Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

Usually a few weeks, and most people stop without trouble. The chance of still taking them months later is small for people who took none before surgery, and much higher for people who did.

In studies that followed people closely, opioids were used for about four weeks on average after a knee replacement, longer than after a hip replacement. About 1 in 3 were still taking some at six weeks.

Among people who took no opioids before surgery, 1 in 12 was still using them six months later in one study. Counting only regular long-term use, a much larger study found about 1 in 70. Among people already taking opioids before surgery, about half were still taking them at six months. Of eleven common operations, knee replacement carried the highest chance of long-term use in people new to opioids.

Still taking opioids is not the same as addiction. No study found counts how many people new to opioids become addicted after a knee replacement.

Besides earlier opioid use, long-term use was more likely in people with more pain elsewhere in the body, depression, a tendency to dwell on pain, or a history of alcohol or drug problems. Younger people were more likely to keep taking them.

In a trial, people given a smaller supply of pills had the same pain relief and fewer leftover pills. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, strong pain pills are meant mainly for a short time after surgery, and unused pills should be returned.

In general:

  • Tell your surgeon if you already take opioid pain medicine.
  • Mention depression, anxiety or past problems with alcohol or drugs before surgery.
  • Return unused pills to a pharmacy or drop-off site.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

Published by Clinical Evidence Media LLC. Full disclaimer and how these answers are researched: Disclaimer and how these answers are made