Nucynta is a relatively new drug that is found to be useful in treating moderate and severe chronic pain. Its generic name is tapentadol which is an opioid, a chemical substance that is otherwise known as a narcotic. It is a centrally acting analgesic having a dual mode of action: a) as an agonist of the u-opioid receptor and as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

 

A Different Type of Pain Treatment

Nucynta was approved by the US FDA as a drug on August 26, 2011. It was likewise approved as such by the MHRA of the United Kingdom on February 4, 2011 and by the TGA of Australia on December 24, 2010. This medication is relatively fast acting since its painkilling properties takes effect within thirty-two minutes after its administration.

It is a single molecule with a different approach to pain relief. Nucynta is the latest molecule in analgesia in over 25 years used for treating moderate to severe chronic pain for patients who are 18 years old or older. Since it works differently than other forms of pain treatment, Nucynta may be an appropriate treatment for some patients who have unique therapy requirements.

How Nucynta Works in Treating Chronic Pain

Nucynta is similar to tramadol as far as its dual mechanism of action is concerned. It has the ability to activate the mu (µ) opioid receptor and inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine. However, it has only a weak effect on the reuptake of serotonin and is considerably a more powerful opioid which has no known active metabolites. Its potency is somewhat between that of morphine and tramadol.

Prescribed Uses of Nucynta

Nucynta is an oral analgesic which is only available by prescription and only to be used for the following indications:

• For the management of moderate to severe chronic pain in adults,
• For the management of neuropathic pain associated with DPN in adults, and
• When pain treatment is required as a continuous, around-the-clock opioid analgesic.

Nucynta Dosage Forms and Strengths

Nucynta tablets are round, biconvex and film-coated. They are available in different strengths, color and debossings. Here are the different types of Nucynta tablets:

1. 50 mg of tapentadol, yellow in color, with “O-M” on one side and “50” on the other side.
2. 75 mg of tapentadol, yellow-orange in color, with “O-M” on one side and “75” on the other side.
3. 100 mg of tapentadol, orange in color, with “O-M” on one side and “100” on the other side.

As with any opioid drug, the dosing regimen must be exactly adjusted to the physical and health condition of each patient. The following factors must be strictly considered:

• The total daily dose, potency and characteristic of the former opioid drug that the patient has taken previously.
• The patient’s degree of opioid tolerance.
• The type and severity of the pain the patient is suffering from.
• The other medications the patient is taking.
• The risk factors for abuse, or addiction.

How Nucynta is Typically Administered

The actual dosage for a particular patient depends on the severity of the pain he is suffering. Whatever type of dosage he may be given, the usual administration of the treatment is as follows:

• On the first day of dosing, the second dose can be given after one hour of the initial dose, that is, if pain relief is not yet attained. Subsequent dosing is 50 mg, 75 mg, or 100 mg every 4 to 6 hours. The actual dosage must be calibrated so that adequate pain relief, with acceptable tolerable limit is obtained.
• On the first day, it is recommended that no more than 700 mg is given to the patient and no more than 600 mg on subsequent days. There are no clinical studies that have been done yet to determine the safety of large and prolonged dosing of this opioid.

Cessation of Nucynta Treatment

When the patient is getting pain relief because of Nucynta therapy, he should not be taken off the drug suddenly. The dosing must be tapered off gradually to give his system enough time to adjust. This will prevent the occurrence of withdrawal signs and symptoms for the physically dependent patient.

Side Effects of Nucynta

As in other pharmaceutical drugs, Nucynta has also its share of side effects. But it doesn’t mean that all patients taking this drug will experience the same problems. Fortunately, most people tolerate this drug quite well. When side effects occur, they are usually only minor in character and do not pose any long-term health risks. These side effects can be alleviated easily with the help of a medical provider. So, far, there are no serious reactions experienced by patients under Nucynta therapy. However, patients taking this drug should be prepared to experience:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Drowsiness