Stops his Opioids 
   
• Understanding Pain Video – Brainman Chooses
   
• Understanding Pain Video – Brainman