Our products in this therapeutic area are designed to provide relief for a range of patient needs, from headaches to chronic and acute pain caused by serious diseases. Nycomed offers both prescription and over-the-counter medicines (OTC) in this area.
A working definition of pain
Pain is described by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage” [Bonica, JJ (1979). Pain 6 (3): pp. 247–252]. It is a common problem worldwide, affecting approximately 30% of the population. Back pain is the most frequent complaint.
Pain can be seen as part of a protective mechanism, alerting the individual to potential injury so that he or she can take action to prevent further damage. It also forces the person to rest the injured area and can be a lesson to avoid a particular danger in future.
When it goes beyond these useful functions, pain has a detrimental effect. Chronic pain caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis significantly reduces the patient’s quality of life. Acute pain can be so overwhelming that it blots out everything else.
Managing pain
Different treatment options are available for mild to severe pain, ranging from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to opioids and local anaesthetics. Severe pain and pain associated with major surgery is usually treated with opioids. Mild-to-moderate pain can be managed successfully with NSAIDs and paracetamol. The treatment of the psychological effects of pain can also benefit pain perception and tolerance.
Matrifen®
A transdermal patch for severe chronic pain that can be adequately managed only with opioid analgesics.
Neosaldina®
An analgesic for the treatment of headaches that combines three different active ingredients.
Xefo®
A product line suitable for treating different degrees of pain, ranging from mild and moderate to acute.
Instanyl®
An intranasal fentanyl spray for the management of breakthrough pain in adult cancer patients.
Ibumetin®
An analgesic product (ibuprofen) for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever.