What is the role of morphine in the management of cancer pain?
Ans. 9: Morphine is a very effective drug which is used to control severe and unremitting cancer pain. It is possible to adjust the dose to meet each individuals requirement for pain relief without fear of addiction. Initial side-effects such as drowsiness, nausea or vomiting also quickly settle down. Constipation is a more persistent side-effect but it can easily be controlled with the appropriate use of laxatives. Morphine is a drug that is not freely available. CanSupport is fortunate to have a license for oral morphine which allows it to buy, store and dispense this drug to home care patients who need it. . Ques. 10: My relative with cancer has a reduced appetite. What should I do? Ans. 10: Anorexia (reduced appetite) is a common symptom as cancer advances. It is often very distressing for family members when the patient refuses to eat as one of the ways in which they can show they care is by preparing food to tempt their loved one to eat. It is, therefore, important to understand
