HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Suggest Treatment For Lung Cancer

Posted on Wed, 23 Mar 2016

Question: My husband is a 62-year old male who was diagnosed with lung cancer last week. We see his oncologist today to learn the type, treatment, and prognosis. He is in excruciating pain. There are two masses in one lung, and the radiologist who performed a CT-guided needle biopsy told us one of these is invading the pleural space. Can his physician change the nature of his pain killers (adding an extended release opiate and an immediate release opiate), and can the doctor force the pharmacy to fill these right away even though his last prescription (for Lortab 10-325) is not due for a refill for three days? If not, how is pain supposed to be managed for cancer patients?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. Usually a single type of opiate is prescribed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I can understand your concern. I will advise you to get him admitted in a daycare setting for a few hours so that he can get 2 or 3 doses of intravenous opiate. Simultaneously a patch formulation of opiate or oral drugs can be started to take over and then the dose can be adjusted. this is the usual approach. Once his treatment for cancer starts, pain will subside gradually and then opiated can be tapered off.
You can discuss this with your physician and he can very well change the prescription depending upon the need
thanks

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D