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Pain Medication for Cancer Pain
Pain Medication for Cancer Pain
What is pharmacological pain management?
Pharmacological pain management (pain medicine) for cancer refers to the use of pharmaceutical medications. Oncology clinics usually offer several pain management options for any procedure that may be painful, such as a bone marrow aspiration or lumbar puncture. There are many types of medications and several methods used for administration, from very temporary (10 minute) mild sedation, to full general anesthesia in the operating room.
Pain medicine may be given in one or more of the following methods:
- By mouth (orally in pill form or liquid)
- With an inhaler
- With an injection into a muscle (IM) or under the skin (subcutaneous injection)
- Through a needle in a vein (IV)
- With a special catheter in a space around the spinal column (epidural)
- Through a patch on the skin
- Through implanted methods (such as a pump that is implanted in the body)
- By inserting rectal suppositories
Examples of pharmacological pain relief include the following:
- Analgesics (for mild to severe pain relief)
- Sedation (usually given for relief of pain during a procedure)
- Anesthesia (usually given for relief of pain during a procedure)
- Topical anesthetics (cream, gel, or liquid applied to the skin to numb the area)
- Other pain relievers
Some people can build up a tolerance to sedatives, muscle relaxers, and pain relievers. Over time, doses or types of medication used for pain relief may need to be increased or changed. Fear of addiction to narcotics is common, although, in most cases, it is rarely a problem. It is important to understand that the ultimate goal is comfort, which means taking appropriate measures to alleviate your pain.
Questions to ask about your pain medication
Each time a pain medication is prescribed by your physician, consider seeking answers to the following questions:
- What dose of pain medication is being prescribed and how many times a day will I be taking medication?
- What should I do if my pain is not relieved with the recommended dose?
- What would warrant a dosage increase?
- Should I call you before increasing the dose?
- What if a dose is missed or not taken on time?
- Should this medication be taken with food or on an empty stomach?
- Should I be taking this medication (if tablet or capsule) with a particular type of liquid?
- How long does it take the medication to start working?
- Is it safe to drink alcoholic beverages, drive, or operate machinery while taking this pain medicine?
- Are there any other activity restrictions?
- Are there prescription or take over the counter medications that are dangerous to take with this medication?
- Are there any side effects associated with this medication? If yes, is there any way prevent or reduce them?
What if I need to change my pain medicine?
If you are dissatisfied with the medication you have been prescribed, consult your doctor or cancer treatment team. There may be other ways to alleviate the pain, including switching to a different pain medication. Changes may also be recommended regarding the way you are taking the medication.
Be sure to talk with your doctor when you are uncomfortable, as a different pain medicine, different dose, or different combination of pain medications may be required if:
- Your pain continues
- Your pain medication does not start working within the time frame specified by your doctor
- Your pain medication does not work for the length of time specified by your doctor
- You are experiencing breakthrough pain (moderate to severe pain that "breaks through" between doses)
- The dosage schedule or method is inconvenient and you are having trouble adapting your schedule
- Pain becomes disruptive to your daily activities, such as eating, sleeping, working, and sexual activity
- You experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, and rashes
If serious side effects occur, call your doctor immediately. Side effects such as sleepiness, nausea, and itching usually resolve after your body adjusts to the medication. However, call your doctor if you are experiencing any side effects from your pain medication.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.