How should conversion from oral morphine to fentanyl patches be carried out?

Source: South West Medicines Information and Training Area: Evidence > Medicines Q & A Data from a small study has shown that conversion of oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl with a ratio of 100:1 is safe and effective. This ratio is also endorsed by the Palliative Care Formulary and the British National Formulary. This differs from ratios recommended in some UK Summary of Products Characteristics . The decision regarding which conversion ratio to use should be based on patient specific factors, the level of patient monitoring which can be offered and the clinical setting. Comparative doses of oral morphine and transdermal fentanyl are given in Table 1. This should be used in conjunction with the Summary of Product Characteristics for the fentanyl patch being used. Patients who are taking a daily dose of morphine that is not exactly equivalent to  a particular fentanyl patch strength, will need to be changed to a patch which is either slightly less or slightly more potent than the morphine dose. This will be a clinical decision based on patient specific ...
Source: NeLM - Medicines Q and A - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news