Fentanyl Citrate
RxNorm 310293· FENTANYL CITRATE· ORAL, TRANSMUCOSAL
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
Boxed Warning
WARNING: SERIOUS AND LIFE-THREATENING RISKS FROM USE OF ORAL TRANSMUCOSAL FENTANYL CITRATE (OTFC) Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Because the use of OTFC exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death, assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing and reassess all patients regularly for the development of these behaviors and conditions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has occurred in patients treated with Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC), including following use in opioid non-tolerant patients and improper dosing. Evaluate patients for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of OTFC or following a dosage increase. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of OTFC are essential. The substitution of OTFC for any other fentanyl product may result in fatal overdose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Due to the risk of respiratory depression, OTFC is contraindicated in the management of acute or postoperative pain including headache/migraine and in opioid non-tolerant patients [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Accidental Ingestion Accidental ingestion of even one dose of OTFC, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of fentanyl. Death has been reported in children who have accidentally ingested OTFC. OTFC must be kept out of reach of children [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. Risks From Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of OTFC and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate [see Warnings and Precauti…
Indications and usage
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients 16 years of age and older who are already receiving and who are tolerant to around-the-clock opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking, for one week or longer, around-the-clock medicine consisting of at least 60 mg of oral morphine per day, at least 25 mcg of transdermal fentanyl per hour, at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone per day, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone per day, at least 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, at least 60 mg of oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid. Patients must remain on around-the-clock opioids when taking OTFC. Limitations of Use: Not for use in opioid non-tolerant patients. Not for use in the management of acute or postoperative pain, including headache/migraine and dental pain [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . As a part of the TIRF REMS, OTFC may be dispensed by outpatient pharmacies only to outpatients enrolled in the program [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . For inpatient administration of OTFC, patient and prescriber enrollment are not required. OTFC is an opioid agonist indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients 16 years of age and older who are already receiving and who are tolerant to around-the-clock opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain. ( 1 ) Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking, for one week or longer, around-the-clock medicine consisting of at least 60 mg of oral morphine per day, at least 25 mcg of transdermal fentanyl per hour, at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone per day, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone per day, at least 25 mg oral oxymorphone per day, at least 60 mg of oral hydrocodone per day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid. Patients must remain on around-the-clock opioids while taking OTFC. Limitations of Use: Not for use in opioid non-tolerant patients. Not for use in the management of acute or postoperative pain, including headache/migraine or dental pain. ( 4 ) As a part of the TIRF REMS, OTFC may be dispensed by outpatient pharmacies only to outpatients enrolled in the program. ( 5.7 ) For inpatient administration of OTFC, patient and prescriber enrollment are not required.
Dosage and administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Patients must require and use around-the-clock opioids when taking OTFC. ( 1 ) OTFC should be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the use of opioids and how to mitigate the associated risks. ( 2.1 ) Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration of time consistent with individual patient treatment goals. Reserve titration to higher doses of OTFC for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. ( 2.1 , 5 ) Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient’s underlying cause and severity of pain, patient response, prior analgesic experience, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse. ( 2.1 , 5.1 ) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with OTFC. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments. ( 2.1 , 5.2 ) Discuss opioid overdose reversal agents and options for acquiring them with the patient and/or caregiver both when initiating and renewing treatment with OTFC, especially if the patient has additional risk factors for overdose, or close contacts at risk for exposure and overdose. ( 2.2 , 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.4 ) Initial dose of OTFC: 200 mcg. Prescribe an initial supply of six 200 mcg OTFC units. ( 2.3 ) Individually titrate to a tolerable dose that provides adequate analgesia using single OTFC dosage unit per breakthrough cancer pain episode. ( 2.4 ) No more than two doses can be taken per breakthrough pain episode. ( 2.4 , 2.5 ) Wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with OTFC. ( 2.4 , 2.5 ) Limit consumption to four or fewer units per day once successful dose is found. ( 2.5 ) Periodically reassess patients receiving OTFC to evaluate the continued need for opioid analgesics to maintain pain control, for the signs or symptoms of adverse reactions, and for the development of addiction, abuse, or misuse. ( 2.5 ) When opioid therapy is no longer required, consider discontinuing OTFC along with a gradual downward of other opioids to minimize possible withdrawal effects. ( 2.7 ) 2.1 Important Dosage and Administration Instructions Healthcare professionals who prescribe Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) for outpatients must enroll in the TIRF REMS and comply with the requirements of the REMS to ensure safe use of OTFC [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] . Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 )]. Because the risk of overdose increases as opioid doses increase, reserve titration to higher doses of OTFC for patients in whom lower doses are insufficiently effective and in whom the expected benefits of using a higher dose opioid clearly outweigh the substantial risks. It is important to minimize the number of strengths available to patients at any time to prevent confusion and possible overdose. There is variability in the opioid analgesic dose and duration needed to adequately manage pain due both to the cause of pain and to individual patient factors. Initiate the dosing regimen for each patient individually, taking into account the patient's severity of pain, patient response, prior analgesic treatment experience, and risk factors for addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially when initiating and following dosage increases with OTFC. Consider this risk when selecting an initial dose and when making dose adjustments [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5 )]. Instruct patients and caregivers to take steps to store OTFC securely and to properly dispose of unused OTFC as soon as no longer needed [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.3…
