Evaluation of efficacy and safety of fentanyl transdermal patch (Durogesic super( registered )D-TRANS) in chronic pain

• Published in: Acta neurochirurgica Vol. 153; no. 1; pp. 181 - 190
• Main Authors: Park, Jin Hoon, Kim, Jeoung Hee, Yun, Sung Cheol, Roh, Sung Woo, Rhim, Seung Chul, Kim, Chang Jin, Jeon, Sang Ryong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2011
• Subjects: fentanyl; Neuropathy; Neurosurgery; Opioids; Pain; Side effects; Sleep
• ISSN: 0001-6268; 0942-0940
• DOI: 10.1007/s00701-010-0785-4

Purpose: Opioids are used in controlling several types of pain. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the fentanyl transdermal patch-type system (Durogesic registered D-TRANS). Methods: Patients who complained of chronic moderate to severe pain were enrolled. Administration dosages of fentanyl patch started from 12.5 mu g/h and could be increased by 12.5 mu g/h or 25 mu g/h, if the average pain score of 4 or higher occurred within 72h. The total administration period was 12weeks. The type, location, characteristics, and duration of pain were evaluated. Also, on day 0, weeks of 4, 8, and 12, the physician's assessment of pain intensity, the patient's assessment of pain intensity, the assessment of impact of pain on functions, and the assessment of the impact of pain on sleep were assessed. In addition, side effects were evaluated during the study duration. Results: A total of 65 cases were enrolled, and the final evaluated cases were 41. Before treatment, the average physician's assessment of pain intensity was 6.70 plus or minus 1.41, and the average patient's assessment of pain intensity was 7.02 plus or minus 1.63. In the final visit, the average physician's assessment of pain intensity was 2.58 plus or minus 1.72, and the average patient's assessment of pain intensity was 2.86 plus or minus 1.78. Conclusions: This prospective study shows that the fentanyl patch is effective in alleviating moderate to severe chronic noncancer pain including neuropathic pain down to mild pain. Therefore, the fentanyl patch should be considered before other invasive intervention procedures in chronic moderate to severe noncancer pain.