Oral Morphine Consumption in Italy and Sicily

The trend in morphine consumption in Italy and in Sicily was investigated, using sales of sustained-release formulations as an indicator. A slight increase in morphine consumption has been observed in the last few years. This trend was more evident in Sicily. Formulations with the lowest dose (10-30 mg) were more frequently used. Italian laws and restrictions concerning the medical use of opioids are the most sever in Europe. Although some countries have a high level of opioid consumption, the assertion that morphine consumption is an indicator of progress in cancer pain management is only valid in countries in which opioids are not generally used for other purposes, like in Italy. Continual medical education, postgraduate training courses, and the development of pilot programs of pain relief and palliative care may improve the knowledge of cancer pain.