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Image: New study suggests prescription drug substitution can reduce opioid risk (Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto)
A new study shows that over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce or even eliminate opioid use as a result of minor surgical procedures.
Researchers from the University of Michigan Health System (Ann Arbor, MI, USA) conducted a study of 190 patients undergoing six surgeries, who were then offered the opportunity to participate in a process. opioid-sparing pain management. Patients were advised to take a non-opioid badgesic every three hours, alternating between 600 mg ibuprofen and 650 mg acetaminophen, and to receive an opioid prescription (oxycodone) to be used in combination. case of acute pain.
They were then interviewed after the operation on the use of opioids and outcome measures reported by patients. The results showed that 52% of patients did not take opioids after surgery and that almost all (91%) agreed that their pain was manageable. Patients who took opioids were younger, had higher pain scores, received larger rescue prescriptions, and were less likely to feel that their pain was manageable. There were no other significant differences between opioid users and nonusers. The study was published May 31, 2019 in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS).
"Up to 10% of patients who take opioids for the first time after an operation develop a long-term addiction, and this risk of addiction was badociated with the size of the initial prescription," concluded Michael Englesbe, co-author of the study. , MD. "The fundamental concept is that we, surgeons and dentists, are the guardians of opioid exposure. Most heroin users and people at risk of overdose have been exposed for the first time to opioids by a health care provider. "
In the United States, opioid prescriptions for the treatment of chronic pain have increased dramatically, a trend that has been accompanied by a sharp increase in rates of overdose, abuse, addiction and diversion of opioids. Although opioid treatment has been badociated with short-term pain relief, most opioid clinical trials do not extend over six weeks and are therefore of limited relevance for long-term use. d & # 39; opioids.
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