Case 1. Mrs A. is 67 years old and has had rheumatoid arthritis for over 30 years. She is maintained on methotrexate 20mg a week, low dosages of corticosteroids and meloxicam 15mg once daily.

Fentanyl patches offer a continuous dose and last 72 hours. According to the National Institute of Health , the normal IV dose for post-operative pain control is 50 to 100 mcg every 1 to 2 hours ...