Could tylenol and ibuprofen replace steroids for sudden injuries?

NCT ID NCT07393503

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Symptom relief Sponsor: State University of New York at Buffalo Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study compares two short-term pain relief methods for acute musculoskeletal injuries: a steroid dose pack (methylprednisolone) versus a combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin). Sixty adults with new injuries (less than 2 weeks old) will take one of the treatments for 6 days and report their pain and function. The goal is to see if the over-the-counter option works as well as the prescription steroid.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Methylprednisolone, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen
What this could lead to: If this trial succeeds, it could show that a simple over-the-counter pain reliever combination works as well as prescription steroids for acute injuries.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The study is still enrolling and outcomes are based on self-reported pain, which can vary.

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.

Musculoskeletal Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

UBMD Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine (716 Health)

Buffalo, New York, 14221, United States

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