A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial of Intravenous Meloxicam in the Treatment of Pain Following Dental Impaction Surgery

Pudendal nerve block decreases narcotic requirements and time spent in post-anesthesia care units in patients undergoing primary inflatable penile prosthesis implantation

Efforts to minimize narcotic usage following inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation are vital, considering the current opioid epidemic in the United States. We aimed to determine whether pudendal nerve block (PNB) utilization in a multiethnic population undergoing primary IPP implantation can decrease rates of post-operative opiate usage. A single-institution, retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent primary IPP implantation between December 2015 and June 2022. PNB usage and intra- and post-operative outcomes were analyzed using multivariate binary logistic regression. 449 patients were included, with 373 (83.1%) in the PNB group. Median time (minutes) spent in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) (1499 [119-198] vs. 235 [169-322], p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the PNB group. There were no significant differences in intra-operative and PACU morphine milligram equivalents or post-operative safety outcomes between groups. However, fewer patients in the PNB group called for pain medications post-operatively (10.2% vs 19.7%, p = 0.019). Multivariate analysis revealed a significantly decreased operative time (B -6.23; 95%CI -11.28, -1.17; p = 0.016) and decreased time in recovery (B: -81.62; 95%CI: -106.49, -56.76, p < 0.001) in the PNB group. PNB decreases post-operative opioid analgesic requirements and time spent in PACU in patients undergoing a primary IPP implantation and thus may represent an attractive, non-opioid adjunct.

A Phase I Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Pharmacokinetics of Novel Intravenous Formulation of Meloxicam (QP001) in Healthy Chinese Subjects

BACKGROUND

Meloxicam is a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor used for pain relief, but its poor solubility limits its clinical applications. QP001 is a novel intravenous formulation of meloxicam developed with PEG and pH regulator to improve its solubility. This study aimed to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of QP001 in Chinese healthy subjects.

METHODS

The trial consisted of three parts. Part I was a two-period crossover study to evaluate bioavailability, in which 10 healthy were either intravenously infused with 15mg QP001 (test) or orally given 15mg MobicⓇ (reference). Part II was a single-arm design to assess the pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics after 30 mg single- and multiple-dose QP001 in 10 subjects. In part III, we investigated the PKs and tolerability of QP001 at a high dose (60 mg) in another 10 subjects. The PK parameters and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 30 subjects were enrolled in the study. QP001 was well tolerated and safe without significant TEAEs in all three study parts. The PK characteristics of QP001 were linear following a single-dose range of 15-60 mg (Cmax and AUC0-t were 5.82-17.66 μg/mL and 58.08-251.17 μg∙h/mL, respectively). After five consecutive daily 30 mg doses, the accumulation index was around 1.98, which indicated a minimal accumulation of QP001. Compared to the tablet dosage form, the relative bioavailability of QP001 reached 116.85%. Additionally, the PK profile of QP001 showed no gender difference.

CONCLUSION

QP001 was well tolerated in healthy Chinese subjects after single ascending doses up to 60 mg and multiple-dose of 30 mg. Based on the PK and safety results, QP001 is a promising once-daily intravenous COX-2 inhibitor candidate for managing pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial is registered at chinadrugtrials.org.cn (ChiCTR2100047884).

Current and emerging COX inhibitors for treating postoperative pain following oral surgery

INTRODUCTION

The numerous drugs in the NSAID class are often used to treat acute postoperative pain associated with oral surgery such as impacted third-molar extractions. These drugs are effective in this setting and dental pain studies often serve as models for acute pain relief and for registration of analgesics. With numerous cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors available as monotherapy, for use in combination with analgesic regimens, and in different doses and formulations, it was our aim to determine if there were clear-cut distinctions among these products and dosing regimens.

AREAS COVERED

This is a literature review of recent randomized controlled clinical trials evaluating NSAIDs for use in postoperative pain management following oral surgery. Of particular interest were head-to-head studies, which might offer some insight into comparative effectiveness.

EXPERT OPINION

Postoperative oral surgery pain is largely managed in real-world clinical practice using NSAIDs, either alone or in combination, and there is good evidence supporting their use especially in multimodal therapy. Head-to-head and comparative studies do not show a clear-cut 'optimal NSAID' in this setting, although ibuprofen, ketoprofen, dexketoprofen, and naproxen have gained most acceptance. Combination therapy with other analgesics or adjuvants is largely accepted.

