A starting point for your conversation
This guide explains preparation for a codeine pain assessment. The clinician considers the cause of pain, its effect on daily life and medicine and non-medicine options.
This is information about preparing for care. It does not establish whether a medicine is suitable for you or replace advice from your clinician.
What to discuss
Include anything that has changed since a previous assessment. It is fine to say when you do not know an answer.
- Where the pain is, how long it has lasted and any diagnosis
- All recent painkillers, sedating medicines and previous supplies
- Benefit, side effects, dependence concerns and plans for review
Your GP or usual prescriber’s details and your preferences about sharing care information form part of the assessment.
What to have ready
Your current medicines and allergies
Include prescribed medicines, anything bought elsewhere and any reactions you have had.
What you have tried already
Have the treatment names and details of how they worked, including any side effects.
Your GP or usual prescriber’s details
The assessment asks who usually looks after your health and about contact with them.
Previous prescriptions or medical records
These may be needed to verify your treatment history. The clinical team will explain what evidence is required.
What a review can lead to
A clinician may need further information, an examination, records or test results. The outcome may be advice, non-medicine options, a different treatment, a prescription where appropriate, or referral for other care.
Ask about expected benefits, possible side effects, interactions, alternatives and when treatment should be reviewed. An assessment or a previous prescription does not guarantee further prescribing.
Further reading
These primary sources provide additional information. Product information may relate to a specific brand or formulation; always check the leaflet supplied with your own medicine.
- Codeine phosphate 30 mg tablets, Wockhardt: SmPC
- NICE NG215: Dependence and withdrawal
- MHRA: Opioid dependence and addiction
Clinical sign-off is pending. This preview is not a prescribing or dosing guide.