Transdermal fentanyl: clinical trial at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

Transdermal fentanyl is a new fentanyl delivery system recently approved by the FDA for use in patients with chronic pain. In an open-label clinical trial, 5 patients with cancer pain were switched to transdermal fentanyl patches. Patients were evaluated with visual analogue scales (VAS) for pain, mood, and pain relief. A Functional Living Index--Cancer and a symptom questionnaire were filled out 2 wk and 4 wk after initiation of transdermal fentanyl patches. After 2 wk of treatment all patients had VAS improvements in pain control. Patients experienced a decrease in constipation, improved appetite, and improved mood. One patient had drowsiness, which limited dose. The improvements in pain control allowed these patients to perform tasks that they had previously not felt well enough to do.