Evaluating ways to safely dispose of leftover prescription opioids after surgery
Methods for Effective Disposal of Surplus Analgesics to Facilitate Elimination
This study is testing two ways to safely get rid of leftover prescription opioids after surgery to see which method works better for patients.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT05991687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two methods for disposing of surplus prescription opioids following elective outpatient surgery: a mail-in prepaid envelope and an in-home drug disposal pouch. Participants will be opioid-naive patients who are expected to be prescribed opioids for acute pain management post-surgery. The study will assess the outcomes related to the disposal methods to determine which is more effective in facilitating the safe elimination of unused medications.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are opioid-naive patients who will be prescribed opioids for pain management after elective outpatient surgery.
Not a fit: Patients who are not prescribed opioids or those who cannot participate in follow-up assessments via email or phone may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance patient safety by reducing the risk of opioid misuse and environmental contamination from leftover medications.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been various studies on opioid disposal methods, this specific comparison of mail-in versus in-home disposal is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Anticipated to be prescribed and use an opioid medication to treat acute pain after elective outpatient surgery * Opioid-naive Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to receive email and/or phone calls for follow up assessment
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mark Bicket, MD, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Heather Lipkovitch
- Email: hlipkovi@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-936-4280
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.