KNOW What You’re Taking. KNOW What to Ask. KNOW Your Options for Pain Relief.

When was the last time you reached for an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever?

Maybe it was for a headache, aching joints, or a painful flare. Maybe you take one, or several, every day as part of managing chronic pain. Or perhaps you’re a parent or caregiver trying to figure out which medication is appropriate for someone you love.

OTC pain medications are familiar. They’re available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and even gas stations. Many of us have used them for years.

But how much do we really know about what’s inside those bottles and boxes?

Can two different pain relievers be taken together? How long should you wait between doses? What happens when a cold medicine contains the same ingredient as your pain medication? And what do you do when the relief just isn’t enough?

These are everyday questions, but the answers aren’t always simple.

That’s why U.S. Pain Foundation is dedicating KNOWvember 2026 to #KNOWyourOTCs, a month-long educational campaign focused on helping people living with pain, caregivers, and families better understand their OTC pain relief options, make informed decisions, and have more productive conversations with their healthcare professionals.

What The Public Told Us

Earlier this year, U.S. Pain Foundation surveyed 2,474 adults living with persistent pain and 538 unpaid caregivers to better understand their experiences with OTC pain medications.

The findings reveal just how important these medications are in daily pain management, but also how many questions and challenges remain.

• 56% of adults surveyed use OTC pain relievers once or multiple times daily.
• 43% have been unsure whether it was safe to take another dose of an OTC pain medication.
• 55.5% say OTC pain relief isn’t strong enough.
• 81.1% of those using prescription pain medications also use OTC medications alongside them.
• 74.7% of caregivers surveyed are the only person helping manage their care recipient’s OTC medication.

For many people living with persistent pain, OTC medications aren’t something they reach for once in a while. They’re part of an ongoing effort to manage symptoms, get through the day, and maintain some level of function.

People are using these medications regularly, but they aren’t always getting the answers or relief they need. And that deserves attention.

Familiar Doesn’t Always Mean Simple

One common misconception is that because OTC pain medications don’t require a prescription, they’re simple to use.

Products sold for pain relief have different active ingredients, instructions, and risks—even when they’re on the same shelf.

Recognizing those differences is the starting point. Throughout the month, we’ll unpack what they mean in everyday situations.

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and aspirin are not interchangeable. Some products contain multiple active ingredients. Others may overlap with ingredients found in prescription medications or combination cold, flu, allergy, sinus, and sleep products.

Those differences become especially important for someone taking more than one product. We’ll explore how to recognize ingredient overlap and why you should ask for guidance rather than guess.

Parents and caregivers have questions, too. What is appropriate for a child? How do you help someone manage several medications without getting overwhelmed? We’ll address those realities with resources not only for people managing their own care but also for families and caregivers.

Knowing what’s in a medication, how to use it appropriately, and when to ask questions matters at every age.

And what happens when OTC pain relief simply isn’t enough?

Pain management isn’t one-size-fits-all. OTC medications may be one tool in a broader toolbox that includes other treatments and approaches tailored to an individual’s needs, priorities, and circumstances.

Our survey reinforces what the pain community has been telling us for years: People need more options. Learning about OTC medications is important, but education alone cannot solve inadequate pain relief. People deserve individualized care and access to a range of treatment options.

A Month of Questions, Answers, and Practical Tools

Throughout November, we’ll be exploring the questions people living with pain and caregivers ask every day.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Weekly educational articles exploring OTC pain relief options, medication combinations and safety, what to do when pain relief isn’t enough, and practical ways to manage medications, including communicating with providers and supporting loved ones.
• Downloadable guides and checklists to help you compare medications, recognize potential safety concerns, help a loved one manage OTCs, and keep track of treatments.
• Social media activities, quick tips, and question-and-answer features that make learning about OTC medications easier to understand and share.

You Asked. We’re Answering.

We know you have questions. And we want to hear them.

Maybe you’ve wondered whether it’s safe to combine two medications. Perhaps you’re confused about how long a pain reliever should last, whether a product is appropriate for your child, or what to ask your pharmacist when nothing seems to be working.

No question is too basic, and chances are someone else has wondered the same thing.

Throughout November, we’ll be collecting questions from the community for our “You Asked. We’re Answering.” series. Your questions will help shape the conversations and educational information we share. Have a question about OTC pain medications? Submit it here!

Be sure to visit our #KNOWyourOTCs page throughout the month to explore educational resources, discover upcoming activities, and follow along all KNOWvember.

Let’s ask questions. Let’s share knowledge. It’s time to #KNOWyourOTCs.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the Drug Facts label and consult a healthcare professional when you have questions about medications, dosing, interactions, or treatment options.