Clinical Observations on Safety and Efficacy of OxyContin® Administered by Rectal Route in Treating Cancer Related Pain

Abstract


Objective: To determine the efficacy and adverse reactions of OxyContin® administered by rectal route in advanced cancer patients.
Methods: Patients were enrolled into this study in which OxyContin was administered by the rectal route. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied to score pain intensity, separated into five degrees. National Cancer Institute-Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC) were adopted to record the side effects.
Results: VAS scores were 10 before treatment, and decreased to 5-6 after OxyContin application by the rectal route.The main side effects were constipation, flatulence and fatigue,with no elevation of transaminases and creatinine.
Conclusion: OxyContin admistered by rectal route is safe for advanced cancer patients with satisfactory pain control effects, thus deserving further clinical observation.

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