Strategies to manage the adverse effects of oral morphine: An evidence-based report Journal Article


Authors: Cherny, N.; Ripamonti, C.; Pereira, J.; Davis, C.; Fallon, M.; McQuay, H.; Mercadante, S.; Pasternak, G.; Ventafridda, V.
Article Title: Strategies to manage the adverse effects of oral morphine: An evidence-based report
Abstract: Successful pain management with opioids requires that adequate analgesia be achieved without excessive adverse effects. By these criteria, a substantial minority of patients treated with oral morphine (10% to 30%) do not have a successful outcome because of (1) excessive adverse effects, (2) inadequate analgesia, or (3) a combination of both excessive adverse effects along with inadequate analgesia. The management of excessive adverse effects remains a major clinical challenge. Multiple approaches have been described to address this problem. The clinical challenge of selecting the best option is enhanced by the lack of definitive, evidence-based comparative data. Indeed, this aspect of opioid therapeutics has become a focus of substantial controversy. This study presents evidence-based recommendations for clinical-practice formulated by an Expert Working Group of the European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) Research Network. These recommendations highlight the need for careful evaluation to distinguish between morphine adverse effects from comorbidity, dehydration, or drug interactions, and initial consideration of dose reduction (possibly by the addition of a co analgesic), If side effects persist, the clinician should consider options of symptomatic management of the adverse effect, opioid rotation, or switching route of systemic administration, The approaches are described and guidelines are provided to aid in selecting between therapeutic options. J Clin Oncol 19:2542-2554. (C) 2001 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Keywords: subcutaneous; morphine; guidelines; double-blind; quality-of-life; bone metastases; transdermal fentanyl; cancer pain management; controlled-release morphine; health-organization; mor-1 opioid receptor; high-dose morphine
Journal Title: Journal of Clinical Oncology
Volume: 19
Issue: 9
ISSN: 0732-183X
Publisher: American Society of Clinical Oncology  
Date Published: 2001-05-01
Start Page: 2542
End Page: 2554
Language: English
ACCESSION: WOS:000168484000021
PROVIDER: wos
PUBMED: 11331334
Notes: Review -- Source: Wos
Citation Impact
MSK Authors
  1. Gavril W Pasternak
    414 Pasternak
  2. Mary E Warren
    8 Warren