Morphine is a medicine that comes from a natural plant called the poppy plant. Morphine is used all over the world as a way of controlling pain. Morphine can be taken many ways, the most common are: by injection (usually in a hospital) or swallowed as a tablet or as a liquid drink. Tablets or liquid can be taken regularly at home and allow the patient to treat their pain while living with family and/or friends.

Many people with cancer experience pain. This pain can stop you doing what you want to do. Treating this pain means that you can stay more comfortable and in control of your life.

Every person is different and needs different amounts. It may take a while to find the right amount for you. The right amount will control your pain but not make you confused or sleepy.

If you have had bad pain it has probably stopped you doing many things you would like to do. Pain may stop you sleeping, eating or moving around. When you are in pain you may not want to get out of bed or talk to your friends and family. With Morphine to help you control that pain you can enjoy some or all of these activities again.

When you start taking Morphine you may feel extra sleepy for a few days as your body catches up on sleep and gets used to taking Morphine. If you keep feeling sleepy, talk to your doctor as the amount of Morphine you are taking may need to be changed.

Taking Morphine can sometimes make your bowels constipated (hard). Your doctor or nurse or local chemist can tell you what to take for this.

Some patients feel a little sick in the stomach when they first take Morphine. This usually goes away in a few days. If you continue to feel sick, talk to your doctor and he/she can give you medicine to help stop this.

If you become confused, dizzy or forgetful while taking Morphine, talk to your doctor as the amount you are taking may need to be changed.

Morphine is to control pain. Taking Morphine does not make your life longer or shorter. By controlling pain Morphine makes life better for the patient with cancer.

Morphine can be dangerous if it is taken by the wrong person for the wrong reasons. Your doctor has given Morphine for you only and it MUST NOT be shared with anyone else. Morphine should be kept out of sight in a locked cupboard.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP MORPHINE AWAY FROM CHILDREN.

Morphine may make your mind and body a little slower than usual so for the safety of everyone you should NOT drive or use motor-driven machinery while taking Morphine.

Morphine works best when taken in regular doses everyday. Your pain control will be poor if you wait until the pain gets too bad to take Morphine. Liquid Morphine is usually taken every 3 to 6 hours and tablets 2 times a day. Tablets are best taken when you wake up at about 6am or so, then again at 6pm after eating and before bed. Tablets must be swallowed whole and NOT crushed.

Write down when you take your Morphine, how much you take and how your pain is feeling. This will help your doctor or nurse to make sure that you are getting the best treatment for you.

Tell your doctor or nurse if the pain returns or gets worse. Your Morphine dose may need to be changed or you need other medicine as well.

Before you see the doctor or nurse think about what questions you want them to answer. Write them down if it helps you remember. Don't be afraid to ask them for information about your body, because they are there to help you live the healthiest life you can.

For many people in Fiji , drinking Kava (yaqona) and/or alcohol is an important part of their enjoyment of life. You can still enjoy Kava and/or alcohol while taking Morphine. If you drink Kava or alcohol you should let your doctor know as the amount of Morphine you need may be different.

If you are taking natural/traditional medicines or western medicines other than Morphine, make sure your doctor knows about this.