Clinical application of OxyContin hydrochloride controlled release tablets in treatment of pain suffered from advanced cancer

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse reactions of OxyContin hydrochloride controlled release tablets in the treatment of moderate or severe pain in patients with terminal cancer and to observe any improvement on the cancer patients’ quality of life.

Methods

Sixty-eight patients with moderate or severe cancer pain were treated with OxyContin hydrochloride controlled release tablets. The initial dose was 5 mg/12h, or 1/2 that of the standard morphine regimen. During the course of treatment, the dosage was adjusted according to the patients’ condition until the pain completely disappeared or nearly did so. Each patient received a treatment for at least 15 days. At the same time, adverse reactions, the quality of life and scores for the intensity of pain were observed and recorded [1].

Results

The final titrated dosage of OxyContin was as follows: the patients in 30 cases (44.1%) received a dosage of ≤ 30 mg/d, those in 16 cases (23.5%) received a dosage of 31 to 60 mg/d, those in 18 cases (26.5%) received a dosage of 61 to 120 mg/d and those in 4 cases (5.9%) received a dosage of ≥ 120 mg/d. The overall rate of relief from pain was 95.6%, among which the rates of excellent, effective and moderate relief were respectively 39.7%, 48.5% and 7.4%. OxyContin had mild adverse reactions and patients’ quality of life was markedly improved.

Conclusion

OxyContin is effective in treatment of moderate and severe cancer pain. The adverse reactions of OxyContin are mild, and the drug can significantly improve the quality of life of patients with cancer pain.