A new oral, dual-action painkiller is available this week for the treatment of adults with severe chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis (OA), lower back and cancer pain, which can only be adequately managed with opioid analgesics. Tapentadol prolonged release (Palexia SR) is a centrally acting analgesic that works as a µ-opioid receptor agonist and through noradrenaline reuptake inhibition. It is being marketed by Grünenthal as a Schedule 2 Controlled Drug.

Addressing delegates at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society annual conference, president Martin Astbury stressed the importance of maintaining the quality of pharmaceutical services for patients as new technologies and laws are introduced. Royal Pharmaceutical Society president Martin Astbury says further technological advances and legislative changes in pharmacy must maintain a high standard of pharmaceutical care and patient safety