IV Ibuprofen for Post-Electroconvulsive Therapy Myalgia

Post-procedure myalgia (muscle ache) is a well-known and common complication of Electro-convulsive Treatment (ECT). Myalgias are a serious concern of patients and occur in approximately 50% of these cases. The pain is usually described as muscle soreness, similar to that resulting from strenuous exercise. The myalgias typically begin shortly after the procedure, lasting approximately 2-7 days in total. A recent study reported that 89% of patients considered prevention significant and would be willing to pay a median of $33 out of pocket to avoid this side effect. In addition to patient discomfort, myalgias can have a further financial burden if these patients are unable to return to work or resume previous daily activities in the days following the procedure. An agent that could treat and possibly even prevent these myalgias has the potential to be very beneficial to these patients. IV ibuprofen (trade name Caldolor) is a novel therapeutic modality approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2009 for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, as an adjunct to opioid analgesics, and for the reduction of fever.