The purpose of this study was to look at which analgesics people with osteoarthritis (OA)–related pain use and how they use them in the previous month. Furthermore, their medicinal opinions and the reasons for individuals who refuse to take analgesics were investigated.
An online cross-sectional survey was issued to 1521 patients on the Dutch Arthritis Foundation’s panel. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and logistic regression.
70% of the 842 participants with OA who answered had generalized OA, 26% had concomitant fibromyalgia, and 34% had another musculoskeletal illness. Analgesics were used by 71% of all individuals, with 34% using more than one kind. Most individuals took analgesics for more than 14 days in the previous month, with frequent use of paracetamol. The majority of the time, the doses utilized were lower than the daily prescribed dose: 58.2% for paracetamol, 31.2% for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, and 75.7% for mild opioids. Participants with OA alone declined to use analgesics much more frequently than those with concurrent fibromyalgia or other musculoskeletal morbidities, and significantly less commonly used two or three types of analgesics.
Medication usage was significant in this cohort with widespread OA and musculoskeletal comorbidities, and more than one type of painkiller was often utilized. Patients with fibromyalgia or other musculoskeletal morbidities used two or three kinds of analgesics more frequently; nevertheless, this use was typically intermittent and at modest dosages. Medication used on a regular basis and in bigger doses may result in an enhanced analgesic impact.
Reference:journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/Abstract/2019/10000/Analgesic_Use_in_Dutch_Patients_With.4.aspx
