[Comparison of transdermal fentanyl for the management of cancer pain in adults and elders].

OBJECTIVES

The transdermal fentanyl (TDF) patch has become widely used in the treatment of cancer pain. We aimed to compare the analgesic efficiency, side effects and patient satisfaction of TDF in adult and geriatric patients.

METHODS

The data of 181 patients who were observed in our pain clinic were included in this retrospective study. There were 95 patients in the adult group (Group A) and 86 patients in the geriatric group (Group G). Demographic data, cancer type, duration of pain, side effects, visual analog scale (VAS) score, treatment assessment scale (TAS) score, TDF dosage, and the number of patients in whom therapy has been terminated were recorded.

RESULTS

After the usage of TDF, reduction in pain score was observed in both groups (p<0.001). The TAS score was similar between the groups at the end of the first month, but it was lower in Group G in the following months. Constipation, dry mouth, somnolence, and dyspnea were seen more frequently in Group G. Because of these side effects, the number of patients in whom therapy was terminated was higher in Group G.

CONCLUSION

The TDF patch is a good choice for cancer pain treatment for both adult and geriatric patients. Since it was observed that the incidence of side effects was higher in the geriatric patients, they should be treated more carefully.