Can a pharmacist help patients cut opioids before joint surgery?

NCT ID NCT05788016

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tests whether a pharmacist-led program can help patients reduce their opioid use by about half in the weeks before knee or hip replacement surgery. 45 adults on stable, moderate-dose opioids will work with a pharmacist to create a taper plan and get weekly check-ins. The goal is to see if the approach is practical and acceptable to patients.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: opioid taper (behavioural intervention)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide a safe way to reduce opioid use before joint replacement surgery, potentially lowering risks and improving recovery.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-phase study with only 45 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The taper may be difficult for some patients to complete.

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.

Chronic Pain chronic pain syndrome osteoarthritis susceptibility 5 osteoarthritis susceptibility 6 osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, knee

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ARTHRITIS (KNEE) ARTHRITIS HIP CHRONIC PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

UAB Hospital-Highlands
RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35205, United States

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