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Abstral®

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.

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

Transmucosal Fentanyl

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

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. Effentora Summary of Product Characteristics.

    3. Actiq Summary of Product Characteristics.

    4. PecFent® Summary of Product Characteristics.

    5. lnstanyl Summary of Product Characteristics.

    6. Palliative Care Formulary 5th edition 2014.

    KKI/INT/ABS/0009 November 2023