Question

A 52-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer has chronic cancer pain managed with regular oral Morphine modified-release 30 mg twice daily and immediate-release 10 mg as needed. Her total daily Morphine dose yesterday was 60 mg regular plus 30 mg breakthrough (90 mg). According to palliative care prescribing principles, what is the most appropriate adjustment to her regular Morphine dose?

Accepted Answer

Increase the regular dose to 45 mg twice daily and adjust breakthrough accordingly.

Answer

Keep the regular dose at 30 mg twice daily and increase breakthrough only.

Answer

Stop regular Morphine and use breakthrough doses only.

Answer

Switch to intravenous Morphine at the same total daily dose without adjustment.

Answer

Double the regular dose immediately to 60 mg twice daily.

Practice question