๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-08-11

Effect of peRiopErative duLoxetIne Administration on Opioid Consumption Following Total kneE Arthroplasty (RELIFE) (NCT06423716)

Effect of Perioperative Duloxetine Administration on Opioid Consumption Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Phase4 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

Knee replacement surgery for osteoarthritis is a commonly performed procedure in Canada with 75,000 of these surgeries performed each year. Success rate for knee replacement surgery is high but more than 20% of patients are still dissatisfied mainly due to reports of ongoing pain. Pain control following knee surgery is important in order to allow patients to engage in recovery and rehabilitation. The current standard of pain management after surgery centers around the use of opioids which is a concerning practice as highlighted by the opioid epidemic. Duloxetine is an antidepressant that has pain relieving properties and it has been studied in patients undergoing knee replacement surgery. Studies to date have not been designed optimally to demonstrate the full effects of opioid dose reduction and the use of duloxetine as a medication following knee replacement surgery. This research study seeks to start duloxetine before surgery, at the recommended therapeutic dose, and for the duration of the early rehabilitation period. If the study is successful, this low-cost medication can improve satisfaction rates and change the standard way the pain management is typically carried out for patients undergoing the knee replacement surgery.

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre โ€” Toronto, Ontario

Age range: 50 Years

๐Ÿงช Interventions in This Study

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)

  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre โ€” Toronto, Ontario
  • Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre โ€” Toronto, Ontario

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (416) 480-4864

Email: howard.meng@sunnybrook.ca

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—