Budget Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Intravenous Meloxicam to Treat Moderate-Severe Postoperative Pain

INTRODUCTION

This study assesses the budget impact and cost-effectiveness of intravenous meloxicam (MIV) to treat moderate-severe acute postoperative pain in adults.

METHODS

A two-part Markov cohort model captured the pharmacoeconomic impact of MIV versus non-opioid intravenous analgesics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, ketorolac) among a hypothetical adult cohort undergoing selected inpatient procedures and experiencing moderate-severe acute postoperative pain: Part 1 (postoperative hour 0 to discharge, cycled hourly), health states were defined by pain level. Pain transition rates, adverse event probabilities, and concomitant opioid utilization were derived from a network meta-analysis. Part 2 (discharge to week 52, cycled weekly), health states were defined by the presence/absence of pain-related readmission and opioid use disorder as determined by literature-based inputs relating to pain control outcomes. Healthcare utilization and direct medical costs were derived from an administrative claims database analysis. Primary outcomes were the incremental cost per member per month (PMPM) and cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Scenario, univariate, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted. The model assumed a private payer perspective in the USA (no discounting, 2019 US$).

RESULTS

Modeled outcomes indicated MIV was associated with lower accumulated postoperative pain, fewer adverse events, and less opioid utilization for most procedures and comparators, with longer-term outcomes also generally favoring MIV. The budget impact of MIV was - $0.028 PMPM. From a cost-effectiveness perspective, MIV had lower costs and better outcomes for all comparisons except against ketorolac in orthopedic procedures where the former was cost-effective but not cost saving ($95,925/QALY). Scenario and sensitivity analyses indicated that modeled outcomes were robust to alternative inputs and underlying input uncertainty. Differences in direct medical costs were driven by reduced costs attributable to length of stay and opioid-related adverse drug events.

CONCLUSION

MIV was associated with modeled clinical and economic benefits compared to commonly used non-opioid intravenous analgesics.

Emerging drugs for the treatment of postsurgical pain

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative pain is a distressful experience and remains to be a significant concern after surgery. Current agents either fail to prevent or minimize postoperative pain or cause a series of adverse effects, addiction, or abuse. Opioids have been the gold standard in the treatment of postoperative pain despite their well-described adverse effects. Many new agents with different mechanisms of action have been recently introduced to address this issue.

AREAS COVERED

This current review summarizes the list of new and emerging drugs investigated for their efficacy in controlling the postoperative pain and decreasing the need for rescue opioid use, adverse effect profile, abuse, and addiction potential.

EXPERT OPINION

Opioids have unrivaled analgesic efficacy. However adverse effects of opioids led to the search for better options. In mild pain most of the emerging drugs have been shown to control postoperative pain and decrease the use of rescue opioid, however fail to control pain after major surgeries causing severe pain. Specific agents such as Oliceridine, new local anesthetics, etc., are effective in controlling severe pain and hold a promise to replace opioids in the near future.

Economic Impact of Preoperative Meloxicam IV Administration in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Trial Sub-Study

We evaluated the economic impact associated with preoperative meloxicam IV 30 mg vs placebo administration among adult total knee arthroplasty (TKA) recipients enrolled in Phase IIIB NCT03434275 trial. Data on total hospital costs and length of stay (LOS) obtained from the trial were compared between meloxicam IV 30 mg and placebo groups. Patients in the meloxicam IV 30 mg vs placebo group (n = 93 vs 88) incurred an adjusted $2,266 (95% CI: -$1,035, $5,116; p = 0.1689) lower total hospital costs and an adjusted 8.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.0%, 18.1%; p = 0.1082) shorter LOS. While statistically non-significant, based on 95% CIs, the results from this sub-study may suggest a favorable impact associated with meloxicam IV 30 mg on hospital costs and LOS.

Safety and Efficacy of Perioperative Intravenous Meloxicam for Moderate-to-Severe Pain Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objective

To evaluate the effect of perioperative meloxicam IV 30 mg on opioid consumption in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Design

Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Subjects

In total, 181 adults undergoing elective primary TKA.

Methods

Subjects received meloxicam 30 mg or placebo via an IV bolus every 24 hours, the first dose administered prior to surgery as part of a multimodal pain management protocol. The primary efficacy parameter was total opioid use from end of surgery through 24 hours.

