knowvember 2026
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are a familiar part of managing pain for millions of Americans. But knowing what’s in them, how to use them safely, and what to do when relief isn’t enough isn’t always straightforward.
What’s the difference between acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium? Can certain medications be taken together? How do you know when it’s safe to take another dose?
This KNOWvember, U.S. Pain Foundation is focusing on #KNOWyourOTCs to help people better understand OTC pain relief options, ask informed questions, and take an active role in their pain care. We’ll share weekly educational articles and practical resources, findings from our new national survey, and opportunities to learn directly from healthcare experts.
Whether you’re managing your own pain or supporting someone else, we invite you to learn, get involved, and help spread the KNOWledge!
This KNOWvember, it’s time to #KNOWyourOTCs
Get Involved: Help Us Make A Difference This KNOWvember
Help us spread KNOWledge this KNOWvember! The more we learn and share about OTC pain relief, the more we can help others make informed decisions about managing pain. Whether you’re learning something new, joining the conversation, or sharing resources with others, you can help make a difference. Here are a few ways to get involved!
1. Learn Something New—and Pass It Along
Each week, we’re sharing a new article and practical resource to help you better understand OTC pain relievers, medication safety, and pain management options. Take a few minutes to explore what’s new, download a guide, and share what you learn with someone who might find it helpful.
2. Discover What the Pain Community Is Telling Us
How are people living with pain and caregivers using OTC medications? What challenges are they facing? Explore findings from our 2026 survey to learn more about their experiences, questions, and unmet needs. Help us amplify these findings and bring greater awareness to the realities of managing pain.
3. Ask the Experts
Have a question about OTC pain relievers? Wondering about medication safety, ingredients, or how OTC options fit into your pain management plan? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions for our healthcare experts, and we’ll address selected questions on social media and in future educational resources.
4. Add Your Voice to the Conversation
Your questions, experiences, and perspectives matter! Join us throughout November to share what you’re learning, ask questions, and help others better understand OTC pain relief. Follow U.S. Pain Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Share our KNOWvember posts and resources, use the #KNOWyourOTCs hashtag, and help spread the KNOWledge far beyond November!
You Asked. We're Listening. Ask The Experts.
Have a question about OTC pain relievers?
We want to know what’s on your mind!
Submit your questions to help shape our KNOWvember content. We’ll select questions for our healthcare experts to address through social media posts and other educational resources throughout the month.
Four Weeks. Multiple Ways To #KNOWyourOTCs.
Each week, we’re exploring a different aspect of OTC pain relief—from understanding active ingredients and medication safety to exploring treatment options and knowing what steps to take next.
Follow along throughout November as we share new articles and practical resources designed to help you build your knowledge and make more informed decisions about your pain care.
Check back each week to see what’s new!
Start Here: Why We're Talking About OTC Pain Relief
OTC medications are part of everyday pain management for many people living with chronic pain. But how well do we understand these medications, and are they meeting our needs?
Discover why U.S. Pain Foundation chose to focus on OTC pain relievers this KNOWvember and what we hope to accomplish together. READ ARTICLE>>
Weekly Articles
Guides
The Month At A Glance
Read the Article + Download the Guide
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
What The Public Told Us About Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
For many people living with persistent pain, OTC medications are part of everyday life. But are they providing the relief people need? And how confident are individuals in knowing how to use them safely?
To better understand these experiences, U.S. Pain Foundation conducted a national survey of 2,474 adults living with persistent pain and 538 unpaid caregivers.
The findings highlight how people use OTC pain relievers, challenges with effectiveness, and important gaps in knowledge and guidance.
Explore what we learned. READ THE SURVEY FINDINGS>>
Tools & Resources to Help You KNOW More
Looking for more ways to take an active role in your pain care? Explore our new KNOWvember guides and other free resources to help you better understand OTC pain relievers, manage medications safely, and prepare for conversations with your healthcare team. You’ll also find information about additional pain management approaches, opportunities to connect with others who understand, and ways to advocate for better pain care. Whether you’re looking for answers, support, or ways to make your voice heard, we’re here to help.
Learn
Explore U.S. Pain Foundation educational resources, including Living Well guides, pacing tools, and other practical information for people with pain and their families. Explore Resources →
Connect
Find community through U.S. Pain Foundation’s free peer support groups and programs designed to help people with pain feel less alone. Find Support →
Advocate
Learn about policies affecting pain care, sign up for advocacy alerts, and discover ways to make your voice heard at the state and federal levels. Take Action →
Stay in the KNOW
Stay connected throughout KNOWvember and beyond! Sign up for educational resources, helpful tools, research updates, and ways to get involved—all delivered to your inbox. Join U.S. Pain’s Mailing List →
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The U.S. Pain Foundation acknowledges the support of our 2026 Corporate Council in making KNOWvember possible. This support helps us independently develop and share educational resources that empower people living with pain and caregivers to better understand OTC pain relief options and make informed decisions about their care.
** The information provided through KNOWvember is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always read and follow the Drug Facts label on OTC medications, and consult your healthcare professional or pharmacist with questions about medication use, potential interactions, or your individual health needs. U.S. Pain Foundation does not endorse or recommend any specific medication, product, or treatment. **