Effectiveness,safety and tolerability of codeine in cancer patients

Abstract

18577 Background: In 1984 WHO guidelines for cancer pain was proposed. Codeine was selected among several others drugs when pain ladder step II was required. Since then very few comparative studies have been performed. Codein is a weak opioid and its analgesic action is not completely understood. A possible conversion into morphine is postulated. To determine efficacy, safety and tolerability of codein in advanced cancer patient we designed a prospective cohort study. Methods 150 metastatic cancer patients were studied during six months. A standard zero to then table scale for pain rating was used. The malignacies were: prostate 15 (10%), breast 42 (28%), lung 33 (22%), colon 37 (24.6%), other cancer 23 (15.3%). 62 patients were under treatment (41.3%). Results: There were: 83 M (55.3%) 67 F(44,7%) and the mean age was 62 years. Mean initial and final pain score were 7.1 and 1.3 respectively. Codein dose range from 30 mg/day to 270 mg/day (mean dose 180 mg/day). The average time of use was 13,7 months. Severe toxicity was 0% and the most often side effect was constipation (38.7%). Adjuvant drugs were used in 97 patients (64.7%) of patients. Uncontrolled pain ocurred in 17 patients (11.3%). Conclusions: During the last decade a great increase in the range of opioid agents and formulations available have emerged. Codein still represents an excellent drug for patients with long life expectancy. Side effects are manageable and are mainly constipation. Pain control was achieved in the majority of patients. Codein showed a low toxicity profile with a high compliance rate. Economic reasons must be strongly consider in poor countries and codein represents a good alternative option. Future comparative studies addressing also quality of life should be performed. No significant financial relationships to disclose.