← Back to Search

Behavioral Intervention

Opioid Taper Before Surgery for Arthritis

N/A

Recruiting

Led By Kevin R Riggs, MD

Research Sponsored by University of Alabama at Birmingham

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Currently taking between 20 and 90 MME of oral opioids, and that dose has been stable for at least 3 months

Be older than 18 years old

Must not have

Taking opioid medications that include Buprenorphine

Taking opioid medications that include Methadone

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up from enrollment until approximately 2 weeks after surgery

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial tests a pharmacist-led opioid taper to help those on chronic opioids reduce dose before surgery. A pharmacist provides education and adjusts the taper as needed.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for people planning to have knee or hip replacement surgery in the next 4-8 weeks, who are currently on a stable opioid dose of 20-90 MME for at least three months. Participants must speak English and have a reliable phone number. Those using certain opioids like Buprenorphine or Methadone, long-acting or transdermal opioids cannot join.

What is being tested?

The study is testing a pharmacist-led program to reduce opioid use before knee or hip surgery. It involves education about pain and opioids, creating an individual tapering plan, and weekly follow-ups by phone to adjust the plan as needed.

What are the potential side effects?

While specific side effects aren't listed for this intervention, reducing opioid doses can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances, increased pain sensitivity and flu-like symptoms.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

Select...

I have been on a stable dose of 20-90 MME oral opioids for 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

Select...

I am currently taking opioid medication that includes Buprenorphine.

Select...

I am currently taking opioid medications, including Methadone.

Select...

I am on long-acting opioid painkillers.

Select...

I am using a pain relief patch for my pain.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ from enrollment until approximately 2 weeks after surgery

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~from enrollment until approximately 2 weeks after surgery

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and from enrollment until approximately 2 weeks after surgery for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Acceptability

Secondary study objectives

Perioperative Pain

Study Recruitment Rate

Study Retention Rate

+1 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Pharmacist-led opioid taper interventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

The participant will attempt to taper their opioid dose by \~50% during the 4-6 week preoperative period. Participants will meet with a clinical pharmacist, who will provide some basic education on pain and opioids, and will propose an opioid taper schedule. The pharmacist will then follow-up with the participant by phone each week until surgery to assess progress and adjust the taper as necessary.

0 / 5Eligibility criteria met