Considerations in selecting rapid-onset opioids for the management of breakthrough pain
Michael Perelman, Suzan LeakeArchimedes Pharma, Bedminister, NJ, USAWe read with great interest the recent publication by Smith.1 This article provides a valuable perspective on the selection of an agent to manage breakthrough pain. Smith recognizes the importance of a fast onset-of-action and the i...
Main Authors: | , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Dove Medical Press
2013-06-01
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Series: | Journal of Pain Research |
Online Access: | http://www.dovepress.com/nbspconsiderations-in-selecting-rapid-onset-opioids-for-the-management-a13254 |
Summary: | Michael Perelman, Suzan LeakeArchimedes Pharma, Bedminister, NJ, USAWe read with great interest the recent publication by Smith.1 This article provides a valuable perspective on the selection of an agent to manage breakthrough pain. Smith recognizes the importance of a fast onset-of-action and the identification by Farrar et al2 of a 33% (often ≥2 point) change in the pain intensity difference as a measure of a ‘clinically important improvement’. For these reasons, Smith focuses on the various transmucosal fentanyl formulations that offer a rapid onset and he provides a nice summary of the key features of each of the available products.View original paper by Howard S Smith. |
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ISSN: | 1178-7090 |