Takeaway
- Oxycodone does not reduce pain in women undergoing medical abortion (MAB).
Key results
- Overall, women reported their maximum reported pain level was a median of 8 out of 10.
- No difference in reported pain levels between groups.
- Participants reported a high peak pain level of 8/10 occurring 2.5-4 hours after misoprostol lasting for about 1 hour.
- 50% of participants filled their prescriptions.
- Only 15% used all prescribed pain medication; 85% of prescribed tablets were left unused.
Study design
- Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
- Patients undergoing MAB were recruited from 1 Planned Parenthood between 2017 and 2018 (n=172).
- Participants were further stratified into groups by gestational age (<7 weeks vs 7-10 weeks).
- Participants received ibuprofen (9 800-mg tabs plus placebo; n=86) vs ibuprofen (9 800-mg tabs) plus oxycodone (10 mg at onset of cramping and the paper prescription for 6 5-mg tabs; n=86).
- Primary outcome was significantly lower maximum pain scores.
- Data were collected through text message surveys.
- Funding: Supported by the Society of Family Planning.
Limitations
- Medications were prescribed and not dispensed; many prescriptions were unfilled.
References
References