ABSTRACT
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis. Its high prevalence, especially in the elderly, and the high rate of disability related to disease make it a leading cause of impaired mobility in the elderly. To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of tapentadol in OA of knee joint in Indian population this study was undertaken. Methods: A prospective observational study involving patients of 40 years and above suffering from moderate to severe pain due to OA of knee joints attending the orthopaedics OPD of the National Medical College were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Pain intensity was measured by 10 point VAS score on baseline and 2 follow up visits at 1st and 2nd week. Patients were given 50 -100 mg twice daily oral tapentadol tablets. ADRs were noted and data analysis done. Results: Total of 84 with baseline mean VAS score was 4.7 (SD 0.62). Significant reductions from baseline were noted at 1 week and 2 weeks follow up visits. At first follow up visit i.e on week 1 the mean pain intensity score was 2.48 (SD 1.45) whereas in 2nd follow up visit on week 2 it was 1.7 (SD 1.39). The change in pain intensity score were statistically significant (p<0.0001) for both the situations. Adverse drug events were mostly non serious. Commonly presented ADRs were diarrhoea, nausea, dizziness, constipation and hyperhidrosis. The incidence were around 6%. Conclusion: This observational study of pain relief in patients suffering from moderate to severe pain due to OA had been treated with tapentadol showed significant clinical improvement with few adverse effects. There are limitations due to small sample size and non-comparative design.