Relieving Pain

Pain is typically classified into several categories based on its duration, origin, and underlying cause:

By Duration:

• Acute pain – Short-term pain that typically results from injury, surgery, or illness and resolves as the body heals (usually less than 3-6 months)
• Chronic pain – Pain persisting beyond normal healing time, typically lasting more than 3 months, and often associated with ongoing conditions

By Origin:

• Nociceptive pain – Caused by tissue damage (e.g., cuts, burns, inflammation, arthritis)
• Neuropathic pain – Results from nerve damage or dysfunction (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, sciatica)
• Nociplastic pain – Pain arising from altered pain processing without clear tissue or nerve damage (e.g., fibromyalgia)

Common Pain Conditions:

• Headaches and migraines – Among the most prevalent pain disorders globally
• Back pain – The leading cause of disability worldwide
• Musculoskeletal pain – Including joint, muscle, and bone pain
• Menstrual pain – Affecting a significant proportion of women of reproductive age.

At Bayer, we draw on decades of scientific research in pain management. This perspective helps inform our approach to prevention, awareness, and responsible self-care globally.

A variety of pain relief options exist, ranging from prescription options, over-the-counter solutions and non-pharmacological approaches. Always consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to understand which one is right for you. 

Prescription Options (under healthcare provider guidance):

• Prescription-strength NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, antidepressants for chronic pain, anticonvulsants for neuropathic pain, and in select cases, opioids

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:

• Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) – Effective for mild-to-moderate pain and fever
• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) – Such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin; effective for pain with an inflammatory component
• Topical analgesics – Creams, gels, and patches applied directly to the skin

Non-Pharmacological Approaches:

• Physical therapy and exercise – Evidence supports movement-based therapies for many pain conditions
• Heat and cold therapy – Commonly used for acute injuries and muscle pain
• Mind-body practices – Including meditation, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) – Electrical stimulation for pain relief

Bayer has a long heritage in developing widely used over-the-counter pain relief solutions and continues to support responsible self-care through science-led education, innovation, and trusted brands that are available globally and adapted to local market needs.

Different pain relievers target distinct pathways in the body:

Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
Multiple mechanisms have been proposed, but it is believed to work primarily in the central nervous system, potentially inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the brain and affecting serotonergic pathways. It provides analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects but has limited anti-inflammatory activity. 

NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aspirin)


NSAIDs work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which are involved in producing prostaglandins—chemicals that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing prostaglandin production, NSAIDs decrease:

• Inflammation
• Pain sensitivity
• Fever

Topical Analgesics

• Topical NSAIDs – Deliver anti-inflammatory action directly to the affected area with less systemic absorption
• Counterirritants (menthol, capsaicin) – Create sensations of cooling or warming that can distract from underlying pain and may affect pain signal transmission

Choosing the right pain relief approach depends on several individual factors:
 

• Type and cause of pain – is the pain inflammatory (like arthritis or sprain) or non-inflammatory or is the pain very acute and localized or more general.  

• Your individual health profile – factors such as your age any underlying conditions should be considered. For example, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular health, as well as kidney and liver function, require consideration. Some pain relievers require caution for pregnant or breastfeeding moms. 

• Current Medications – It is important to consider potential interactions with other drugs you may be taking.  
• Duration of Use - short-term vs. long-term needs influence product selection and dosing considerations.
   

Bayer supports informed decision-making by providing clear product information and educational resources. Always read product labels carefully and consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions, take other medications, or if pain persists.

Over-the-counter pain relievers are generally intended for short-term use to help manage acute pain episodes, as directed on the product label.  Bayer promotes responsible use of medicines and supports awareness around the appropriate duration of use.

Ongoing or long-term use requires careful consideration and should be done under consultation with a healthcare professional. For chronic pain, healthcare providers can help develop a comprehensive management plan that may include a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches tailored to individual needs. 

Topical pain relievers are applied directly to the skin at or near the site of pain. They work locally, with  minimal absorption into the bloodstream. They are best suited for localized muscle / joint pain. Common forms include creams, gels, patches, and sprays containing ingredients like NSAIDs (e.g., naproxen, diclofenac), menthol, or capsaicin.

Oral pain relievers are taken by mouth and work systemically as they're absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. They are best suited for widespread or internal pain. Common examples include acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin.

Bayer offers a broad portfolio of pain-relief formats, including oral and topical solutions, designed to meet diverse consumer needs, from localized discomfort to more systemic pain, and supported by both global research and local market expertise.

Some pain relief products may work through different mechanisms, but combining products requires caution. Not all combinations are safe and using more than one pain reliever can increase the risk of side effects.

Bayer emphasizes responsible medicine use and supports clear labeling and education. Always read product labels carefully, avoid taking more than one product containing the same active ingredient, and consult a healthcare professional before combining pain relief products - especially if you have underlying health conditions, take other medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if pain persists.

Pain, especially when persistent, can significantly impact multiple dimensions of life. Physical impacts of pain include reduced mobility and physical function. These can result in sleep disturbances and fatigue, as well as a decreased ability to perform work or household tasks.

There are also emotional and psychological impacts that can lead to a reduced quality of life. These include increased risk of anxiety and depression or feelings of frustration, helplessness, or isolation.  This isolation can also have social impacts if it leads to withdrawal from social activities. Such behavior can strain relationships or increase the economic burden of lost productivity. 

While occasional minor pain is common and often manageable with self-care, certain situations warrant professional evaluation:

Seek medical advice if your pain:

• Persists despite appropriate self-care or does not improve over time
• Is severe or worsening rather than improving
• Interferes significantly with sleep, work, or daily activities
• Is accompanied by concerning symptoms such as:
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fever
  • Numbness or weakness
  • Swelling, redness, or warmth at the site

Bayer encourages early and appropriate healthcare professionals' advice as part of responsible self-care, supporting healthcare systems globally by promoting awareness of when pain may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, new weakness, or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical care.

Using pain relief products responsibly helps maximize benefits and pain control while minimizing risks of side effects and supporting overall health. Key principles include always following label directions carefully and storing pain medicines safely out of children's reach.

Avoid exceeding recommended maximum doses, use pain relievers only as directed on the product label or by a healthcare professional, and seek guidance from a healthcare professional if you have questions, are unsure, or are considering using more than one pain relief product.

Responsible use is a core principle for Bayer. Through science-led self-care, transparent labeling, and global health initiatives, Bayer aims to empower people to manage pain safely, minimize risks, and support long-term health outcomes.