Breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) is complex and severe, affecting quality of life and increasing hospitalisation. BTCP has a rapid onset that requires fast acting medication with minimal side effects. ⋯ The data collected indicates that INFS is more effective than OTFC for BTCP.
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Te Omanga Hospice, Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
Int J Palliat Nurs. 2015 Oct 1; 21 (10): 475-8.
BackgroundBreakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) is complex and severe, affecting quality of life and increasing hospitalisation. BTCP has a rapid onset that requires fast acting medication with minimal side effects.AimThis article compares the effectiveness of intranasal fentanyl spray (INFS) and oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) and their alleviation of BTCP within 10 minutes of administration.MethodThe article considers pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies demonstrating the efficacy of the route of administration, time-based effects of pain relief as well as patient preference.ConclusionThe data collected indicates that INFS is more effective than OTFC for BTCP.