You'll typically go home with several different medications after joint replacement, each doing a different job. Understanding what each one is for makes it much easier to take them correctly — and to know what's expected versus what's worth flagging.
Pain relief medications
- Paracetamol: Scheduled, regular dosing — the foundation of your pain plan, not just for "when it hurts."
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Reduces both pain and swelling; taken with food if prescribed, and only for the duration advised.
- Short-course opioid (if prescribed): For breakthrough pain on top of the medications above. Used at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest time needed, and typically tapered off within the first 1–2 weeks.
Blood clot prevention
Reduced mobility after major joint surgery increases the risk of blood clots forming in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis). Most patients are prescribed a blood-thinning medication for a defined period after surgery — this is one of the most important medications in your kit, and should not be stopped early without your surgeon's advice.
Antibiotics
If prescribed a short post-operative course, complete it fully even if the wound looks fine — stopping early is one of the more preventable causes of delayed infection.
Stomach protection
If you're on anti-inflammatory medication or an opioid, you may also be given a medication to protect your stomach lining, particularly if you have a history of acid reflux or stomach ulcers.
Managing constipation
Reduced mobility and certain pain medications commonly cause constipation. A stool softener or mild laxative is often included proactively — don't wait until it becomes a problem to start using it.
A simple way to stay organised
- Use a pill organiser or a written schedule rather than relying on memory
- Set phone reminders for scheduled medications, especially in the first week
- Keep a simple log of what's been taken and when, particularly if a caregiver is helping
- Bring your medication list to every follow-up appointment
When to call your surgical team
- A rash, severe nausea, or any unexpected reaction to a new medication
- Signs of a blood clot as described above
- Fever, or a wound that looks increasingly red, warm, or is discharging
- Pain that is worsening rather than gradually improving day to day