"i started this medication when i had my right hip replaced. 4 months later i had my left hip replaced. my doctor told me to take it as directed. apparently, it not only relieves pain, but also prevents pain. he said that once i experience pain, it helps to relieve it, but if i take it before i feel pain (we knew i&#039;d experience pain right after surgery) it would prevent it. i found this advise to be right on the mark. at first, i thought i could live without narcotic pain relievers, but it really worked to prevent the pain. once you feel the pain, you&#039;re just trying to catch up."