Transdermal fentanyl for the treatment of cancer pain

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of transdermal fentanyl in management of patients with cancer pain.Methods 92 patients with cancer pain managed with transdermal fentanyl.The patients were asked to record the attacks of pain and the adverse effects of transdermal fentanyl.The intensity of pain was scored in digits according to NSR.Results The baseline mean pain intensity was 7.4.On days 1,3,6,9,15 and 30,the mean score of pain was decreased to 4.1,3.1,2.5,2.2,1.9 and 1.6,respectively.The effective rate was 96.7%.The mean doses of fentanyl were 32.4 μg/h on the initial day,42.6 μg/h and 49.6 μg/h on days 15 and 30.The common side effects were constipation,nausea,dizziness,vomiting,drowsiness and respiratory depression.Conclusion Transdermal fentanyl being effective,safe and convenient,can be recommended as one of the first-line drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe cancer pain.