Results

Meloxicam IV was associated with less opioid use versus placebo during the 24 hours after surgery (18.9 ± 1.32 vs 27.7 ± 1.37 mg IV morphine equivalent dose; P < 0.001) and was superior to placebo on secondary endpoints, including summed pain intensity (first dose to 24 hours postdosing, first dose to first assisted ambulation, and first dose to discharge) and opioid use (48–72 hrs., 0–48 hrs., 0–72 hrs., hour 0 to end of treatment, and the first 24 hours after discharge). Adverse events (AEs) were reported for 69.9% and 92.0% of the meloxicam IV and placebo groups, respectively; the most common AEs were nausea (40% vs. 59%), vomiting (16% vs 22%), hypotension (14% vs 15%), pruritus (15% vs 11%), and constipation (11% vs 13%).

Conclusions

Perioperative meloxicam IV 30 mg as part of a multimodal analgesic regimen for elective primary TKA reduced opioid consumption in the 24-hour period after surgery versus placebo and was associated with a lower incidence of AEs typically associated with opioid use.

Can NSAIDs and Acetaminophen Effectively Replace Opioid Treatment Options for Acute Pain?

INTRODUCTION

Opioid analgesia for acute painful conditions has come under increasing scrutiny with the public health crisis of opioid overdose, leading clinicians to seek nonopioid alternatives, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen (paracetamol).

AREAS COVERED

This perspective evaluates recent clinical trials of nonopioids, opioids, and combination therapy for use in acute pain. Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often provide adequate analgesia, although these agents are not without risks. Combination therapy using a small amount of opioid together with a nonopioid pain reliever has been shown effective and reduces opioid consumption.

EXPERT OPINION

The short-term use of opioids under close clinical supervision, such as in-hospital use of opioid analgesics for postoperative pain, may be appropriate, but even here, combination therapy or nonopioid therapy may be preferred. The use of opioids even for acute pain of short duration has been questioned. The ideal analgesic has yet to be developed, but effective pain control pharmacological regimens for acute pain are available.

Synthesis of PEG-4000-co-poly (AMPS) nanogels by cross-linking polymerization as highly responsive networks for enhancement in meloxicam solubility

Poor solubility is an ongoing issue and the graph of poorly soluble drugs has increased markedly which critically affect their dissolution, bioavailability, and clinical effects. This common issue needs to be addressed, for this purpose a series of polyethylene glycol (PEG-4000) based nanogels were developed by free radical polymerization technique to enhance the solubility, dissolution, and bioavailability of poorly soluble drug meloxicam (MLX), as improved solubility is the significant application of nanosystems. Developed nanogels formulations were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, zeta sizer, percent equilibrium swelling, drug loaded content (DLC), drug entrapment efficiency (DEE), solubility studies, and in vitro dissolution studies. Furthermore, cytotoxicity studies were conducted in order to determine the bio-compatibility of the nanogels drug delivery system to biological environment. Nanogels particle size was found to be 156.19 ± 09.33 d.nm. Solubility study confirmed that the solubility of poorly soluble drug MLX was significantly enhanced up to 36 folds as compared to reference product (Mobic^®). The toxicity study conducted on rabbits and MTT assay endorsed the safety of the developed nanogels formulations to the biological system.

Meloxicam for intravenous use: review of its clinical efficacy and safety for management of postoperative pain

Meloxicam for intravenous use (meloxicam iv.) is a nanocrystal formulation with improved dissolution properties and shortened time to peak plasma concentrations versus oral meloxicam. In Phase III and IIIb trials, 30 mg once daily relieved pain following pre- or postoperative administration in orthopedic, abdominal and colorectal surgeries. Meloxicam iv. was associated with reduced opioid consumption, the clinical benefit of which remains unclear. The drug may be administered alone or in combination with other non-nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In Phase III trials, it demonstrated adverse event profile similar to placebo, with nausea, constipation, vomiting and headache occurring most frequently. Meloxicam iv. does not appear to adversely affect platelet function or wound-healing parameters. No new safety signals were detected in the Phase IIIb studies.

