Indication of Adequate Transdermal Fentanyl Dose in Opioid Switching From Oral Oxycodone in Patients With Cancer

Abstract

Objective:

The present study aimed to examine affecting factors for conversion ratio and to predict adequate fentanyl dose for patients with cancer pain in opioid switching from oral oxycodone.

Methods:

Patient characteristics, biochemical parameters, daily oxycodone dose, and reasons for opioid switching were retrospectively collected. The effect of variables on the conversion ratio was analyzed by multiple regression analysis.

Results:

Regression analysis for the data from 122 patients suggested that the typical conversion ratio was 95:1; however, this ratio was significantly reduced in patients taking a daily oral morphine-equivalent dose of <45 mg/d and in patients with poor pain control to 52:1 and 64:1, respectively.

Conclusion:

We should carefully and rapidly control pain in opioid switching based on the adequate dose indicated in this study.

Keywords

opioid switching transdermal fentanyl oral oxycodone pain control conversion ratio patients with cancer

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