Breakthrough in Pain from Cancer

Many people with chronic cancer-related pain experience intermittent flares of pain that can occur even though a person is taking analgesic medications on a fixed schedule for pain control.

Almost all people experiencing chronic cancer pain should receive pain medications for around-the- clock pain control AND a medication specificallyfor treatment of breakthrough pain. If this has not been offered to you, discuss this with your health care provider.

If you are consistently experiencing pain just before it is time to take your next dose of medication as part of your around-the-clock pain management plan, this is not true "breakthrough pain," but rather an indication that the dose of the fixed-schedule medication needs to be adjusted.

A new transmucosal drug for the treatment of breakthrough pain is now available. Called ACTIQ (Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate), it is the only analgesic drug to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically for breakthrough pain, and the first analgesic medication that comes in the form of a lozenge on a handle. ACTIQ dissolves through the mucus membranes in the mouth and provides rapid pain relief within 5 to 10 minutes. If one dose is not sufficient for good pain control, discuss taking a second dose with your health care provider.

Cognitive techniques, including relaxation training, hypnosis, imagery, and distraction may also help relieve breakthrough pain for some people

Cancer Tip The use of dietary supplements is a topic of considerable controversy, especially in the cancer treatment phase. These dietary supplements include nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for human health, as well as a wide variety of non-essential nutrients, such as phytochemicals, hormones, and herbs.

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