Fentanyl buccal (Fentora) Drug Information on MedicineNet.com

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GENERIC NAME:FENTANYL TABLET - BUCCAL FEN-tuh-nill)

BRAND NAME(S): Fentora

USES: See also Warning section.

This medication is used to treat moderate-to-severe sudden (breakthrough) cancer pain. It acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. This medication is a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type).

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section. Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using fentanyl and each time you get a refill. Learn all usage and disposal instructions. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take fentanyl as directed by your doctor. You may be instructed to use more than 1 tablet at a time. Just before using, open the blister pack unit as instructed. Do not push the tablet through the foil of the blister pack because doing so may damage the tablet. Use the medication right away. Do not break, bite, chew, or suck on the medication or swallow the medication whole. Put the medication in your mouth above a back tooth between your cheek and gums, and leave it in place until it is dissolved. The medication usually takes 14 to 25 minutes to fully dissolve. If there is still some medication left after 30 minutes, swallow it with a glass of water.

If a second dose is needed, take the same dose of the medication 30 minutes after starting the first dose. Do not use more than 2 doses per attack of pain.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the pain has worsened, the medication may not work as well.

If you start to have side effects (e.g., dizziness, stomach upset, extreme drowsiness), rinse your mouth with water and spit the medication into a toilet or sink. Rinse the sink or flush the toilet afterwards to remove any remaining medication.

You should also continue to take your long-acting narcotic medication for ongoing pain as directed by your doctor. Also follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions for safely using non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., naproxen, ibuprofen). Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., restlessness, watery eyes, twitching, widened pupils) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal reactions when stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. To lessen the risk of becoming addicted, do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

To avoid any confusion and chance of overdose, you should have and use only 1 strength of the medication at a time.

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of certain medications in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor if your pain persists or worsens, if you are using this medication more than 4 times per day, or if you are consistently using 2 doses of medication for each attack of pain.