What is an opioid?

Buy Opioids online Australia. Opioids are strong pain-relieving medicines naturally found in the opium poppy plant. Some prescription opioids are made from the plant directly, and others are made by scientists in labs using a similar chemical structure.

All opioids work similarly: They activate an area of nerve cells in the brain and body called opioid receptors that block pain signals and can reduce the feeling of pian.

Opioids are usually used on a short-term basis in the management of acute pain or in cancer pain and have a very limited role in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

• All opioids must be prescribed by a doctor.
• Opioids are available in different forms, including: tablets, capsules, lozenges, liquids and skin patches.
• Opioids come in different strengths.
• Treatment usually starts with a low dose.

Opioid products differ in:

• How fast they can relieve pain.
• How long their effects last.

Buy Opioids online Australia. Some products release the opioid into the body quickly (immediate or fast-release products). They provide fast pain relief but the effects usually only last for a few hours (4-6 hours).

Some products release the opioid into the body slowly (modified-, slow-, extended-, prolonged- or controlled-release products). Each dose may give slower pain relief, but the effect may last for longer (e.g. 12-24 hours).

Opioid skin patches are designed to have a stable effect on pain for 3 to 7 days.

Buy Opioids online Australia – What benefit can you expect from your treatment?

Opioids generally do not give total pain relief. They may be used together with other pain-relieving medicines and should be used with non-medicine therapies as part of an overall pain management plan. Opioids work best to relieve short-term pain in some people. The longer you use an opioid, the less well it works, and you may need more to feel the same level of pain relief. Sometimes opioids can even make the pain worse (see ‘opioid induced hyperalgesia’ under Side Effects).

Buy Opioids online Australia. Because not all patients experience any benefit from taking an opioid, your doctor will usually prescribe an opioid for a trial period (up to 8 weeks). The doctor will assess how well the opioid relieves your pain and improves your function and quality of life. The doctor will also monitor for side effects.

Based on how you respond to the opioid during the trial period, your doctor will discuss with you whether continuing treatment for a longer time is the right choice.

Buy Opioids online Australia -How is an opioid taken?

It is important to take/apply opioids exactly as directed by your doctor. Please read the instructions provided by your doctor carefully to ensure that you are taking/using your opioid correctly.

Buy Opioids online Australia – When should it be taken?

How often you take/apply an opioid depends on the one you have been prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain about how often to take/apply your opioid. Opioids can be taken with or without food.

Buy Opioids online Australia – What is the dosage?

The dosage of your opioid will depend on your situation. Your doctor will adjust the dose depending on the type of opioid and your response to the opioid.

Can other medicines be taken with opioids?

Opioids can and should be used in combination with other pain-relieving medicines such as paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) when advised. Opioids can interact with other medicines and alcohol. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking other medicines and alcohol while on opioids. You should not take more than one long-acting opioid at a time. If you are taking more than one long-acting opioid, please discuss the ongoing use with your doctor.

How long is the treatment continued?

Buy Opioids online Australia. Because opioids can have side effects and may not provide much relief for long-term pain like arthritis and back pain, they should be used at the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.

Stopping or reducing your opioid dose
You should not suddenly stop taking your opioid if you have been on it for more than a few days. If you want to stop taking your opioid you should discuss this with your doctor who can provide you with a plan to slowly reduce your dose. More information can be found here.