J Palliat Care
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Meta Analysis
Transdermal fentanyl as a front-line approach to moderate-severe pain: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.
The safety of transdermal fentanyl (TF) in comparison with slow-release oral morphine (SROM) in moderate-severe pain was assessed. ⋯ TF and SROM seem to have a different side effects profile, and TF seems to be preferred by patients. The hierarchical approach traditionally recommended by the main scientific societies (oral morphine and then TF) could be replaced by a front-line approach based on patients' characteristics and needs.