Sustained release also means “controlled release”, which means that your medication is made to slowly release in your body over an extended period of time. The reason it does this, is to help you maintain a constant drug concentration to help with pain all day. It is also made to minimize side effects. If you are still in constant pain, we will need to consult with your doctor about possibly getting you on another medication.
She used to have a cream, but now has an ointment. What is the different?
One of the reason your doctor may have changed from a cream based medicine to an ointment may be because the doctor does not want the medication to absorb into your skin as fast.