DrugLib.com — Drug Information Portal

Rx drug information, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, news, and more



Conversion from standard opioid therapy to once-daily oral extended-release hydromorphone in patients with chronic cancer pain.

Author(s): Wallace M, Rauck RL, Moulin D, Thipphawong J, Khanna S, Tudor IC

Affiliation(s): San Diego Medical Center, University of California, La Jolla, California, USA.

Publication date & source: 2008-03, J Int Med Res., 36(2):343-52.

Publication type: Comparative Study; Multicenter Study; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

This open-label, multicenter study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of conversion to once-daily OROS hydromorphone from previous opioid agonist therapy in patients with chronic cancer pain. Patients were stabilized on their previous therapy before conversion at a 5:1 ratio of morphine sulfate to hydromorphone hydrochloride. The OROS hydromorphone dose was titrated over 3 - 21 days to achieve effective analgesia and was maintained for up to 14 days. Efficacy was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Adverse events and vital signs were monitored. Dose stabilization was achieved in 119 of the 127 (94%) patients who received the study medication; in 77%, stabilization was achieved with no titration steps. Mean BPI pain intensity ratings and BPI pain interference scores decreased significantly after OROS hydromorphone treatment compared with pretreatment values. Mean pain-relief level remained stable after conversion and throughout treatment with OROS hydromorphone. Adverse events were as expected for cancer patients receiving opioid agonists. There were no clinically significant changes in vital signs.

Page last updated: 2008-06-22

-- advertisement -- The American Red Cross
 
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site usage policy | Privacy policy

All Rights reserved - Copyright DrugLib.com, 2006-2017