Description and Brand Names
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
US Brand Name
- Abstral
- Actiq
- Fentora
- Onsolis
- Subsys
Descriptions
Fentanyl is used to treat severe pain in cancer patients. It is used for breakthrough cancer pain, which are flares of pain that “break through” after a routine pain medicine has been used. Fentanyl belongs to the group of medicines called opioid analgesics. It is only used in patients who are already taking opioid analgesics.
Fentanyl acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Some of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS. When an opioid is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming or cause mental or physical dependence. However, under the close supervision of a healthcare provider, people who have continuous pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using opioids to relieve pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is less likely to occur when opioids are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal symptoms if treatment is stopped suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before the medicine is stopped completely. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of this medicine and how to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
This medicine is available only under a restricted distribution program called the TIRF (Transmucosal Immediate Release Fentanyl) REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program.
This product is available in the following dosage forms:
- Spray
- Tablet
- Lozenge/Troche
Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2024
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