Study backs lower opioid doses after surgery

Patients who receive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, along with opioids after surgery may use fewer opioids than patients who only receive opioids, according to new research.

The research, conducted by the New York University Hospital for Joint Diseases in New York City, was presented at the American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine's annual meeting in Boston July 11-14.

The researchers examined 40 patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder instability repair. The patients were divided into two groups, one of which received 600 milligrams of ibuprofen and a 10-pill rescue prescription of Percocet, while the other only received the Percocet. Both groups received the same prescription of Percocet.

The study shows the total amount of opioid consumption was significantly lower in the group that received both the ibuprofen and Percocet compared to the group receiving only Percocet.

"It is possible to alleviate postoperative pain with lower amounts of opioids than are currently being prescribed," said Kamali A. Thompson, MD, of NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases and lead researcher for the study. "The public health crisis of opioid abuse requires an immediate solution, beginning with the reduction of postoperative narcotics distribution."

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