Pain Management for Post-Operative Pain
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores new methods to manage pain after major orthopedic surgery without opioids. It compares the usual care discharge prescriptions, which include opioids, with an experimental approach using only non-opioid painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol (opioid-free discharge prescriptions). The goal is to determine if patients can recover comfortably without opioids. Individuals who have undergone major orthopedic surgery and do not regularly use opioids might be suitable candidates for this trial. As a Phase 4 trial, the treatment has already received FDA approval and proven effective, and this research aims to understand how it can benefit more patients.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are using opioids regularly before surgery, you may not be eligible to participate.
What is the safety track record for these treatments?
Research has shown that avoiding opioids for post-surgery pain relief can be safe. A review found that opioids do not effectively reduce post-surgery pain and increase the risk of unwanted side effects. Non-opioid painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, might be gentler on the body.
Further studies on avoiding opioids have demonstrated positive outcomes. Patients using non-opioid pain relief often experience fewer side effects, suggesting that non-opioid treatments are generally well-tolerated.
In summary, evidence supports the safety of avoiding opioids after surgery, as these treatments typically cause fewer side effects than opioids.12345Why are researchers enthusiastic about this study treatment?
Researchers are excited about opioid-free discharge prescriptions for post-operative pain management because they offer a way to control pain without the risk of addiction associated with opioids. Unlike usual care prescriptions that often include opioids like oxycodone or hydrocodone, this approach relies on non-opioid analgesics such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, or ketorolac. These medications work by reducing inflammation and blocking pain signals, providing effective pain relief while minimizing the potential for side effects and dependency. This makes the opioid-free option an appealing alternative for ensuring patient safety and comfort after surgery.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for post-operative pain management?
This trial will compare opioid-free discharge prescriptions with usual care discharge prescriptions that include opioids. Research has shown that managing pain without opioids can be effective after surgery. Studies have found that non-opioid medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, do not increase pain on the first day after leaving the hospital compared to opioids. A review of research found that using non-opioid pain relievers can reduce the need for opioids post-surgery. Another study demonstrated that non-opioid treatments can effectively control pain, lowering opioid use without worsening pain. Overall, this evidence suggests that prescriptions without opioids could effectively manage pain after surgery.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Arun Aneja, MD PhD
Principal Investigator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients who have undergone major orthopaedic surgery and are experiencing post-operative pain. It's designed to see if opioid-free prescriptions at discharge can work as well as usual care, which includes opioids.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomized to receive either opioid-free or usual care discharge pain medication
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for opioid use and pain interference
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Opioid-Free Discharge Prescriptions
- Usual Care Discharge Prescriptions
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lead Sponsor
McMaster University
Collaborator