title: Transdermal fentanyl use in hospice home-care patients with chronic cancer pain.
abstract: In this study, 11 cancer patients who experienced severe pain were treated with transdermal fentanyl. Of the 11 patients, 7 completed the 4-wk protocol. Of the 4 patients who did not complete the study, 3 died due to disease progression, and 1 was withdrawn by the primary physician. Patients' pain level, mood, and quality of life were evaluated before starting the transdermal fentanyl patch system and again at 2 and 4 wk. Data from the 7 patients who completed the study showed no statistical differences in pain level, mood, or quality of life at any of the three time points. Starting doses ranged from 25 micrograms/hr to 325 micrograms/hr, with increases from 0% to 300%. There were no significant adverse reactions to the medication. The hospice patients chose to continue with the transdermal fentanyl system for pain control after completing the study.
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Herbst
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Strause
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006699:Home Care Services; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology
chemical_list: D005283:Fentanyl