(Chicago AP) Many patients are first introduced to powerful opioid painkillers in the emergency room. A new study released Tuesday tested over-the-counter pain relievers on people with broken bones and sprains. Researchers found acetaminophen plus ibuprofen worked as well as opioids at reducing severe pain. The results challenge common ER practice for treating short-term, severe pain, although the study didn’t test what happened when patients went home.
