spotlight on health s = w ee soothing Pain Through DoctorPatient Discussions (NAPSA)—It’s easy for anyone whe has ever been injured from a fall, playing sperts or working around the house to say that pain “hurts.” But, effectively describing howpain hurts is often more diff- cult. The individual experience with pain often leaves those in need of relief searching for the right words to explain how theyfeel. “Patients may find it difficult and frustrating to effectively describe their pain experience when speaking with their doctor,” said Zorba Paster, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine and Practice, University of Wisconsin-Madison. “The solution may lie in providing patients with the tools that help them categorize and organize what theyare feeling in more tangible ways.” A newsurvey of patients with acute (short-term) pain commis- sioned by Ortho-McNeil Pharma- ceutical, Inc., shows 64 percent of respondents felt that a tool such as a scale to rate pain wouldhelp them describe their symptoms moreeffectively to their doctors. Newtools to help facilitate these conversations including a pain scale and daily diary are being provided by Ortho-McNeil, maker of ULTRACET” (37.5mg tramadol hydrochloride/325img acetaminophen tablet). These tools allow patients to characterize and quantify their pain through a series of questions, making it easier for patients to describe and rate their pain. “Providing patients with a tool ...may help them categorize and organize whatthey are feeling.” @ Patients can also use the scale to assess the effectiveness of any pain control medication they have been taking, including ULTRACET, which combines tramadol, a leading prescription pain reliever, and acetaminophen, the most commonly recommended nonpre- seription pain treatment. The pain management survey revealed other key findings including: * Approximately one in four Americans who have experienced acute pain feel their healthcare providers prescribe medications too quickly without asking many questions Approximately one in four Americans who have experienced acute pain expressed the need for improved depth of discussion with their healthcare providers about treatment options * Approximately one in six Americans who have experienced acute pain expressed concerns regarding the depth of discussion about symptoms with their healthcare providers You can find cut more about ULTRACETandthe pain scale and daily diary by visiting www.ULTRA CET.com/understanding/doctor.btral. nes ramiadol, a leading prescriptioa painreliever, with acetaminophen,the most commonlyrecommended nonp demonstrated that the ULTRACET” combination of tramadol and acetaminophen provides fast te pain. the most com bleeding that can system and ursiogy. emismns ofaction thax zu potionpain treatnger duration a! antiantlmatory drugs (NSAIDs),
