- Indication
- Pain
- RAG rating
- n/a
- Document type
- Patient information
- Place
- Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
- Output type
- Pharmacy / Prescribing
- Information leaflet
- Paracetamol-and-Tramadol-combination-products-Patient-Information-Leaflet.docx
Paracetamol and Tramadol combination products Patient Information Leaflet
Paracetamol and tramadol combination products (e.g. Tramacet®) – Information for Patients
NHS guidance states that some medicines should not routinely be prescribed. This is because the medicines are:
- Not as safe as other medicines OR
- Not as good (effective) as other medicines OR
- More expensive than other medicines that do the same thing.
One of these medicines is paracetamol and tramadol combination products (e.g. Tramacet®).
This document will explain why the changes are happening and where you can get more information and support.
Why does the NHS want to reduce prescribing of paracetamol and tramadol combination products?
Tramadol and paracetamol are both painkillers. The amount of paracetamol and tramadol in each combination tablet is less than the amount in standard paracetamol tablets and standard tramadol tablets, and these are lower than the doses which are known to work.
Paracetamol and tramadol combination products do not work any better than other similar painkillers in the treatment of short- or long-term pain and it is more expensive, so they are not good value for money for the NHS.
What options are available instead of paracetamol and tramadol combination products?
There are several alternative painkillers to paracetamol and tramadol combination products. Your prescriber will discuss the options available so that you can come to a joint decision about what’s best to relieve your pain.
What do I do if my medicine has been changed and it’s causing me problems?
If you have problems with your new painkiller you can speak to your prescriber about this.
Your prescriber can talk to you about other things you can do to help manage your pain such as massage, ice or heat therapy or gentle exercise.
Where can I find more information and support?
- You can speak to your local pharmacist, GP practice team or the person who prescribed the medication to you.
- National and local charities can offer advice and support, for example:
- Pain Concern: 0300 123 0789 http://painconcern.org.uk/
- Pain UK: https://painuk.org
- The Patients Association can also offer support and advice: https://www.patients-association.org.uk/ or call 0800 345 7115
- Healthwatch: www.healthwatch.co.uk
- A resource for patients and healthcare professionals to support prescribing of opioid medicines for pain: https://fpm.ac.uk/opioids-aware