WWHAM questions

Who is it for? It may not be the customer who needs the treatment. Remember that topical NSAIDs are not normally recommended for children under 12 years.

What are the symptoms? Ask the customer to describe all of their symptoms so that you can establish the most appropriate advice.

How long have the symptoms been present? This will help you find out if the pain is acute or chronic (lasts for more than 12 weeks) and what may have caused it.

Action already taken? This will help establish what the patient has already taken or used so that you can recommend a different active ingredient or form if necessary.

Medication? It is important to refer customers who are taking other medication to the pharmacist.

When to refer to the pharmacist

Back pain:

• Pain that goes down the leg below the knee
• Numbness in the leg, foot, groin or rectal area
• Fever, nausea or vomiting
• Swelling in the area
• Symptoms caused by a direct injury (e.g. after an accident)
• Symptoms that have not improved after two to three weeks.

Sprains and strains:

• Severe pain on movement
• Persistent pain, even when at rest
• Feeling of numbness
• Symptoms that have not improved after 48 hours.

Joint pain:

• Accompanying symptoms such as a fever, tiredness or a general feeling of being unwell.