Can common painkillers replace opioids after surgery?

NCT ID NCT05722002

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Michigan Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study compares two common ways to manage pain after surgery: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) plus acetaminophen, or low-dose opioids (like oxycodone) plus acetaminophen. About 900 adults having gallbladder removal, hernia repair, or breast lump removal will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups. The goal is to see which approach provides better pain control with fewer side effects over the first week after surgery.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, celecoxib, or naproxen) plus acetaminophen, or low-dose opioids (oxycodone) plus acetaminophen
What this could lead to: If it works, this could show that NSAIDs are a better first choice than opioids for managing pain after common surgeries, reducing side effects and opioid use.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 4 trial, so the drugs are already approved, but results may not apply to all surgeries or patients. Some people may still need opioids for adequate pain relief.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PAIN, POSTOPERATIVE SURGERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cooper University Health Care
RECRUITING

Camden, New Jersey, 08103, United States
Henry Ford Health System
RECRUITING

Detroit, Michigan, 48202, United States
Temple University - Temple Health
RECRUITING

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19140, United States
Unity Health Toronto
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, Canada
University of Michigan
RECRUITING

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
University of North Carolina Hospitals
RECRUITING

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
Washington University in Saint Louis
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63130, United States
Women's College Hospital
RECRUITING

Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1B2, Canada

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