Transdermal fentanyl: informed prescribing is essential

While morphine is historically the gold standard for the management of severe cancer pain, some patients either do not achieve adequate analgesia, or suffer intolerable side-effects. For these patients an alternative opioid is recommended. One such alternative is the potent mu opioid agonist fentany...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European journal of pain 2003-01, Vol.7 (5), p.481-483
Main Authors: Ross, Joy R., Quigley, Columba
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Cutaneous
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Analgesics, Opioid - adverse effects
Cancer pain
Chronic Disease
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Drug Administration Schedule
Drug Prescriptions - standards
Female
Fentanyl - adverse effects
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms - complications
Opioid toxicity
Pain - drug therapy
Pain - etiology
Transdermal fentanyl
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Summary:While morphine is historically the gold standard for the management of severe cancer pain, some patients either do not achieve adequate analgesia, or suffer intolerable side-effects. For these patients an alternative opioid is recommended. One such alternative is the potent mu opioid agonist fentanyl, delivered in a transdermal controlled release formulation. Similar to morphine, transdermal fentanyl is effective for the management of moderate to severe cancer pain. However, inappropriate prescribing of transdermal fentanyl, particularly in the clinical setting of unstable pain, can cause significant opioid toxicity, as highlighted in the case reports described.
ISSN:1090-3801
1532-2149
DOI:10.1016/S1090-3801(02)00148-9