Medical Professionals Reference (MPR)FDA Approves Nonopioid Combination Therapy for Postoperative Pain

Combogesic IV consists of acetaminophen 1000mg and ibuprofen 300mg in a solution for IV infusion.

In a significant development for postoperative pain management, the FDA has given its approval for a non-opioid combination therapy. This marks a crucial step in addressing the need for effective and safer alternatives to opioid-based pain relief.

Key Points

• The FDA-approved therapy is known as Combogesic IV, or Maxigesic IV outside the US.
• Combogesic IV is an intravenous formulation of acetaminophen (1000mg) and ibuprofen (300mg).
• The approval was backed by data from two phase 3 studies evaluating its effects on adults with postoperative pain.
• Results showed a faster onset of action and greater pain relief with Combogesic IV compared to ibuprofen IV or acetaminophen IV alone.
• Treatment with Combogesic IV was also associated with reduced opioid consumption.
• The therapy was found to be safe and well-tolerated in a safety study involving 232 patients undergoing general, orthopedic, or plastic surgery.
• Distribution of the product in US hospitals is expected to begin in early 2024.

“The greatest evil is physical pain.”
– Saint Augustine

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