Pain Relief treatments
Explore information about Pain Relief. An independent doctor decides whether a prescription is appropriate. Dispensing and delivery depend on a valid prescription, the available route and an independent licensed pharmacy.
Choose a treatment to review
Pricing is indicative where shown. Final route, fulfilment, and whether treatment is clinically appropriate remain subject to independent doctor review. Check platform, independent doctor, pharmacy and delivery charges before payment. A listed medicine amount is not a complete route quotation.
Celecoxib
Celecoxib for arthritis: Spanish Celebrex indications, dosing, digestive and cardiovascular risks, interactions and precautions.
Tramadol
Tramadol for moderate to severe pain: formulation-specific dosing, dependence, seizures, interactions and safety information.
Tramadol Drops
Tramadol oral drops: exact concentration and device, dose measurement, dependence, respiratory risks, interactions and precautions.
Voltaren (Diclofenac)
Voltaren oral diclofenac: formulation-specific indications and dosing, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks, interactions and precautions.
About pain relief treatments
Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical assistance across the European Union. It ranges from acute, short-term conditions — such as musculoskeletal injuries or post-operative pain — to chronic conditions including lower back pain, arthritis, and neuropathic pain that significantly affect quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, chronic pain affects an estimated 20% of adults in Europe, making it a major public health burden.
Pain management is a complex clinical area. Many mild to moderate pain conditions can be managed effectively with over-the-counter medications available at pharmacies without a prescription. However, where over-the-counter options are insufficient — or where a patient’s clinical picture requires a more targeted approach — prescription-strength medications may be appropriate following a medical assessment.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac are among the most widely used classes of prescription pain medication in Europe. They reduce inflammation and provide analgesic and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. Combination analgesics such as co-codamol, which combines codeine (an opioid) with paracetamol, are used for moderate to severe pain that does not respond adequately to single-ingredient medications.
It is important to understand that prescribing decisions for pain relief must account for a patient’s complete health profile. Many pain medications carry contraindications — NSAIDs, for example, are generally avoided in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease, certain cardiovascular conditions, or impaired kidney function. Opioid-containing products carry risks of dependence and require careful clinical oversight. An independent, qualified doctor is best placed to determine which medication, if any, is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Available treatments
The following prescription pain relief medications are described here. Independent doctors make prescribing decisions. Licensed pharmacies dispense only where approved and available. This table is provided for informational purposes only. A doctor will assess which medication, if any, is clinically appropriate for you.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Class | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen (prescription strength) | Ibuprofen | NSAID | Inflammatory and musculoskeletal pain |
| Naproxen | Naproxen | NSAID | Arthritis, musculoskeletal, menstrual pain |
| Co-codamol | Codeine + Paracetamol | Opioid combination | Moderate to severe acute pain |
| Diclofenac | Diclofenac sodium | NSAID | Inflammatory conditions, acute injury |
Key distinctions:
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac): Reduce inflammation and pain via inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Diclofenac is also available as a topical gel for localised pain with lower systemic exposure.
- Co-codamol: Combines a low-dose opioid (codeine) with paracetamol for synergistic analgesic effect. Subject to stricter prescribing guidelines due to codeine’s opioid classification and dependence potential.
- Dosage and formulation: Prescription-strength doses are higher than those available over the counter. The appropriate dose depends on the indication, patient weight, and other clinical factors determined by the prescribing doctor.
How to get pain relief treatment online
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary. We do not prescribe medications, employ doctors, or sell medicines. Our platform collects your health assessment for review by an independent licensed prescriber.
The process:
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Complete a health assessment — Answer a structured set of medical questions covering your pain type, duration, severity, medical history, current medications, and allergies. Accurate and thorough responses allow the reviewing doctor to make a safe and appropriate clinical decision.
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Independent doctor review — An independent doctor reviews your assessment. If a prescription pain medication is clinically appropriate, the doctor may issue a prescription. If it is not appropriate due to contraindications or insufficient indication, the doctor will advise accordingly.
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Pharmacy fulfilment — A valid prescription does not guarantee dispensing or delivery. An independent licensed pharmacy checks lawful supply, stock and an available supply route for the destination country.
Important: Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. All prescribing decisions are made by independent medical professionals. Prescription pain medications in EU member states require a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.
How we compare
| Through Prescrivia | In-person GP appointment | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Online assessment, subject to platform availability | Subject to appointment availability |
| Wait time | Review time depends on clinical needs and availability | Depends on appointment availability |
| Travel required | No | Yes |
| Prescribing decision | Made by independent doctor | Made by your GP |
| Ongoing monitoring | Supported via follow-up assessments | Managed by your GP |
| Cost | Transparent pricing displayed upfront | Varies by country and healthcare system |
Note: For patients with complex or chronic pain conditions, multiple comorbidities, or a clinical history that warrants specialist input, an in-person consultation may be more appropriate. Pain conditions that may indicate serious underlying pathology — such as cancer, fracture, or infection — require prompt in-person evaluation.
Sources
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Diclofenac — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
- World Health Organization (WHO). Chronic pain — WHO European Region overview. euro.who.int
- Breivik H, et al. Survey of chronic pain in Europe: Prevalence, impact on daily life, and treatment. European Journal of Pain. 2006;10(4):287-333.
Medical information may change as clinical guidance is updated. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Availability, dispensing and delivery depend on the country, clinical assessment, pharmacy and applicable law. A Spanish-language page does not establish eligibility for supply in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
- How does an online assessment for prescription pain relief medication work?
- Yes. Through online intermediary platforms such as Prescrivia, you can complete a health assessment that is reviewed by an independent doctor. If a prescription is clinically appropriate for your situation, the doctor may issue one. A pharmacy may dispense after confirming a valid prescription, applicable requirements, stock and availability for the destination. Dispensing and delivery are not guaranteed.
- What is the difference between prescription and over-the-counter pain relief?
- Over-the-counter medicines such as low-dose ibuprofen are available without a prescription for mild to moderate pain. Prescription-strength formulations, or combination products such as co-codamol (codeine + paracetamol), require a doctor's assessment due to higher potency, addiction potential, or greater risk of side effects.
- Is co-codamol available online?
- Co-codamol contains codeine, which is a controlled opioid analgesic. It may be available via online prescription services in some EU countries, subject to a thorough clinical assessment. A doctor will evaluate whether it is appropriate given your health history and pain type.
- Are NSAIDs like ibuprofen and diclofenac safe for long-term use?
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) carry risks with prolonged use, including gastrointestinal irritation, cardiovascular effects, and kidney strain. They are generally intended for short-term use. An independent doctor will assess whether they are appropriate based on your full health profile.
- What information do I need to provide for a pain relief assessment?
- You will typically be asked about the location, nature, duration, and severity of your pain; any previous diagnoses; current medications; allergies; and relevant medical history such as stomach ulcers, cardiovascular disease, or kidney conditions. This information helps the reviewing doctor make a safe clinical decision.
Intermediary notice: Prescrivia connects patients with independent doctors and licensed pharmacies. We do not provide medical advice, employ doctors, or sell medicines. All medical decisions are made by independent healthcare professionals, and prescription-only medicines require a valid prescription. Treatment is not guaranteed — whether a prescription is issued depends on an independent doctor's clinical assessment.
Ready to begin your assessment?
Complete a short health assessment and, where clinically appropriate, connect with an independent doctor for review.
Prescrivia is not a doctor or pharmacy — it is a technology platform. Any prescription decision is made by an independent doctor; medicines are dispensed by licensed pharmacies only where available.