Parecoxib Provides Analgesic and Opioid-Sparing Effects Following Major Orthopedic Surgery: A Subset Analysis of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction Orthopedic surgeries are among the most common and most painful surgeries performed. A multimodal analgesic approach is recommended to reduce opioid consumption, provide effective pain relief, and improve outcomes following surgery. This study examined the efficacy and opioid-sparing effects of parecoxib following major orthopedic surgery. Methods This subset analysis of a large, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of parecoxib examined treatment effects on postoperative pain severity, pain interference with function, opioid consumption, occurrence of opioid-related symptoms, safety, and patient satisfaction following major orthopedic surgery. Results Pain scores were significantly lower in the parecoxib group ( n = 142) compared with placebo ( n = 139) on day 2 (−22%; p < 0.001) and day 3 (−17%; p = 0.004). Pain interference with function scores were also significantly lower in the parecoxib group on day 2 (−32%; p < 0.001) and day 3 (−27%; p = 0.003) relative to placebo. Additionally, significantly less supplemental morphine was required in the parecoxib group relative to placebo through 24 h (−28%; p = 0.008) and 48 h (−33%; p < 0.001). Patients in the parecoxib group had a reduced risk of experiencing opioid-related symptoms including fatigue, drowsiness, inability to concentrate, confusion, nausea, constipation, and confusion on day 2 and/or day 3. Finally, more patients receiving parecoxib (42%) rated treatment as “excellent” compared to those receiving placebo (21%). Conclusions These findings support the use of parecoxib for the management of pain following major orthopedic surgery.