Abstral® is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in adult patients using opioid therapy for chronic cancer pain. Breakthrough pain is a transient exacerbation of otherwise controlled chronic background pain.*1
Adverse Events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse Events should also be reported to Kyowa Kirin International UK NewCo Ltd, known as Grünenthal Meds on +44 (0)1896 664000, email PVUK@grunenthalmeds.com
Click here for Prescribing Information.
*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
Pharmacotherapy
Abstral®
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INTRODUCTION
Abstral® is a quick dissolving sublingual tablet formulation of fentanyl. Fentanyl has a rapid onset of analgesia and short duration of action, which makes it suitable to treat episodes of BTcP.1
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EFFICACY
Evidence from clinical studies demonstrating Abstral's efficacy in relieving BTcP.
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PATIENT PREFERENCE
Placebo formulations of Abstral®, a buccal/sublingual tablet and nasal spray have been compared in a small (n=30) survey to give interesting insight into patient preference.2
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HOW TO PRESCRIBE
Guidance on how patients should take Abstral®, including instructions on titration.
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FORMULATION GUIDANCE
Information on the need for caution when considering switching transmucosal fentanyl formulations and additional links to further safety considerations.
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PRESCRIBING AND ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING INFORMATION
Direction on prescribing Abstral®, covering information from dosage ranges to precautions.
Resources
Abstral® (fentanyl (as citrate)) is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in adult patients using opioid therapy for chronic cancer pain. Breakthrough pain is a transient exacerbation of otherwise controlled chronic background pain. Please note not all medicines containing opioids are authorised for all types of pain indication. Refer to the summary of product characteristics before prescribing. For advice on the responsible use of opioids, including those indicated for other types of pain, please click here
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References
1. Abstral® Summary of Product Characteristics.
2. Portenoy RK et al. Pain. 1999;81:129–134.
3. Portenoy RK. Pain. 1990;4:273–281.
4. Simmonds MA. Oncology. 1999;13(8):1-9.
5. Davies AN et al. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2018;0:1–9.
6. Mercadante M et al. Pain. 2016;157(12):2657–2663.
7. England R et al. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2011;1:349–351.
KKI/INT/KKI/0606 November 2023