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia : Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia (OIH) occurs when an opioid analgesic paradoxically causes an increase in pain, or an increase in sensitivity to pain. If OIH is suspected, carefully consider appropriately decreasing the dose of the current opioid analgesic or opioid rotation. ( 5.9 ) Serotonin Syndrome : Potentially life-threatening condition could result from concomitant serotonergic drug administration. Discontinue OTFC if serotonin syndrome is suspected. ( 5.10 ) Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Patients with Chronic Pulmonary Disease or in Elderly, Cachectic, or Debilitated Patients : Regularly evaluate patients, particularly during initiation and titration. ( 5.11 ) Adrenal Insufficiency : If diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement of corticosteroids, and wean patient off of the opioid. ( 5.12 ) Severe Hypotension : Regularly evaluate patients during dosage initiation and titration. Avoid use of OTFC in patients with circulatory shock. ( 5.13 ) Risks of Use in Patients with Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, or Impaired Consciousness : Monitor for sedation and respiratory depression. Avoid use of OTFC in patients with impaired consciousness or coma. ( 5.14 ) 5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) contains fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, OTFC exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence ( 9 )] . Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed OTFC. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused. The risk of opioid-related overdose or overdose-related death is increased with higher opioid doses, and this risk persists over the course of therapy. In postmarketing studies, addiction, abuse, misuse, and fatal and non-fatal opioid overdose were observed in patients with long-term opioid use [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )] . Assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing OTFC, and reassess all patients receiving OTFC for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as OTFC, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of OTFC along with frequent reevaluation for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing OTFC. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient on careful storage of the drug during the course of treatment and proper disposal of unused drug. Contact local state professional licensing board or state-controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product. 5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid overdose reversal agents , depending on the patient’s clinical status [see Overdosage ( 10 )] . Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) retentio…
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) is contraindicated in: Opioid non-tolerant patients: Life-threatening respiratory depression and death could occur at any dose in opioid non-tolerant patients [see Indications and Usage ( 1 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Acute or postoperative pain including headache/migraine and dental pain, or acute pain in the emergency department [see Indications and Usage ( 1 )] . Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )]. Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )]. Known hypersensitivity to fentanyl or components of OTFC (e.g., anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity) [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.2 )]. Opioid non-tolerant patients. ( 4 ) Significant respiratory depression. ( 4 ) Management of acute or postoperative pain, including headache/migraine and dental pain. ( 4 ) Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in absence of resuscitative equipment. ( 4 ) Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus. ( 4 ) Known hypersensitivity to fentanyl or components of OTFC. ( 4 )
Drug interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 3 includes clinically significant drug interactions with Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC). Table 3: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with OTFC Inhibitors of CYP3A4 Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of OTFC and CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the plasma concentration of fentanyl, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of OTFC is achieved [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the fentanyl plasma concentration will decrease [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to fentanyl. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of OTFC until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate patients at frequent intervals for respiratory depression and sedation. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the OTFC dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal. Examples: Macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), grapefruit juice CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of OTFC and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of fentanyl [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to fentanyl [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] . After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the fentanyl plasma concentration will increase [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] , which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. Intervention: If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the OTFC dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Evaluate for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider OTFC dosage reduction and evaluate patients at frequent intervals for signs of respiratory depression and sedation. Examples: Rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants Clinical Impact: Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants including alcohol, increases the risk of respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death. Intervention: Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Inform patients and caregivers of this potential interaction and educate them on the signs and symptoms of respiratory depression (including sedation). If concomitant use is warranted, consider recommending or prescribing an opioid overdose reversal agent [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 , 5.2 , 5.4 )] . Examples: Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin or pregabalin), other opioids, alcohol. Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] . Intervention: If concomitant use is warranted, frequently evaluate the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue OTFC if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Examples: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapin…
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . Available data with Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage. There are risks to the mother and infant associated with use of OTFC for an extended period of time during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations). In animal reproduction studies, fentanyl administration to pregnant rats during organogenesis was embryocidal at doses within the range of the human recommended dosing. When administered during gestation through lactation fentanyl administration to pregnant rats resulted in reduced pup survival at doses within the range of the human recommended dosing. No evidence of malformations were noted in animal studies completed to date [see Data] . The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Use of opioid analgesics for an extended period of time during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to gain weight. The onset of neonatal withdrawal symptoms usually occurs in the first days after birth. The duration and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome may vary. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] . Labor or Delivery Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid overdose reversal agent, such as naloxone or nalmefene, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. OTFC is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including OTFC, can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression. Data Human Data In women treated acutely with intravenous or epidural fentanyl during labor, symptoms of neonatal respiratory or neurological depression were no more frequent than would be expected in infants of untreated mothers. Transient neonatal muscular rigidity has been observed in infants whose mothers were treated with intravenous fentanyl. Animal Data Fentanyl (25, 50, or 100 mcg/kg) citrate was administered subcutaneously to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis (Gestation Day, GD 6 to 17). Maternal toxicity and a decrease in fetal weights were observed at 100 mcg/kg but no teratogenicity was seen in the study (the no observed effect level of 50 mcg/kg is equivalent to 0.7 times the exposure of a single human dose of 1600 mcg per pain episode, based on an AUC comparison). Fentanyl (50, 100, or 250 mcg/kg) was also administered subcutaneously to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis (GD 6-18). Maternal toxicity was noted at doses >100 mcg/kg. No teratogenicity was seen in the study (250 mcg/kg dose is equivalent to 3.5 times the exposure of a single human d…
Adverse events
Most frequently reported events (FDA FAERS). Report frequency does not imply causation.
