Opioid trial for COPD breathlessness halted early
NCT ID NCT04004117
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a low dose of fentanyl, a strong painkiller, placed under the tongue could help people with severe COPD feel less breathless during exercise. The trial planned to include 40 participants but was stopped early. Because it was terminated, we cannot draw clear conclusions about whether fentanyl helps or is safe for this purpose.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
fentanyl citrate solution (sublingual)
What this could lead to
If it had worked, this could point toward a new option for managing severe breathlessness in COPD patients who still struggle despite standard treatments.
What could go wrong
The trial was terminated early with only 40 participants, so we don't have enough data to know if fentanyl is safe or effective for this use. Fentanyl is a strong opioid and carries risks of addiction and side effects.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Royal University Hospital
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N0W8, Canada