# South Africa: Private Doctors Overprescribe Pain Medicines

> South African private doctors often overprescribe opioids and NSAIDs after surgery, risking addiction and environmental harm.
- Title: South Africa: Private Doctors Overprescribe Pain Medicines
- Summary: South African private doctors often overprescribe opioids and NSAIDs after surgery, risking addiction and environmental harm. South African private doctors…
- Keywords: south africa, private doctors, pain medicines, oxycodone, nsaids, addiction, environmental harm, healthcare system, news, world, politics, South
- Source: Allafrica — https://allafrica.com/stories/202610210057.html
- Published: 2026-10-21T06:19:18+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: south africa, private doctors, pain medicines, oxycodone, nsaids, addiction, environmental harm, healthcare system, news, world, politics
## My surgery experience
I had shoulder surgery in a private hospital with minimal pain after a month of recovery.
## Private health system issues
Private doctors often give patients more medication than is safe, causing addiction risks and environmental harm.
## Pain management risks
Pain medicines like paracetamol and ibuprofen can harm the liver and kidneys with frequent use.
## Common pain medicines
Paracetamol (Panado) and ibuprofen are used for mild pain but can cause liver and kidney damage with overdoses.
## Targinact risks
Targinact contains oxycodone, a drug linked to the US opioid crisis, which is addictive and dangerous for minor surgery.
## OxyNorm risks
OxyNorm contains oxycodone at half the dose but is prescribed unnecessarily for minor surgery.
## Stilpane risks
Stilpane contains codeine and meprobamate, both addictive and risky for long-term use.
## Xefo Rapid risks
Xefo Rapid is expensive and less effective than generic ibuprofen for pain relief.
## Overprescription causes
Doctors overprescribe due to outdated practices and drug reps pushing for stronger pain medicines.
## Prescription safety
Doctors should discuss pain relief options before prescribing stronger medications.
## Medicine disposal
Unused medicines can cause environmental harm or addiction risks if shared with family members.
## Solutions needed
Health organizations must publish guidelines to reduce overprescription of pain medicines.
## Key takeaway

South African private doctors frequently prescribe dangerous pain medications like oxycodone without proper medical advice, leading to addiction risks and environmental harm.