Retrospective analysis of Kadian (morphine sulfate sustained-release capsules) in patients with chronic, nonmalignant pain.

The long-term use of sustained-release morphine for chronic pain was examined by reviewing charts from 68 patients taking Kadian (morphine sulfate sustained-release capsules; Alpharma U.S. Human Pharmaceuticals Branded Products Division, Piscataway, NJ) from 1998 to 2003 (mean treatment period 12 months). Patients had a wide range of pain conditions, including lower back pain with radiculoneuropathy, neck pain, headache, degenerative disc disease, failed back syndrome, and radiculoneuropathies. Median daily dose was 60 mg (mean 82.1 mg, range 20-400 mg). Dosing frequency was in accordance with prescribing information for 97.1% of patients; over half of these patients were maintained on a once-daily dose. Mean pain scores (visual numeric scale of 0-10) at the end of the observation period were reduced from a baseline mean of 7.7-4.9. Kadian use did not result in escalation of dose strength or frequency, and was safe and efficacious regardless of patient age.