Postgraduate medicine
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Postgraduate medicine · Sep 2011
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialOpioid titration and conversion in patients receiving morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride extended release capsules.
To determine the number of steps and identify characteristics associated with attaining a stable dose of morphine sulfate and sequestered naltrexone extended release capsules (MS-sNT). ⋯ The study provides information about anticipated rates of achieving stable opioid dose in patients who received MS-sNT for up to 1 year to manage chronic, moderate-to-severe pain. Both opioid-naïve and opioid-experienced patients achieved a stable dose of MS-sNT, generally in ≤ 2 steps. Opioid experience and previous opioid use may influence ability to achieve a stable dose and number of steps required. More studies are needed on the anticipated experience of opioid titration/conversion to help physicians and patients set expectations for initiation of and conversion between opioid therapies.