In that case, this medication might be used when needed for sudden attacks of "breakthrough" pain.

One of the promises is that you can use opioids off and on for breakthrough pain.

In addition, rescue-doses for breakthrough pain need to be added.

In open-label studies, 72% to 92% of patients found a dose that provided relief from breakthrough pain.

Talk with your doctor about medicines you should have on hand to be prepared for breakthrough pain.

Do not use more than 2 doses per episode of breakthrough pain.

"None of the preventative drugs are perfect; despite the medication, some patients will still have breakthrough pain," she says.

Learn about breakthrough pain and how to treat it.

Q: What about the use of opioids for breakthrough pain?

And new research confirms that breakthrough pain is common among noncancer patients.