FC-0004 · Medicines28 Sep 2026
Claim
Getting an injection gives faster relief than taking a pill.
VerdictDepends
Checked against hdft.nhs.uk, openstax.org
For pain relief, an injection into a muscle or vein can work faster than a tablet. But the speed depends on the type of injection, and injections are not always needed. Ask your doctor or nurse which is right for you.
What experts say
- For pain relief, tablets or liquids you swallow take about 30 minutes to work.1
- Pain relief given as an injection into a muscle takes about 10 to 15 minutes to work.1
- Pain relief given into a vein works more quickly than the same drug taken as a tablet or given into a muscle.1
- Injections into a muscle are not needed very often. They may be used as extra relief if pain is unexpectedly strong.1
- Your doctor or nurse can advise which type of pain relief is best for you.1
What to do
- If you have pain, ask your doctor or nurse which way of taking pain relief is best for you.1
- Tell your nurse if your pain is bad or getting worse.1
- Pain is easier to control if it is treated before it gets very bad, so ask for help early.1
- Ask your doctor whether you really need an injection; injections into a muscle are not needed very often.1
See a doctor if
Sources
- 1Ways of taking pain reliefhdft.nhs.uk
- 22.3 Drug Administration Routes, Preparation, and Administrationopenstax.org
Updated 28 Sep 2026
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