The use of controlled-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin) in Queensland 1990-1993. 1995

A H Richards
Environmental Health Branch, Queensland Health, Brisbane.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the use of controlled-release morphine sulfate (MS Contin, Pharmacia) in Queensland, 1990-1993. METHODS Records of 434 patients notified to the Drugs of Dependence Unit (DDU) for prolonged use of MS Contin (as at 16 August 1993) were analysed, the information was verified, and the patients' diagnoses were coded (ICD-9). Estimates of daily drug consumption were calculated from computerised prescription data. RESULTS Controlled-release morphine sulfate was being used for indications other than its licensed indication "chronic severe pain of cancer": 39.9% of the patients received the drug for non-malignant conditions. The dose escalation for patients with non-malignant conditions was significantly less than that of the patients with malignant conditions (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Despite controversy about the use of controlled-release morphine sulfate for chronic pain of non-malignant origin, its use is widespread.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D009020 Morphine The principal alkaloid in opium and the prototype opiate analgesic and narcotic. Morphine has widespread effects in the central nervous system and on smooth muscle. Morphine Sulfate,Duramorph,MS Contin,Morphia,Morphine Chloride,Morphine Sulfate (2:1), Anhydrous,Morphine Sulfate (2:1), Pentahydrate,Oramorph SR,SDZ 202-250,SDZ202-250,Chloride, Morphine,Contin, MS,SDZ 202 250,SDZ 202250,SDZ202 250,SDZ202250,Sulfate, Morphine
D009369 Neoplasms New abnormal growth of tissue. Malignant neoplasms show a greater degree of anaplasia and have the properties of invasion and metastasis, compared to benign neoplasms. Benign Neoplasm,Cancer,Malignant Neoplasm,Tumor,Tumors,Benign Neoplasms,Malignancy,Malignant Neoplasms,Neoplasia,Neoplasm,Neoplasms, Benign,Cancers,Malignancies,Neoplasias,Neoplasm, Benign,Neoplasm, Malignant,Neoplasms, Malignant
D010146 Pain An unpleasant sensation induced by noxious stimuli which are detected by NERVE ENDINGS of NOCICEPTIVE NEURONS. Suffering, Physical,Ache,Pain, Burning,Pain, Crushing,Pain, Migratory,Pain, Radiating,Pain, Splitting,Aches,Burning Pain,Burning Pains,Crushing Pain,Crushing Pains,Migratory Pain,Migratory Pains,Pains, Burning,Pains, Crushing,Pains, Migratory,Pains, Radiating,Pains, Splitting,Physical Suffering,Physical Sufferings,Radiating Pain,Radiating Pains,Splitting Pain,Splitting Pains,Sufferings, Physical
D011793 Queensland A state in northeastern Australia. Its capital is Brisbane. Its coast was first visited by Captain Cook in 1770 and its first settlement (penal) was located on Moreton Bay in 1824. The name Cooksland was first proposed but honor to Queen Victoria prevailed. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p996 & Room, Brewer's Dictionary of Names, 1992, p441)
D002908 Chronic Disease Diseases which have one or more of the following characteristics: they are permanent, leave residual disability, are caused by nonreversible pathological alteration, require special training of the patient for rehabilitation, or may be expected to require a long period of supervision, observation, or care (Dictionary of Health Services Management, 2d ed). For epidemiological studies chronic disease often includes HEART DISEASES; STROKE; CANCER; and diabetes (DIABETES MELLITUS, TYPE 2). Chronic Condition,Chronic Illness,Chronically Ill,Chronic Conditions,Chronic Diseases,Chronic Illnesses,Condition, Chronic,Disease, Chronic,Illness, Chronic
D003692 Delayed-Action Preparations Dosage forms of a drug that act over a period of time by controlled-release processes or technology. Controlled Release Formulation,Controlled-Release Formulation,Controlled-Release Preparation,Delayed-Action Preparation,Depot Preparation,Depot Preparations,Extended Release Formulation,Extended Release Preparation,Prolonged-Action Preparation,Prolonged-Action Preparations,Sustained Release Formulation,Sustained-Release Preparation,Sustained-Release Preparations,Timed-Release Preparation,Timed-Release Preparations,Controlled-Release Formulations,Controlled-Release Preparations,Extended Release Formulations,Extended Release Preparations,Slow Release Formulation,Sustained Release Formulations,Controlled Release Formulations,Controlled Release Preparation,Controlled Release Preparations,Delayed Action Preparation,Delayed Action Preparations,Formulation, Controlled Release,Formulations, Controlled Release,Prolonged Action Preparation,Release Formulation, Controlled,Release Formulations, Controlled,Sustained Release Preparation,Timed Release Preparation,Timed Release Preparations
D004363 Drug Utilization The utilization of drugs as reported in individual hospital studies, FDA studies, marketing, or consumption, etc. This includes drug stockpiling, and patient drug profiles. Utilization, Drug,Drug Utilizations,Utilizations, Drug
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
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