Imputing at-work productivity loss using results of a randomized controlled trial comparing tapentadol extended release and oxycodone controlled release for osteoarthritis pain.

Abstract

: To determine the impact of tapentadol extended release (ER) versus placebo or oxycodone controlled release (CR) on the work productivity of adults with chronic moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis pain. : Using clinical trial data on pain outcomes, a validated methodology imputed treatment group differences in at-work productivity and associated differences in productivity costs (assuming a $100,000 annual salary per participant). : Imputed improvements in at-work productivity were significantly greater for tapentadol ER compared with either placebo (mean, 1.96% vs 1.51%; P = 0.001) or oxycodone CR (mean, 1.96% vs 1.40%; P < 0.001). Mean net savings per participant were $450 (P < 0.01) for tapentadol ER versus placebo and $560 (P = 0.001) for tapentadol ER versus oxycodone CR. : Effective osteoarthritis pain treatment also may help employees to function better at work and reduce their employers' productivity costs.