A NEW DRUG IN CANCER PAIN: BUPRENORPHINE (TEMGESIC)

Buprenorphine (Temgesic) is a semisynthetic analgesic drug derived from the opioid group. It is 30-50 times more potent than morphine. The duration of analgesia is reported to be more than 6 hours. The study was conducted in 36 cancer patients with intractable pain unresponsive to conventional analgesic therapy. The optimum dose for pain control was 0.3-0.4 mg/day. In 15% of the patients, absolute pain relief and in the rest, 70-80% pain relief was accomplished. Side effects were similar to those of other opioids and include sedation, nausea, vomiting. Respiratory depression was not seen in any of the patients. Oral (sublingual tablets) administration produce the same effect as paranteral route, thus, making it more efficient for cancer patients.