Sustained-release fentanyl patches may be helpful in some cases. Nerve blocks or other surgical procedures to alleviate discomfort can also be employed. This relatively new device has practically revolutionized pain control in cancer patients. Since its release, the use of morphine pumps has declined. The patch boasts ease of use, portability, flexible dosing, and efficacy.
Side effects are generally minimal or easily managed.
The transdermal fentanyl patch is indicated for chronic pain in cats with moderate to severe pain requiring constant analgesia. The active ingredient, fentanyl citrate, is approximately 75 times more potent than morphine, yet produces fewer histaminic side effects. Because of the cat's small size, only the 25 mg per hour size is recommended. Transdermal fentanyl patches are efficacious. In one study, fentanyl patches were applied to the skin of six cats, and blood samples for fentanyl analysis were collected over 104 hours.