Pain management strategies in penile implantation

The opioid epidemic continues to be a serious public health concern. Many have pointed to prescription drug misuse as a nidus for patients to become addicted to opioids and as such, urologists and other surgical subspecialists must critically define optimal pain management for the various procedures performed within their respective disciplines. Controlling pain following penile prosthesis implantation remains a unique challenge for urologists, given the increased pain patients commonly experience in the postoperative setting. Although most of the existing urological literature focuses on interventions performed in the operating room, there are many studies that examine the role of preoperative adjunctive pain medicine in diminishing postoperative narcotic requirements. There are relatively few studies looking at postoperative strategies for managing pain in prosthetic surgery with follow-up past the immediate hospitalization. This review assess the various strategies employed for managing pain following penile implantation through the lens of the current state of the opioid crisis, thus examining how urologists can responsibly treat pain without contributing to the growing threat of opioid addiction.

Efficacy of non-opioid analgesics to control postoperative pain: a network meta-analysis

Background

The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous (IV) Meloxicam 30 mg (MIV), an investigational non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and certain other IV non-opioid analgesics for moderate-severe acute postoperative pain.

Methods

We searched PubMed and CENTRAL for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) (years 2000–2019, adult human subjects) of IV non-opioid analgesics (IV NSAIDs or IV Acetaminophen) used to treat acute pain after abdominal, hysterectomy, bunionectomy or orthopedic procedures. A Bayesian NMA was conducted in R to rank treatments based on the standardized mean differences in sum of pain intensity difference from baseline up to 24 h postoperatively (sum of pain intensity difference: SPID 24). The probability and the cumulative probability of rank for each treatment were calculated, and the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was applied to distinguish treatments on the basis of their outcomes such that higher SUCRA values indicate better outcomes. The study protocol was prospectively registered with by PROSPERO (CRD42019117360).

Results

Out of 2313 screened studies, 27 studies with 36 comparative observations were included, producing a treatment network that included the four non-opioid IV pain medications of interest (MIV, ketorolac, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen). MIV was associated with the largest SPID 24 for all procedure categories and comparators. The SUCRA ranking table indicated that MIV had the highest probability for the most effective treatment for abdominal (89.5%), bunionectomy (100%), and hysterectomy (99.8%). MIV was associated with significantly less MME utilization versus all comparators for abdominal procedures, hysterectomy, and versus acetaminophen in orthopedic procedures. Elsewhere MME utilization outcomes for MIV were largely equivalent or nominally better than other comparators. Odds of ORADEs were significantly higher for all comparators vs MIV for orthopedic (gastrointestinal) and hysterectomy (respiratory).

Conclusions

MIV 30 mg may provide better pain reduction with similar or better safety compared to other approved IV non-opioid analgesics. Caution is warranted in interpreting these results as all comparisons involving MIV were indirect.

Preoperative intravenous meloxicam for moderate-to-severe pain in the immediate post-operative period: a Phase IIIb randomized clinical trial in 55 patients undergoing primary open or laparoscopic colorectal surgery with bowel resection and/or anastomosis

Aim: Evaluate safety/efficacy of intravenous meloxicam in a colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery protocol. Methods: Adults undergoing primary open or laparoscopic colorectal surgery with bowel resection and/or anastomosis received meloxicam IV 30 mg (n = 27) or placebo (n = 28) once daily beginning 30 min before surgery. Results: Adverse events: meloxicam IV, 85%; placebo, 93%. Adverse events commonly associated with opioids: 41 versus 61% - including nausea (33 vs 50%), vomiting (19 vs 18%) and ileus (4 vs 18%). Wound healing satisfaction scores (physician-rated), clinical laboratory findings and vital signs were similar in both groups. No anastomotic leaks were reported. Opioid consumption, postoperative pain intensity, length of stay and times to first bowel sound, first flatus and first bowel movement were significantly lower with meloxicam IV versus placebo. Most subjects (>92%) were satisfied with postoperative pain medication. Conclusion: Meloxicam IV was generally well tolerated and associated with decreased opioid consumption, lower resource utilization and functional benefits. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03323385 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Meloxicam Intravenous Injection

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are available online to subscribers. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service, contact Wolters Kluwer customer service at 866-397-3433.

A New Insight into Meloxicam: Assessment of Antioxidant and Anti-Glycating Activity in In Vitro Studies

Meloxicam is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which has a preferential inhibitory effect to cyclooxyganase-2 (COX-2). Although the drug inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, the exact mechanism of meloxicam is still unknown. This is the first study to assess the effect of meloxicam on protein glyco-oxidation as well as antioxidant activity. For this purpose, we used an in vitro model of oxidized bovine serum albumin (BSA). Glucose, fructose, ribose, glyoxal and methylglyoxal were used as glycating agents, while chloramine T was used as an oxidant. We evaluated the antioxidant properties of albumin (2,2-di-phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing antioxidant power), the intensity of protein glycation (Amadori products, advanced glycation end products) and glyco-oxidation (dityrosine, kynurenine, N-formylkynurenine, tryptophan and amyloid-β) as well as the content of protein oxidation products (advanced oxidation protein products, carbonyl groups and thiol groups). We have demonstrated that meloxicam enhances the antioxidant properties of albumin and prevents the protein oxidation and glycation under the influence of various factors such as sugars, aldehydes and oxidants. Importantly, the antioxidant and anti-glycating activity is similar to that of routinely used antioxidants such as captopril, Trolox, reduced glutathione and lipoic acid as well as protein glycation inhibitors (aminoguanidine). Pleiotropic action of meloxicam may increase the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatment in diseases with oxidative stress etiology.

[Control of pain in the early post-traumatic period in the outpatient practice. Results of the multi-center observational study RAPTOR (Rational Analgesia PostTraumatic: an Observational Research)]

AIM

Evaluate the frequency, nature and course of PTP, as well as the effectiveness and safety of NSAIDs in PTP in real clinical practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The assessment of the condition and need for NSAIDs (original meloxicam) in 1115 outpatient patients who suffered a fracture of the radius (32.2%), injury to the knee (35.2%) or ligaments of the ankle (32.6%); women/men 51.5 and 48.5%, average age 46.915.5 years. We evaluated the dynamics of pain intensity (on a numerical rating scale NRS 010) at rest and during movement, the preservation of moderate and severe pain, as well as the development of adverse drugs reactions (ADR) to NSAIDs 48 weeks after injury.

RESULTS

The average intensity of pain during movement decreased from 7.031.66 to 2.211.38 (p0.001), at rest from 4.462.07 to 0.710.989 (p0.001). The number of people with pain severity 4 in the NRS in 48 weeks after the radius fracture, injury of the knee and ligaments of ankle was 21.0, 16.9 and 11.9%, with moderate or severe impairment of the injured limb 40.4, 26.2 and 16.3%, respectively. The need for taking NSAIDs up to 7 days was noted in 43.3%, 714 days-in 41.8%, more than 2 weeks or constantly in 14.9% of patients. Weak or moderate ADR were observed in 20.8% of patients, mainly dyspepsia and hypertension. Discontinuation of NSAIDs due to ADR was required in only 2.6% of patients. Pain retention 4 in NRS was associated with initially expressed pain (7 in NRS) OR 2.75 (95% CI 0.834.13; p0.001) and the presence of osteoarthritis of knee and/or hip OR 1.56 (95% CI 1.032.34; p=0.039).

CONCLUSION

PTP decreases rapidly in most patients after a radius fracture, injury of the knee, and ankle ligament injury while taking the original meloxicam. However, in a significant part of patients, moderate or severe PTP persists after 48 weeks, which requires prolonged analgesic therapy and active rehabilitation.

Platelet Function: Meloxicam Intravenous in Whole Blood Samples From Healthy Volunteers

Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective treatments for pain but may induce bleeding events due to platelet dysfunction associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 impairing thromboxane production. An intravenous nanocrystal formulation of meloxicam, a COX‐2 preferential nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, is under development for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. This single‐center ex vivo study evaluated the effect of meloxicam intravenous and ketorolac on platelet function in whole blood samples from healthy volunteers. Each whole blood sample was aliquoted to allow analysis using a platelet function analyzer under negative control (untreated), positive control (2 therapeutic ketorolac concentrations), and meloxicam intravenous (1 therapeutic, 3 supratherapeutic concentrations) using both collagen with epinephrine and collagen with adenosine diphosphate reagent cartridges. The platelet function analyzer determines closure time by simulating platelet adhesion and aggregation following vascular injury. The final analysis set included data from 8 subjects. The collagen with adenosine diphosphate analysis (sensitive to thrombocytopathies) showed no significant differences in closure time for meloxicam‐ or ketorolac‐treated samples and untreated control. The collagen with epinephrine analysis (sensitive to aspirin‐induced platelet abnormalities) produced no significant difference in closure time between any meloxicam concentration and untreated control. Ketorolac was associated with significantly longer closure times vs untreated control at both the 2.5‐ and 5‐µg/mL concentrations (P = .003 and .0257, respectively) and vs meloxicam at several concentrations. Similar results were observed when all analyzed samples were included. Meloxicam intravenous had no significant effect on closure times at therapeutic or supratherapeutic concentrations in this ex vivo study.

