Long-term controlled-release oxycodone and pregabalin in the treatment of non-cancer pain: an observational study

Abstract

Aims: This study evaluates the efficacy and tolerability of long-term controlled-release (CR) oxycodone + pregabalin in patients with non-cancer pain, in a real-life setting.

Methods: Patients (n = 1,051) with chronic uncontrolled non-cancer pain received CR oxycodone + pregabalin for 1 year. Pain intensity was rated on an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) at months 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12.

Results: Throughout the study period, the NRS score decreased significantly (baseline: 7.02 ± 1.26; 12 months: 1.45 ± 0.92; p = 0.00001). Following an initial increase in the mean daily doses of CR oxycodone (starting dose: 12.5 ± 8.4 mg) and pregabalin (starting dose: 121.7 ± 97.2 mg), dose reductions were seen for both drugs with the trend particularly evident for CR oxycodone. 23% of patients withdrew from the study, mainly due to adverse events (67.9% of withdrawn subjects). However, 19.7% of withdrawn patients were removed from the study due to complete relief from chronic pain. The combination was generally well tolerated and there were no reports of addiction.

Conclusion: The combination of CR oxycodone + pregabalin could represent a valuable long-term therapeutic addition to existing pharmacological options for the treatment of non-cancer pain.