Inactive pills may lower reliance on opioids
25 May 2021
Open-label placebos (OLPs), which are placebos described honestly as inactive pills, appear to be favourably regarded by patients for managing pain after surgery, according to a study. As such, OLPs can be considered as an adjunctive treatment to potentially lessen the need for prescription opioids.
Previous investigations have found OLPs to be effective for a variety of clinical conditions, including pain. The current study examined how patients viewed these inactive pills.
A total of 11 patients (73 percent) who had hand or wrist surgery and took ≥1 opioid pill underwent interviews. The topics covered were pain management, the placebo effect, and attitudes toward OLPs.
Following analysis and content-coding of the interviews, five themes emerged: 1) role of the mind in pain and illness, 2) shortcomings of opioids are the strengths of OLPs, 3) perceptions of OLP effectiveness, 4) relational aspects of OLP administration, and 5) practical considerations for OLP implementation.
Most patients agreed that OLPs are ethical, in light of their transparency. Some expressed, to some extent, reluctance about using OLPs, but may said they would take the pill if prescribed by a doctor.
Regarding opioid, the patients noted that the primary disadvantage is the drug’s potency, which can lead to addiction or side-effects. On the contrary, the primary advantage of placebos is their inertness.