Controlled-release oxycodone--a therapeutic option for severe neuropathic pain. Two multicenter observational studies

• Published in: MMW Fortschritte der Medizin Vol. 145 Suppl 3; p. 71
• Main Authors: Wörz, R, Frank, M, Achenbach, U
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: German
• Published: Germany 09.10.2003
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Analgesics, Opioid - administration & dosage; Analgesics, Opioid - adverse effects; Delayed-Action Preparations; Diabetic Neuropathies - diagnosis; Diabetic Neuropathies - drug therapy; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Herpes Zoster - drug therapy; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Neuralgia - diagnosis; Neuralgia - drug therapy; Oxycodone - administration & dosage; Oxycodone - adverse effects; Pain Measurement; Product Surveillance, Postmarketing; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1438-3276

Two postmarketing studies (PMS) involving 603 patients with neuropathic pain treated with controlled-release oxycodone were performed. Pain intensity and impairment of performance were evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS) ranging from 0 to 10 (0 = no pain/impairment, 10 = most severe pain/impairment) measured at the start of the study, and at one week and some three weeks into the study. Mean pain intensity decreased from more than 6 at the start of the PMS to about 4 after one week, and under 3 after three weeks, of treatment. The mean dose of oxycodone after three weeks was slightly more than 40 mg per day. Impairment, quality of life and performance (daily activities, mood, sleep quality and joie de vivre) improved substantially.