Safety, Tolerability, and Effect on Opioid Use of Meloxicam IV Following Orthopedic Surgery

Objective

A Phase 3 randomized multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (NCT02720692) compared once-daily intravenous (IV) meloxicam 30 mg to placebo, when added to the standard of care pain management regimens, in adults with moderate-to-severe pain following major elective surgery and concluded that meloxicam IV had a safety profile similar to placebo and reduced opioid consumption.

Methods

In this post hoc subgroup analysis of orthopedic surgery subjects, 379 subjects received meloxicam IV 30 mg or IV-administered placebo every 24 hrs for ≤7 doses. Safety was assessed via AEs, laboratory tests, vital signs, and ECG, with an emphasis on specific AEs, including injection site reactions, bleeding, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, thrombotic, and wound healing events. Daily opioid consumption was assessed during treatment.

Results

Among meloxicam IV-treated subjects, 64.7% experienced ≥1 AE versus 68.8% of placebo-treated subjects. Investigators assessed most AEs to be mild or moderate in intensity and unrelated to treatment. Total opioid consumption (36.8 mg versus 50.3 mg IV morphine equivalent dose; P=0.0081) and opioid consumption during time points 0‒24, 24‒48, 0‒48, and 0‒72 hrs were statistically significantly lower in the meloxicam IV group.

Conclusion

Meloxicam IV demonstrated no significant differences in the number and frequency of AEs versus placebo in subjects following orthopedic surgery. Opioid consumption was reduced in the meloxicam IV group versus placebo.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT02720692).

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Meloxicam in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Pain Following Bunionectomy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and safety of a novel intravenous (IV) formulation of meloxicam (30 mg) in patients with moderate-to-severe pain following a standardized, unilateral bunionectomy with first metatarsal osteotomy and internal fixation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who met the criteria for moderate-to-severe postoperative pain were randomized to receive bolus injections of meloxicam IV 30 mg (n=100) or placebo (n=101) administered once daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was the Summed Pain Intensity Difference over 48 hours (SPID48). Secondary efficacy endpoints included sum of time-weighted pain intensity differences (SPID) values at other timepoints/intervals, time to first use of rescue analgesia, and number of rescue doses taken. Safety assessments included the incidence of adverse events (AEs), physical examinations, laboratory tests, 12-lead electrocardiography, and wound healing.

RESULTS

Patients randomized to meloxicam IV 30 mg exhibited a statistically significant difference in SPID48 versus the placebo group (P=0.0034). Statistically significant differences favoring meloxicam IV over placebo were also observed for secondary efficacy endpoints, including SPID at other times/intervals (SPID6: P=0.0153; SPID12: P=0.0053; SPID24: P=0.0084; and SPID24-48: P=0.0050) and first use of rescue medication (P=0.0076). Safety findings indicated that meloxicam IV 30 mg was generally well tolerated; no serious AEs or bleeding events were observed. Most AEs were assessed by the investigator to be mild in intensity, and no patients discontinued due to AEs. There were no meaningful differences between the study groups in vital signs, electrocardiographic findings, or laboratory assessments. In most cases, investigators found that wound healing followed a normal course and mean wound-healing satisfaction scores were similar for meloxicam IV 30 mg and placebo.

DISCUSSION

Meloxicam IV doses of 30 mg provided effective pain relief when administered once daily by bolus injection to patients with moderate-to-severe pain following bunionectomy, and had an acceptable safety profile.

Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Meloxicam in Subjects With Moderate-to-Severe Pain After Open Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Phase 2 Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

An intravenous (IV) formulation of meloxicam was developed for moderate-to-severe pain management. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of meloxicam IV after open abdominal hysterectomy. Meloxicam IV is an investigational product not yet approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

METHODS

Women (N = 486) with moderate-to-severe pain after open abdominal hysterectomy were enrolled in this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trial. Subjects were randomized to receive a single dose of meloxicam IV (5-60 mg), placebo, or morphine (0.15 mg/kg) in ≤6 hours after morphine dosing on postoperative day 1 and were evaluated for 24 hours. Rescue morphine (≈0.15 mg/kg IV) was available if needed for pain not relieved by the study medication. In an open-label extension (N = 295), meloxicam IV was administered once daily for the remaining hospital stay (or per the investigator's discretion). The coprimary efficacy end points were the summed pain intensity difference (SPID24) and total pain relief (TOTPAR24) from hour 0 to 24 hours after dosing. Effect size, the standardized difference between means reported in standard deviation (SD) units, was calculated to indicate the magnitude of the difference in the mean analgesic effect measured for different intervention groups.

