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Randomized crossover trial of transdermal fentanyl and sustained release oral morphine for treating chronic noncancer pain. (University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada) British J Anesh. 2001;322:1154–1158.
Author(s) -
Allan Laurie,
Hays Helen,
Jensen NielsHenrik,
Le Polain de Waroux Bernard,
Bolt Michiel,
Donald Royden,
Kalso Eija
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1046/j.1533-2500.2001.1039_13.x
Subject(s) - fentanyl , medicine , transdermal , morphine , anesthesia , adverse effect , chronic pain , constipation , transdermal patch , crossover study , randomized controlled trial , pharmacology , physical therapy , alternative medicine , placebo , pathology
This study involved 256 patients with chronic noncancer pain who had been treated with opioids. Of 212 patients, 138 (65%) preferred transdermal fentanyl, whereas 59 (28%) preferred sustained release oral morphine and 15 (7%) expressed no preference. Better pain relief was the main preference for fentanyl given by 35% of the patients. These results were reflected in both the patients, and the investigators' opinions on the global efficacy of transdermal fentanyl. The incidence of adverse events was similar in both treatment groups; however, more patients experienced constipation with morphine than with fentanyl. Overall, 41% of the patients experienced mild or moderate cutaneous problems associated with wearing the transdermal fentanyl patch, and more patients withdrew because of adverse events during treatment with fentanyl than with morphine. Conclude that transdermal fentanyl was preferred to sustained release oral morphine by patients with chronic noncancer pain previously treated with opioids with the main reason being better pain relief.