Cancer Australia

Women with epithelial ovarian cancer who take morphine or other strong opioid drugs may worry that they are addictive or that they have unpleasant side-effects. These drugs are safe and effective for moderate to severe pain. The dose of morphine can be increased or reduced according to the severity of pain to provide relief from symptoms.

Side effects of morphine or opioid drugs

Possible side effects of morphine or other opioid drugs include:

• drowsiness
• constipation
• a dry mouth
• nausea and vomiting
• itchiness (a less common side effect). If this occurs, inform your doctor.

These side effects often subside after the first 2 or 3 days.