Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain When Diagnosed With Diabetes

Posted on Mon, 19 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 Answered on

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been prescribed Actos and Tradgenta for Type II diabetes. I was told to avoid NSAIDS, acetominophen, for pain relief, due to either liver or kidney (can't remember which) damage. What CAN I take safely for osteoarthritis? At times ice packs work well.

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (45 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
paracetamol and opioids

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

patients with long standing diabetes usually have impaired kidney functionality and drugs like the NSAIDs are to be avoided. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) and mild opioids are not detrimental to kidneys though and can be used as necessary. "Mild" is defined as low dose. Codeine for example can be added to paracetamol to potentiate its effects. If paracetamol alone is sufficient then this is the preferred choice.

I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar