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Canterbury DHB

Rarely-used Opioids

Buprenorphine (Temgesic™) injection is inferior to Morphine and is NOT recommended. Low dose transdermal buprenorphine (NorspanTM) has recently been licensed in New Zealand but is not funded. It is unlikely that it will be used commonly in Palliative Care but its efficacy and appropriateness are yet to be established.

Hydromorphone is not available in New Zealand.

Pethidine

Note: The risk of pethidine toxicity is increased with high doses and/or long term use and SHOULD NOT be used in chronic cancer-related pain.

Information about this Canterbury DHB document (4431):

Document Owner:

Palliative Care Service (see Who's Who)

Issue Date:

July 2009

Next Review:

July 2010

Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document.

 

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Topic Code: 4431