Transdermal Opioids for Cancer Pain Management

The prevalence of pain in cancer is up to 90%, more than 45% of this can be adequately managed using the World Health Organisation three step analgesic ladder.Transdermal opioids are safe, effective, and produce significantly fewer side effects than oral morphine when used for moderate to severe cancer pain.Transdermal buprenorphine has a lower incidence of systemic side effects than transdermal fentanyl and it is indicated for use in cancer patients with neuropathic pain and renal dysfunction.Transdermal opioids require a long lag period for dose stabilisation and elimination, hence are unsuitable for acute or unstable pain, and may result in prolonged side effects.Transdermal analgesics reduce the need for frequent dosing, clock watching and are more convenient for patients, physicians and carers, hence increasing treatment compliance.