The purpose of this study is to assess the degree of pain control achieved by treatment with fentanyl, administered via adhesive patches applied to the skin (‘transdermal system’) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Treatment will be administered for 4 weeks, added on to existing therapy with other medications.

Official Title

Open-Label Study To Assess The Effect On Pain Control Of Durogesic (Fentanyl Transdermic Therapeutic System) Treatment In Subjects With Rheumatoid Arthritis Or Osteoarthritis Of The Knee Or Hip.

Conditions

OsteoarthritisArthritisRheumatoid Arthritis

Study Type

Interventional

Study Design

Treatment, Non-Randomized, Open Label, Uncontrolled, Single Group Assignment, Safety/Efficacy Study

Further Details

Primary Outcome Measures:

  • Assessment of pain control (excellent, good, moderate, poor, very poor) and Pain Assessment Questionnaire at baseline and then weekly through Day 28.

Secondary Outcome Measures:

  • Incidence of adverse events throughout study; efficacy of anti-nausea treatment (weekly)
  • SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) at start of treatment and Day 28.

Study Start

May 2001

Eligibility & Criteria

  • Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and older
  • Genders Eligible for Study: Both

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients must meet the American College of Rheumatology criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip or knee and have moderate or severe pain that is not adequately controlled by other medications (paracetamol (acetaminophen), NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, weak opioids)
  • OA patients must be in need of and waiting for hip or knee replacement
  • RA patients using disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) must have been on stable dose of medication for >=3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients who have received regular treatment with strong opioids during the month prior to study
  • Another continuous pain that stands out compared to RA or OA pain
  • Skin disease or known allergy or hypersensitivity to fentanyl or to the adhesives
  • History of liver disease
  • New physical therapy or change in that therapy within one month of study
  • Pregnant or nursing females, or those without adequate contraception

Total Enrolment

336

Contact Details

Click here to see published results of this trial.

All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.