Abstral^®

Switching Transmucosal Fentanyl Formulations

Transmucosal fentanyl formulations include tablets for sublingual¹ or buccal² administration, lozenges³ and nasal sprays.^4,5

It is important to be aware that the pharmacokinetics of these products vary and so they are not interchangeable. This applies to different formulations of fentanyl and different brands of fentanyl tablets.⁶

If patients are to be switched from one form of transmucosal fentanyl to another, a new dose titration is required in compliance with instructions on the relevant summary of product characteristics.^1-5

For safety information on Abstral, please click here for access to the full SmPC.

*Abstral^® should only be administered to patients who are considered tolerant to their opioid therapy for persistent cancer pain. Patients can be considered opioid tolerant if they take at least 60 mg of oral morphine daily, at least 25 micrograms of transdermal fentanyl per hour, at least 30 mg of oxycodone daily, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for a week or longer.¹