Opioid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) combinations are used to treat moderate to severe pain, inflammation, and arthritis. They also have other uses, such as managing post-surgical pain. These medications work by combining an opioid, which blocks pain signals in your brain, with an NSAID, which reduces inflammation and pain at the site of injury. These combinations are typically available in oral forms. Examples include hydrocodone/ibuprofen and hydrocodone/aspirin.