ANALGESIC EFFECTS OF TRANSDERMAL FENTANYL ON 44 PATIANTS WITH CANCER PAIN SWITCHING FROM ORAL MORPHINE

Objective:To evaluate the analgesic and side effects of transdermal fentanyl switching from oral morphine on patients with cancer pain. Methods:44 patients with cancer pain who failed to achieve adequate pain control were converted from oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl. A dose ratio with oral morphine/transdermal fentanyl of 100:1 (mg) daily was calculated. Pain intensity was rated by numerial rating scale(NRS). Clinically obvious pain control was defined as a decrease≧2 points in pain intensity. The presence of side effects was evaluated as absent(0),mild(1),moderate(2) or severe(3). Results:Pain intensity decreased significantly after switching. The mean pain score decreased from 6.1 to 3.5 on 7 day after switching. Clinically obvious pain control was seen in 32 patients (72.7%). One or more side effects occurred in 34(77%) patients before switching and in 21(48%) patients after switching. The nausea or vomiting was relieved in 60% of patients and constipation was relieved in 43% of patients. Conclusion:Transdermal fentanyl may be effective in pain and gastrointestinal symptoms for cancer patients who failed to control pain with oral morphine.