RESULTS

Subjects who received morphine or meloxicam IV had a median time to first perceptible pain relief within 6-8 minutes. Morphine and meloxicam IV 5-60 mg produced statistically significant differences than placebo in SPID24 and TOTPAR24. SPID24 (standard error [SE]) for meloxicam IV 5-60 mg ranged from -56276.8 (3926.46) to -33517.1 (3930.1; P < .001); SPID24 (SE) for morphine and placebo were -29615.8 (3869.2; P < .001) and 4555.9 (3807.1), respectively. SPID24 effect sizes (95% confidence intervals) for the 60, 30, 15, 7.5, and 5 mg meloxicam IV doses and morphine were 1.93 (1.61-2.25), 2.00 (1.65-2.35), 1.70 (1.35-2.05), 1.28 (0.95-1.60), 1.25 (0.90-1.61), and 1.12 (0.77-1.45) SDs, respectively. TOTPAR24 (SE) for meloxicam IV 5-60 mg ranged from 3104.5 (155.28) to 4130.4 (191.17; P < .001); TOTPAR24 (SE) for morphine and placebo were 2723.3 (188.4; P < .001) and 1100.6 (185.4), respectively. TOTPAR24 effect sizes (95% confidence interval) for the 60, 30, 15, 7.5, and 5 mg meloxicam IV doses and morphine were 2.03 (1.70-2.35), 2.05 (1.70-2.40), 1.78 (1.43-2.13), 1.35 (1.03-1.67), 1.37 (1.01-1.72), and 1.10 (0.75-1.45) SDs, respectively. The mean total opioid consumed (SD) during the double-blind phase was 4.6 (8.17), 5.3 (8.85), 5.9 (7.85), 8.5 (9.67), 9.3 (9.47), 9.6 (8.12), and 16.0 (10.15) mg for patients in the 60, 30, 15, 7.5, and 5 mg meloxicam IV, morphine, and placebo groups, respectively. Generally, meloxicam IV was well tolerated, evidenced by the incidence of adverse events compared to placebo and lack of deaths and treatment-related serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

A meloxicam IV dose of 5-60 mg was generally well tolerated and appeared to reduce opioid consumption in subjects with moderate-to-severe pain after open abdominal hysterectomy. Once-daily administration of meloxicam IV produced analgesic effect within 6-8 minutes postdose that was maintained over a 24-hour dosing interval.

A Phase 3, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Evaluation of the Safety of Intravenous Meloxicam Following Major Surgery

An intravenous (IV) formulation of meloxicam is being studied for moderate to severe pain management. This phase 3, randomized, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial evaluated the safety of once‐daily meloxicam IV 30 mg in subjects following major elective surgery. Eligible subjects were randomized (3:1) to receive meloxicam IV 30 mg or placebo administered once daily. Safety was evaluated via adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, wound healing, and opioid consumption. The incidence of adverse events was similar between meloxicam IV– and placebo‐treated subjects (63.0% versus 65.0%). Investigators assessed most adverse events as mild or moderate in intensity and unrelated to treatment. Adverse events of interest (injection‐site reactions, bleeding, cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, thrombotic, and wound‐healing events) were similar between groups. Over the treatment period, meloxicam IV was associated with a 23.6% (P = .0531) reduction in total opioid use (9.2 mg morphine equivalent) compared to placebo‐treated subjects. The results suggest that meloxicam IV had a safety profile similar to that of placebo with respect to numbers and frequencies of adverse events and reduced opioid consumption in subjects with moderate to severe postoperative pain following major elective surgery.

Intravenous meloxicam for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain: a pooled analysis of safety and opioid-reducing effects

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To describe the safety and tolerability of intravenous meloxicam compared with placebo across all phase II/III clinical trials.