- dependence3,935
- overdose2,444
- death2,060
- drug abuse1,730
- toxicity to various agents1,369
- ill-defined disorder1,288
- cardiac arrest913
- respiratory arrest737
- drug ineffective710
- drug hypersensitivity628
- nausea599
- pain572
- wrong technique in drug usage process488
- accidental overdose456
- off label use451
- vomiting413
Adverse reactions (label)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia and Allodynia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Adrenal Insufficiency [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Severe Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.15 )] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.16 )] Most common (frequency ≥5%): nausea, dizziness, somnolence, vomiting, asthenia, and headache, dyspnea, constipation, anxiety, confusion, depression, rash, and insomnia. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Teva Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-483-8279 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of Oral Transmucosal Fentanyl Citrate (OTFC) has been evaluated in 257 opioid-tolerant chronic cancer pain patients. The duration of OTFC use varied during the open-label study. Some patients were followed for over 21 months. The average duration of therapy in the open-label study was 129 days. The most serious adverse reactions associated with OTFC are respiratory depression (potentially leading to apnea or respiratory arrest), circulatory depression, hypotension, and shock. Because the clinical trials of OTFC were designed to evaluate safety and efficacy in treating breakthrough cancer pain, all patients were also taking concomitant opioids, such as sustained-release morphine or transdermal fentanyl, for their persistent cancer pain. The adverse event data presented here reflect the actual percentage of patients experiencing each adverse effect among patients who received OTFC for breakthrough cancer pain along with a concomitant opioid for persistent cancer pain. There has been no attempt to correct for concomitant use of other opioids, duration of OTFC therapy, or cancer-related symptoms. Three short-term clinical trials with similar titration schemes were conducted in 257 patients with malignancy and breakthrough cancer pain. Data are available for 254 of these patients. Table 1 lists, by dose groups, adverse reactions with an overall frequency of 1% or greater that occurred during titration. The ability to assign a dose-response relationship to these adverse reactions is limited by the titration schemes used in these studies. Adverse reactions are listed in descending order of frequency within each body system. Table 1. Percent of Patients with Specific Adverse Events Commonly Associated with Opioid Administration or of Particular Clinical Interest Which Occurred During Titration (Events in 1% or More of Patients) Dose Group Percentage of Patients Reporting Event 200- 600 mcg (n=230) 800- 1400 mcg (n=138) 1600 mcg (n=54) >1600 mcg (n=41) Any Dose Any Dose = A patient who experienced the same adverse event at multiple doses was only counted once. (n=254) Body As A Whole Asthenia 6 4 0 7 9 Headache 3 4 6 5 6 Accidental Injury 1 1 4 0 2 Digestive Nausea 14 15 11 22 23 Vomiting 7 6 6 15 12 Constipation 1 4 2 0 4 Nervous Dizziness 10 16 6 15 17 Somnolence 9 9 11 20 17 Confusion 1 6 2 0 4 Anxiety 3 0 2 0 3 Abnormal Gait 0 1 4 0 2 Dry Mouth 1 1 2 0 2 Nervousness 1 1 0 0 2 Vasodilatation 2 0 2 0 2 Hallucinations 0 1 2 2 1 Insomnia 0 1 2 0 1 Thinking Abnormal 0 1 2 0 1 Vertigo 1 0 0 0 1 Respiratory Dyspnea…
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