Combine Acetaminophen PLUS an NSAID Instead of an Opioid for Acute Pain

November 2014

More patients will be using NON-opioids to manage short-term pain now that hydrocodone combos (Vicodin, etc) are Schedule II.

We've all been taught that opioids are more effective for moderate to severe pain. But that's NOT necessarily true.

Opioids DON'T seem to be more effective than acetaminophen or NSAIDs for acute pain from headaches, minor trauma, or dental or minor procedures.

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Table of Contents

Anticoagulants Consider Eliquis or Xarelto Over Pradaxa for Treating VTE
Acute Pain Combine Acetaminophen PLUS an NSAID Instead of an Opioid for Acute Pain
Obesity & Weight Loss Don't Combine Weight Loss Agent Contrave With Opioids
Migraine Avoid Opioids and Fiorinal in Migraine
Vaccines Give Seniors TWO Pneumococcal Vaccines
Oral Health Don't Use Chlorhexidine for Oral Mucositis
Geriatrics Reassess if Dementia Meds Are Needed Since Many Patients DON'T Benefit
Antithrombotics Be Careful Using Fluoxetine or Fluvoxamine With Warfarin
Antiepileptics Watch for Contraception Interactions with New Antiepileptics
Storage & Disposal Encourage Patients to Take Unwanted Meds to "Authorized" Pharmacies
COPD Consider Stopping Inhaled Steroids in Some Stable COPD Patients
Practice how to avoid exposure to Ebola
Opioids Consider Clonidine for Opioid Withdrawal Symptoms
Neurology & Pain Explain How Exparel Compares to Other Local Anesthetics for Post-Op Pain
Infectious Diseases Identify Inappropriate Broad-Spectrum Antibiotic Use