Three-cycle fentanyl patch system contributes to stable control of plasma fentanyl concentration in gynecologic cancer pain patients

Fentanyl patch application. (A) Conventional usage as recommended by the manufacturer. The fentanyl patch is designed to release fentanyl at a constant rate for up to 72 hr. Application is recommended for every 72 hr. (B) Three-cycle fentanyl patch system. Three patches were provided, applied singly over 3 consecutive days at 24-hr intervals, and replaced every 72 hr. One-third of the patches was replaced every day to maintain a plasma level of fentanyl.

Three-cycle fentanyl patch system of Case 1. (A) VAS pain score deteriorated on the third day before patch replacement in the conventional usage. The three-cycle fentanyl patch system provided an excellent pain relief and VAS pain score was stabilized. (B) A 125 mcg/hr fentanyl brought pain relief and plasma fentanyl level was analyzed on 3 consecutive days. VAS = visual analog scale.

Plasma fentanyl level during application of the three-cycle fentanyl patch system. The plasma fentanyl concentration of three cases was analyzed.

Three-cycle fentanyl patch system of Case 2. (A) A 75 mcg/hr fentanyl brought pain relief and plasma fentanyl level was analyzed on 3 consecutive days. (B) A 125 mcg/hr fentanyl brought pain relief and plasma fentanyl level was analyzed on 3 consecutive days. (C) A 150 mcg/hr fentanyl brought pain relief and plasma fentanyl level was analyzed on 3 consecutive days.

Three-cycle fentanyl patch system of Case 3. A 75 mcg/hr fentanyl brought pain relief and plasma fentanyl level was analyzed on 3 consecutive days.