Local toxicity with subcutaneous methadone. Experience of two centers.
We report on 8 patients treated with subcutaneous methadone for cancer-related pain at 2 institutions. The success of other subcutaneous agents for pain control has been well demonstrated. It was felt that methadone would be useful due to its low cost. Unfortunately, 7 of the 8 patients experienced adverse reactions at the subcutaneous sites requiring cessation of subcutaneous methadone.
Bruera
E
E
Palliative Care Unit, Pharmacy Dept., Edmonton General Hospital, Edmonton, AlbertaCanada Palliative Care Service, National Cancer Institute, MilanItaly.
Fainsinger
R
R
Moore
M
M
Thibault
R
R
Spoldi
E
E
Ventafridda
V
V
D000328:Adult; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010148:Intractable Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D008691:Methadone