Women and 

Pain Medicines

Women experience pain 

differently than men

• Women report more pain than men.

• Some types of long-term (chronic) pain, 

like migraines and back pain, are more 

common in women. 

• Women may become dependent on 

prescription pain medicines more quickly 

than men. 

• Women are more likely to be prescribed 

prescription pain medicines, be given 

higher doses, and use them for longer 

time periods than men. 

FDA Office of Women’s Health

www.fda.gov/womens

Types of Pain Medicines

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines 

OTC pain medicines are in many common 

products for headaches, colds, and menstrual 

(period) cramps. Common types of OTC pain 

medicines are acetaminophen and NSAIDs 

(Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), such 

as aspirin and low-dose ibuprofen.

Prescription Medicines

• Non-opioid medicines – Medicines that 

treat pain. Types of non-opioid prescription 

medicines include diclofenac and ibuprofen. 

While ibuprofen is also available over-thecounter, your healthcare provider may give 

you higher doses.

• Opioids – Medicines that may be effective for 

reducing moderate to severe pain, like after a 

surgery. Common opioids include oxycodone, 

hydrocodone, fentanyl, and morphine. 

Pain medicines can be effective in reducing 

pain when used as directed. However, these 

medicines can also cause serious injury or death 

when misused or abused. They can also be 

addictive. 

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider 

about how to safely use pain medicines. Also, ask 

your healthcare provider about other options to 

treat pain. 

Use this fact sheet to help you talk to your 

healthcare provider about how to safely use 

pain medicines. 

There are benefits and serious potential 

risks for both over-the-counter (OTC) and 

prescription pain medicines.
Women and Pain Medicines

This fact sheet was developed by the FDA Office of Women’s Health.

To get other women’s health resources, go to:

www.fda.gov/womens

• Ask your healthcare provider if you should 

take opioids or use other options to 

effectively manage your pain. Opioids are 

not right for everyone or every type of pain. 

• Keep track of your pain. Make note when 

you feel pain, what it feels like, and where 

your body hurts. Share these notes with your 

healthcare provider. 

• Don’t share prescription pain medicines.

Keep pain medicines locked up and away 

from children and others.

• Don’t take pain medicines for longer than 

you are supposed to. Get the facts about 

your medicine. Find out how long you should 

take it. If you are taking other medications, ask 

your healthcare provider if pain medications 

are safe to take at the same time.

2018

Pain medicines can cause serious injury or death when they are misused 

or abused. Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Talk to Your Healthcare 

Provider about Your Pain

Ask Before 

You Take Opioids 

Follow the Directions for 

Your Pain Medicines 

• Don’t drink alcohol or use medicines like 

antihistamines and benzodiazepines when you 

take certain pain medicines. Combining alcohol 

and different types of pain medicines or other 

drugs can cause you to stop breathing.

• Tell your healthcare provider if you have been 

addicted to medications, other drugs, or alcohol.

• Get rid of unused prescription pain medicines. 

Check the FDA website or ask your healthcare 

provider about the best way to get rid of unused 

medication.

• Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit 

https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/ if you or 

a loved one needs help finding treatment for 

addiction to pain medicines. 

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