Kadian is meant to be used around-the-clock at scheduled times. It is not approved for an "as needed" basis (unscheduled use only when needed) or for short-term use. Kadian is not appropriate for treating pain after a surgery, unless you were already taking Kadian before the surgery or if your pain is expected to be moderate to severe and long-lasting. The highest strengths (100 mg and 200 mg) are not appropriate (and may even be dangerous) for people who are not accustomed to taking opioid medications. In general, most people who take Kadian switch from other long-acting
morphine medications (or other similar drugs) or from short-acting morphine.
Kadian is unique because it allows for once-daily or twice-daily dosing. This, combined with the many different strengths of Kadian that are available, allows your healthcare provider to "fine tune" your morphine dose to your specific situation. Also, Kadian can be swallowed whole, sprinkled on applesauce, or taken through a stomach tube
(see Kadian Dosage for further instructions). Often, people need to take additional short-acting "rescue" painkillers in addition to Kadian for "breakthrough" pain.
Because Kadian contains morphine, it can be used (or rather, abused) inappropriately
(see Kadian Abuse).
