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I've used NSAIDs off and on for my arthritis with pretty good results. If I have surgery to remove a herniated disc, can I take my unused prescription for pain after surgery?

You will want to discuss this with your surgeon for sure. Never take old, outdated medications for any reason without asking your doctor first. And never use a drug for more than one problem without consulting your doctor.

The use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) after a discectomy (removal of the disc) may be more effective when combined with a pain reliever such as morphine.

According to a study comparing patients having three different types of spine surgery, NSAIDs alone or morphine alone don't work as well as putting them together. And the drug combination was only needed for the first 48 hours. After that, the drugs were discontinued.

There was no difference in adverse effects between the two groups. So, combining the two drugs together did not cause additional problems compared with just taking the morphine. And the pain relief was much better using the combination drug.

Your surgeon will have a standard protocol for pain control after discectomy. Ask what this is and how it might be used in your case. Bring all discarded or unused medications with you for review at your next appointment. Follow your doctor's advice careful and throw anything away that should no longer be used.

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