Summary: According to epidemiological studies, 27% of the adult population suffers from chronic pain in Poland. This share reaches 55% in patients over 65 years of age. Chronic pain is a source of suffering for the sick, it has an adverse effect on daily functioning, reduces the quality of life, worsens the professional activity and family life of patients and their relatives. Statistically, chronic pain is more common in people with concomitant general diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Often, before they see a doctor patients take painkillers by themselves. This can have serious consequences in the context of using overthecounter medications and possible complications associated with their abuse, especially on the part of the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. Effective pharmacotherapy of pain is the basis for improving the patient’s quality of life and avoiding complications.