New resources available for comparing osteoarthritis pain medications

AHRQ has released new clinician and consumer summaries and continuing medical education activities in support of a recent updated research report comparing the effectiveness and safety of analgesics in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Overall, the report found no clear differences in the effectiveness of different nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but did find potentially important differences in the risk of serious harms.

The updated report, Analgesics for Osteoarthritis—An Update of the 2006 Comparative Effectiveness Review, includes new research that better addresses the comparative effectiveness and safety of oral and topical medications.

These and many other evidence-based decisionmaking resources are available on AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program Web site, http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov.