International journal of clinical practice
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Int. J. Clin. Pract. · Apr 2011
Clinical TrialBowel function during pain therapy with oxycodone/naloxone prolonged-release tablets in patients with advanced cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) step-III opioids are often required right from the start of pain therapy in order to achieve sufficient symptom control. Bowel dysfunction, particularly constipation, is one of the most frequent and persistent side effects of opioid therapy, and it is known to cause considerable distress in many patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether patients with advanced cancer and moderate to severe cancer pain will benefit from treatment with oxycodone/naloxone prolonged-release tablets (OXN), with particular regard to constipation. ⋯ Patients with OXN treatment throughout the whole study phase showed a clinically relevant improvement in pain intensity and bowel function as well as increased satisfaction. Well-known disadvantages of laxative treatment might be spared or even circumvented under OXN treatment, if appropriate.