When cancer hurts, opioids are often part of the solution
Written by Dr Margie Venter
First published in Oncology Buddies
Of all the things people tell me affect their quality of life, fatigue and pain are the big ones.
Fatigue is tricky. As doctors, we often underestimate how much fatigue affects daily life. There is unfortunately nothing in a bottle that I can prescribe four times a day that will magically fix it. It usually takes creativity, adaptation and support to work around it.
Pain, however, is almost always treatable. Sometimes it takes one or two attempts to find the right “recipe,” but in most cases we can get it under control.
I have seen patients and families struggle with poorly managed pain, and the ripple effect is significant. Pain can take up the whole day. It leaves little space for anything else, never mind basic activities like getting dressed or getting into a car, let alone something enjoyable like a short walk. It affects appetite, mood and sleep. It affects relationships. Families can feel helpless, not knowing how to make things better.
Sometimes people say, “It’s not that bad, I can deal with it.” Or, like frogs in slowly warming water, they forget what a pain-free day feels like as the temperature rises so gradually.
Pain deserves attention. One of the most effective tools we have for treating cancer pain is opioids.
What are opioids?
Opioids are a group of strong pain medicines that are commonly used to treat moderate to severe cancer pain.
They work by attaching to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord, reducing the way pain signals are processed and perceived.
Morphine, the best-known opioid, is derived from the opium poppy plant. Other opioids, such as fentanyl and methadone, are made synthetically in a laboratory. Some are semi-synthetic, meaning they are created by modifying natural substances.
How are opioids given?
There are many different forms:
- Syrup, drops or tablets taken by mouth
- Long-acting tablets taken twice daily
- Patches that slowly release medicine through the skin
- In some situations, medication is given intravenously or under the skin
The choice depends on the type of pain, what is available, and what suits the patient best.
Common worries about opioids
There are many myths and misconceptions about morphine and other opioids. Let’s address some of the most common ones.
“My pain is not bad enough for morphine.”
Sometimes a low dose of an opioid gives better, cleaner pain control than a mix of weaker medications.
“If I start now, there won’t be anything stronger later.”
Starting an opioid when you have pain does not make it ineffective later. The dose can always be adjusted if needed.
“I will become addicted.”
Addiction is not a concern when opioids are used under medical supervision for cancer pain. Using medication regularly to treat real, physical pain is not the same as addiction.
“I am allergic to morphine.”
True allergic reactions to opioids are very rare. Most people who believe they are allergic experienced side effects such as nausea or itchiness, or received a high dose after surgery and felt unwell. When we start opioids for cancer pain, we start low and increase slowly.
“Opioids are only for the end of life.”
Not true. Many people live well for years with cancer while using opioids to stay comfortable and active.
“I can’t use opioids because they cause constipation.”
It is true that all opioids cause constipation. Rather than avoiding good pain control, we manage constipation proactively and consistently.
Did you know?
Oral morphine is also prescribed to suppress cough and help ease shortness of breath. It is often much more effective than using oxygen!
What are the common side effects?
Like all medications, opioids have side effects. The good news is that most are manageable.
- Nausea and vomiting
This often lasts only a few days after starting treatment. It can be prevented or treated effectively with anti-nausea medication.
- Drowsiness
Feeling sleepy can happen when starting opioids or increasing the dose. It usually improves within a few days. Let your healthcare provider know if you feel very sedated or if the grogginess does not settle. - Constipation
This is the big one. Unlike nausea and drowsiness, constipation does not go away on its own. Most people need daily laxatives while taking opioids. - Other possible effects
Itchiness, difficulty passing urine, sweating and dry mouth.
Using opioids well: practical tips
Understand the possible side effects and be prepared. Use your laxatives. I cannot stress this enough.
Cancer pain is often constant or frequent. Taking your opioid regularly as prescribed, rather than waiting until pain becomes severe, gives much better control.
There are two main ways opioids are prescribed:
- Short-acting opioids
For example, oral morphine syrup. These usually need to be taken every four hours because that is how long they last in the body. - Long-acting opioids
Such as long-acting morphine or oxycodone, taken every 12 hours. Patches also fall into this category. Depending on the type of patch, they are usually changed either every 3 days or every 7 days.
Ideally both are prescribed: a long-acting medication for steady background pain, and a short-acting medication for “breakthrough pain” (temporary spikes of pain despite regular treatment).
If you are using oral morphine syrup to manage steady background pain, your doctor will explain how much extra you can safely take for breakthrough pain. This is on top of your regular four-hourly doses.
If you need frequent breakthrough doses, your doctor will likely adjust your regular long-acting medication.
Keeping a simple pain diary can be very helpful. Note when you have pain, what you took, and how well it worked. And most importantly, tell your doctor or nurse if your pain is not controlled or if side effects are troublesome.
Pain control works best as a partnership. With regular, open communication and careful adjustments, most cancer pain can be managed well. When pain is well controlled, there are simply more good days, days where you can get through the to-do list and still have space for the want-to-do list.
Valuable resources
• Download the CANSA booklet to help Manage Cancer Patient’s Pain in the Home. (cansa.org.za)
• Using oral morphine and common myths (palprac.org)
