Opioids for chronic osteoarthritis pain: An updated systematic review and meta ‐analysis of efficacy, tolerability and safety in randomized placebo‐controlled studies of at least 4 weeks double‐blind duration

ConclusionsTolerability of opioids is low and efficacy is not clinically relevant in controlled studies from 4 to 24  weeks for osteoarthritis pain.SignificanceWithin the context of randomized controlled trials (4 –24 weeks), opioids provided no clinically relevant pain relief and no clinically relevant reduction in disability compared with placebo in chronic osteoarthritis pain (hip, knee). Number needed to treat for an additional dropout due to side effects was 5 (95% confidence interval 4–7). Two stud ies found no signals of abuse and addiction. The frequency of serious adverse events including deaths did not differ from placebo.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: REVIEW ARTICLE Source Type: research