Morphine to Fentanyl Patch Conversion — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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EasyPain ManagementMorphine to Fentanyl Patch ConversionSCE Palliative Medicine

A 72‑year‑old man with advanced cancer requires switching from oral morphine 120 mg per 24 hours to a fentanyl transdermal patch. According to current UK opioid‑conversion guidance for patients on stable, tolerated regimens, which fentanyl patch strength is most appropriate?

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Correct answer: B — Fentanyl 50 mcg/hr

Option B (50 mcg/hr) is correct. Current UK sources (e.g. Right Decisions and Oxfordshire formulary) show that a fentanyl patch delivering 50 mcg/hour corresponds to ~120 mg of oral morphine over 24 hours, matching the patient’s existing opioid dose. Option E (100 mcg/hr) would equate to ~240 mg morphine, risking opioid overdose. Option C (75 mcg/hr) ≈180 mg morphine, still too high. Option D (25 mcg/hr) corresponds to ~60 mg morphine, underdosing. Option A (12 mcg/hr) is only ~30–60 mg, clearly inadequate.

Reference: Right Decisions: Drugs Used in Chronic Non‑Malignant Pain; Right Decisions: Fentanyl patches dosage conversion; Oxfordshire Formulary – Fentanyl equivalence, https://www.rightdecisions.scot.nhs.uk/shared-content/palliative-care/fentanyl-patches/

Morphine to Fentanyl Patch Conversion — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

A 72‑year‑old man with advanced cancer requires switching from oral morphine 120 mg per 24 hours to a fentanyl transdermal patch. According to current UK opioid‑conversion guidance for patients on stable, tolerated regimens, which fentanyl patch strength is most appropriate?

A 72‑year‑old man with advanced cancer requires switching from oral morphine 120 mg per 24 hours to a fentanyl transdermal patch. According to current UK opioid‑conversion guidance for patients on stable, tolerated regimens, which fentanyl patch strength is most appropriate?