RSD In the News : FWD:Medication Safety Update

SAFETY UPDATE
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MEDICATION SAFETY UPDATE
Fentanyl Buccal Tablet (Fentora)

Cephalon, the manufacturer of Fentora, has communicated important safety information regarding the fentanyl buccal tablet. Patients and caregivers must be aware of important safety information. Before taking fentanyl buccal tablet (Fentora), they should understand who should use the medication, who should not, and how it should be taken. Reports of death have occurred with when this medication was not used appropriately.

This medication is a prescription opioid that is indicated only for the management of breakthrough pain in adults (18 years or older) with cancer pain. For more information about breakthrough pain, see page 13 in the APF publication, Treatment Options. Improperly taken fentanyl buccal tablet (Fentora) can cause breathing problems which can lead to death.

Do NOT use the fentanyl buccal tablet:
a. Unless you are opioid tolerant (meaning you are regularly taking opioid pain medication and your body is used to them).
b. For short-term pain from surgery or injuries or for headaches including migraine.
Do NOT take the fentanyl buccal tablet more often than prescribed.
Do NOT share this medicine with anyone. Like all opioids, it can be abused by people who abuse prescription medications or street drugs.
If your healthcare provider recommends fentanyl buccal tablet (Fentora) for you:

Work together with your provider as you find the dose that works best for you.
Once that dose is found, use only one tablet per breakthrough pain episode.
* If your breakthrough pain is not relieved within 30 minutes, if prescribed, it is okay to take a second dose of medicine.
* You must wait at least four hours before taking another dose should a repeat episode of breakthrough pain occur.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have more than four breakthrough pain episodes per day as your medication plan may need to be adjusted.
Carefully read the Medication Guide that comes with each prescription of this medication.
Speak directly with your healthcare provider for any questions. Your local pharmacist can provide additional information upon your request.
If you are currently taking oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (Actiq) and your healthcare provider decides to change your medicine to fentanyl buccal tablet (Fentora):

STOP taking the oral transmucosal fentanyl ONCE you start taking the fentanyl buccal tablet.
Fentanyl buccal tablet (Fentora) is not a generic version of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (Actiq).
The FDA posted a safety notice to Healthcare Professionals on September 13, 2007 regarding this opioid pain medication. For more information, see: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Fentora. You can also contact the Cephalon Medical Services (1-800-895-5855) or go to http://www.fentora.com/.

IMPORTANT: Keep your pain medication in a safe place away from children. Accidental use by a child is a medical emergency and can result in death. If a child accidentally takes Fentora, get emergency help right away.