METHODS

Safety data and opioid use from subjects with moderate to severe postoperative pain who received ≥1 dose of intravenous meloxicam (5-60 mg) or placebo in 1 of 7 studies (4 phase II; 3 phase III) were pooled. Data from intravenous meloxicam 5 mg, 7.5 mg and 15 mg groups were combined (low-dose subset).

RESULTS

A total of 1426 adults (86.6% white; mean age: 45.8 years) received ≥1 dose of meloxicam IV; 517 (77.6% white; mean age: 46.7 years) received placebo. The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in intravenous meloxicam and placebo-treated subjects was 47% and 57%, respectively. The most commonly reported TEAEs across treatment groups (intravenous meloxicam 5-15 mg, 30 mg, 60 mg and placebo, respectively) were nausea (4.3%, 20.8%, 5.8% and 25.3%), headache (1.5%, 5.6%, 1.6% and 10.4%), vomiting (2.8%, 4.6%, 1.6% and 7.4%) and dizziness (0%, 3.5%, 1.1% and 4.8%). TEAE incidence was generally similar in subjects aged >65 years with impaired renal function and the general population. Similar rates of cardiovascular events were reported between treatment groups. One death was reported (placebo group; unrelated to study drug). There were 35 serious adverse events (SAEs); intravenous meloxicam 15 mg (n=5), intravenous meloxicam 30 mg (n=15) and placebo (n=15). The SAEs in meloxicam-treated subjects were determined to be unrelated to study medication. Six subjects withdrew due to TEAEs, including three treated with intravenous meloxicam (rash, localized edema and postprocedural pulmonary embolism). In trials where opioid use was monitored, meloxicam reduced postoperative rescue opioid use.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous meloxicam was generally well tolerated in subjects with moderate to severe postoperative pain.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT01436032, NCT00945763, NCT01084161, NCT02540265, NCT02678286, NCT02675907 and NCT02720692.

Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Meloxicam in Subjects with Moderate-to-severe Pain Following Abdominoplasty

Background

A nanocrystal intravenous (IV) formulation of meloxicam is being studied with the aim of providing postoperative analgesia.

Methods

This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated meloxicam IV 30 mg or placebo (≤ 3 doses) in 219 subjects undergoing abdominoplasty. The primary endpoint was the summed pain intensity difference over 24 hours postdose (SPID₂₄).

Results

Meloxicam IV-treated subjects had a statistically significant reduction in the least squares mean of SPID₂₄ compared with placebo-treated subjects (-4,262.1 versus -3,535.7; P = 0.0145). Meloxicam IV was associated with statistically significant differences over placebo on several other secondary endpoints, including other SPID intervals (ie, SPID₁₂, SPID₄₈, and SPID_24-48), achievement of perceptible pain relief, the proportion of subjects with a ≥ 30% improvement in the first 24 hours, and Patient Global Assessment of pain at hour 48. Meloxicam IV was also associated with a reduction in the number of subjects receiving opioid rescue medication during hours 24-48 and the total number of doses of opioid rescue analgesia. Meloxicam IV was generally well tolerated, with the numbers and frequencies of adverse events similar to that of the placebo group. There was no evidence of an increased risk of adverse events commonly associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including bleeding, thrombotic, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, injection site, and wound healing events.

Conclusion

Meloxicam IV provided sustained pain relief and generally was well tolerated in subjects with moderate-to-severe pain following abdominoplasty.

Meloxicam in the management of post-operative pain: Narrative review

Oral formulations of meloxicam, a preferential cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, have long been used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, as well as various pain syndromes of skeletomuscular origin (e.g., low back pain). However, these preparations are rarely indicated for the treatment of acute pain due to a poor dissolution rate and consequently a slow onset of action. The recent introduction of an intravenous (IV) NanoCrystal Colloidal Dispersion formulation opens up the possibility of using this drug during the perioperative period. The present review summarizes the pharmacologic properties of meloxicam, including its pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and tolerability. In addition, we critically examined a number of recently completed clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of meloxicam IV in the treatment of post-operative pain. Literature retrieval was performed through PubMed and Medline (through March 2018) using combinations of the terms meloxicam, acute pain, and pharmacology. In addition, bibliographical information, including contributory unpublished data, was requested from the company developing the drug. Clinical trials suggest that single IV doses of 30 mg meloxicam significantly reduce post-operative pain as well as opioid requirements. We conclude that meloxicam IV is an effective and well-tolerated analgesic agent for the management of moderate to severe post-operative pain.