title: Switching from reservoir to matrix systems for the transdermal delivery of fentanyl: a prospective, multicenter pilot study in outpatients with chronic pain.
abstract: Matrix systems for transdermal fentanyl will replace the reservoir systems in Europe. In an industry-independent, prospective, multicenter pilot study, 46 outpatients with chronic pain were asked to assess pain intensity, sleep interference, adverse events, and multiple secondary parameters during administration of the last reservoir and the first two matrix patches. There was no difference in pain intensity, sleep interference, and the rate of adverse events between both systems. Self assessment on a 6-step numeric rating scale (1 = very good, 6 = insufficient) comparing the two systems (reservoir vs. matrix) showed that skin compatibility (2.6 vs. 1.5), adhesive properties (3.2 vs. 1.8), wearability/comfort (2.8 vs. 1.5), and general satisfaction (2.5 vs. 1.8) improved significantly with the new matrix technology. At study endpoint, 91% of patients preferred the matrix system for future use. The new fentanyl matrix system is characterized by a high level of general satisfaction, ease of use, patient acceptance, and improved skin compatibility. Reservoir and matrix systems appear to have comparable efficacy and safety so that outpatients can be switched directly from the reservoir to the matrix system without difficulties and new dose titration.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Anesthesiology, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Freynhagen
authors.forename: Hans Jürgen
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: von Giesen
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Busche
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sabatowski
authors.forename: Christhoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Konrad
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grond
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl