Fentanyl Buccal

Patient Information

Medication Guide

Fentanyl Buccal Tablets

IMPORTANT

Do not use fentanyl buccal tablets unless you are regularly using another opioid pain medicine around-the-clock for at least one week or longer for your cancer pain and your body is used to these medicines (this means you are opioid tolerant). You can ask your healthcare provider if you are opioid tolerant. Keep fentanyl buccal tablets in a safe place away from children. Get emergency help right away if:

• a child takes fentanyl buccal tablets. Fentanyl buccal tablets can cause an overdose and death in any child who takes it.
• an adult who has not been prescribed fentanyl buccal tablets uses it.
• an adult who is not already taking opioids around-the-clock, uses fentanyl buccal tablets.

These are medical emergencies that can cause death. If possible, try to remove fentanyl buccal tablets from the mouth.

Fentanyl buccal tablets are:

• A strong prescription pain medicine that contain an opioid (narcotic) that is used to manage breakthrough pain in adults with cancer who are already routinely taking other opioid pain medicines around-the-clock for cancer pain. Fentanyl buccal tablets are started only after you have been taking other opioid pain medicines and your body has become used to them (you are opioid tolerant). Do not use fentanyl buccal tablets if you are not opioid tolerant.
• An opioid pain medicine that can put you at risk for overdose and death. Even if you take your dose correctly as prescribed you are at risk for opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse that can lead to death.

Important information about fentanyl buccal tablets:

• Get emergency help right away if you take too much fentanyl buccal tablets (overdose). When you first start taking fentanyl buccal tablets, when your dose is changed, or if you take too much (overdose), serious life-threatening breathing problems that can lead to death may occur.
• Taking fentanyl buccal tablets with other medicines that may make you sleepy, such as other pain medicines, anti-depressants, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medicines, antihistamines, or tranquilizers, or with alcohol or street drugs can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, breathing problems, coma, and death.
• Never give anyone else your fentanyl buccal tablets. They could die from taking it. Store fentanyl buccal tablets away from children and in a safe place to prevent stealing or abuse. Selling or giving away fentanyl buccal tablets is against the law.
• If you stop taking your around-the-clock opioid pain medicine for your cancer pain, you must stop using fentanyl buccal tablets. You may no longer be opioid tolerant. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to treat your pain.
• Fentanyl buccal tablets are available only through a program called the Transmucosal Immediate Release Fentanyl (TIRF) Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Access program. To receive fentanyl buccal tablets, you must:
  • talk to your healthcare provider
  • understand the benefits and risks of fentanyl buccal tablets
  • agree to all of the instructions
  • sign the Patient-Prescriber Agreement form
• Fentanyl buccal tablets are only available at pharmacies that are part of the TIRF REMS Access program. Your healthcare provider will let you know the pharmacy closest to your home where you can have your fentanyl buccal tablets prescription filled.
• Be very careful about taking other medicines that may make you sleepy, such as other pain medicines, anti-depressant medicines, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medicines, antihistamines, or tranquilizers.
• Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Do not take fentanyl buccal tablets if:

• You are not opioid tolerant. Opioid tolerant means that you are already taking other opioid pain medicines around-the-clock for at least one week or longer for your cancer pain, and your body is used to these medicines.
• You have severe asthma, trouble breathing, or other lung problems.
• You have a bowel blockage or have narrowing of the stomach or intestines.
• You are allergic to any of the ingredients in fentanyl buccal tablets. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in fentanyl buccal tablets.
• You have short-term pain that you would expect to go away in a few days, such as:
  • pain after surgery
  • headache or migraine
  • dental pain

Before taking fentanyl buccal tablets, tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of:

• Troubled breathing or lung problems such as asthma, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• head injury, seizures
• slow heart rate or other heart problems
• low blood pressure
• abuse of street or prescription drugs, alcohol addiction, or mental health problems
• mental problems [including major depression, schizophrenia or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)]
• problems urinating
• liver, kidney, thyroid problems
• pancreas or gallbladder problems

Tell your healthcare provider if you are:

• pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Prolonged use of fentanyl buccal tablets during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in your newborn baby that could be life-threatening if not recognized and treated.
• breastfeeding. Fentanyl buccal tablets pass into breast milk and may harm your baby.
• taking prescription over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. Taking fentanyl buccal tablets with certain other medicines can cause serious side effects that could lead to death.

When taking fentanyl buccal tablets:

• • Do not change your dose. Take fentanyl buccal tablets exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
  • Your healthcare provider will change the dose until you and your healthcare provider find the right dose for you.
  • See the detailed Instructions for Use at the end of this Medication Guide for information about how to use fentanyl buccal tablets.
  • Use fentanyl buccal tablets whole.
  • Do not crush, split, suck, or chew fentanyl buccal tablets, or swallow the tablets whole. You will get less relief for your breakthrough cancer pain.
  • Wait 30 minutes after using fentanyl buccal tablets. If there is any of the fentanyl buccal tablet left in your mouth, you may drink a glass of water to help you swallow the left over medicine.

• You must not use more than 2 doses of fentanyl buccal tablets for each episode of breakthrough cancer pain.
• Use 1 dose of fentanyl buccal tablets for an episode of breakthrough cancer pain.
• If your breakthrough cancer pain does not get better 30 minutes after taking the first dose of fentanyl buccal tablets, you can use only 1 more dose of fentanyl buccal tablets as instructed by your healthcare provider.
• If your breakthrough pain does not get better after the second dose of fentanyl buccal tablets, call your healthcare provider for instructions. Do not use another dose of fentanyl buccal tablets at this time.
• Wait at least 4 hours before treating a new episode of breakthrough cancer pain with fentanyl buccal tablets.
• If you only need to take 1 dose of fentanyl buccal tablets for an episode of breakthrough pain, you must wait 4 hours from the time of that dose to take a dose of fentanyl buccal tablets for a new episode of breakthrough pain.
• If you need to use 2 doses of fentanyl buccal tablets for an episode of breakthrough pain, you must wait 4 hours after the second dose to take a dose of fentanyl buccal tablets for a new episode of breakthrough pain.
• It is important for you to keep taking your around-the-clock opioid pain medicine while using fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if your dose of fentanyl buccal tablets does not relieve your breakthrough cancer pain. Your healthcare provider will decide if your dose of fentanyl buccal tablets needs to be changed.
• Talk to your healthcare provider if you have more than 4 episodes of breakthrough cancer pain per day. The dose of your around-the-clock opioid pain medicine may need to be adjusted.
• If you begin to feel dizzy, sick to your stomach, or very sleepy before the tablet is completely dissolved, rinse your mouth with water and spit the remaining pieces of the tablet into a sink or toilet right away. Rinse the sink or flush the toilet to dispose of any remaining tablet pieces.
• Do not stop taking fentanyl buccal tablets without talking to your healthcare provider. You could become sick with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms because your body has become used to these medicines. Physical dependency is not the same as drug addiction.
• After you stop taking, or when fentanyl buccal tablets is no longer needed, see “How should I dispose of unused fentanyl buccal tablets when they are no longer needed?” for proper disposal of fentanyl buccal tablets.
• DO NOT Drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how fentanyl buccal tablets affect you. Fentanyl buccal tablets can make you sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded.
• DO NOT Drink alcohol or use prescription or over-the-counter medicines that contain alcohol. Using products containing alcohol during treatment with fentanyl buccal tablets may cause you to overdose and die.
• DO NOT Switch from fentanyl buccal tablets to other medicines that contain fentanyl without talking with your healthcare provider. The amount of fentanyl in a dose of fentanyl buccal tablets is not the same as the amount of fentanyl in other medicines that contain fentanyl. Your healthcare provider will prescribe a starting dose of fentanyl buccal tablets that may be different than other fentanyl containing medicines you may have been taking.

The possible side effects of fentanyl buccal tablets:

• constipation, nausea, sleepiness, vomiting, tiredness, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain, low red blood cell count, swelling of the arms, hands, legs and feet Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms and they are severe.
• Decreased blood pressure. This can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded if you get up too fast from sitting or lying down.
• Pain, irritation, or sores at the application site (on your gum, on the inside of your cheek, or under your tongue). Tell your healthcare provider if this is a problem for you.

Get emergency medical help if you have:

• trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, chest pain, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, extreme drowsiness, light-headedness when changing positions, feeling faint, agitation, high body temperature, trouble walking, stiff muscles, or mental changes such as confusion.
• These symptoms can be a sign that you have taken too much fentanyl buccal tablets or the dose is too high for you. These symptoms may lead to serious problems or death if not treated right away. If you have any of these symptoms, do not take any more fentanyl buccal tablets until you have talked to your healthcare provider.

These are not all the possible side effects of fentanyl buccal tablets. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. For more information go to dailymed.nlm.nih.gov

How should I store fentanyl buccal tablets?

• Always keep fentanyl buccal tablets in a safe place away from children and from anyone for whom it has not been prescribed. Protect fentanyl buccal tablets from theft.
• Store fentanyl buccal tablets at room temperature, 59oF to 86oF (15o C to 30oC) until ready to use. Do not freeze fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Keep fentanyl buccal tablets in the original blister unit. Do not remove fentanyl buccal tablets from its blister packaging for storage in a temporary container, such as a pill box.
• Keep fentanyl buccal tablets dry.

How should I dispose of unused fentanyl buccal tablets when they are no longer needed?

• Dispose of any unused fentanyl buccal tablets remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed.
  • Remove the tablets from blister packages and flush them down the toilet.
• Do not flush the fentanyl buccal tablets packaging (card, blister units or cartons) down the toilet.
• If you need help with disposal of fentanyl buccal tablets, call Teva Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-483-8279 or call your local Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) office.

General information about fentanyl buccal tablets

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Use fentanyl buccal tablets only for the purpose for which it was prescribed. Do not give fentanyl buccal tablets to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. Fentanyl buccal tablets can harm other people and even cause death. Sharing fentanyl buccal tablets is against the law.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about fentanyl buccal tablets. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about fentanyl buccal tablets that is written for health professionals.

For more information about the TIRF REMS Access program, go to www.TIRFREMSAccess.com or call 1-866-822-1483.

What are the ingredients in fentanyl buccal tablets?

Active Ingredient: fentanyl citrate

Inactive Ingredients: mannitol, sodium starch glycolate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, citric acid, and magnesium stearate.

Patient Instructions for Use

Before you use fentanyl buccal tablets, it is important that you read the Medication Guide and these Instructions for Use. Be sure that you read, understand, and follow these Instructions for Use so that you use fentanyl buccal tablets the right way. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions about the right way to use fentanyl buccal tablets.

When you get an episode of breakthrough cancer pain, use the dose of fentanyl buccal tablets prescribed by your healthcare provider as follows:

• Fentanyl buccal tablets come packaged as a blister card containing 4 blister units. Each blister unit contains 1 fentanyl buccal tablet. Do not open a blister until ready to use.
• Separate one of the blister units from the blister card by tearing apart at the perforations. Bend the blister unit along the line where indicated. The product strength of your fentanyl buccal tablets will be printed in the boxed area shown as XXX mcg (See Figure 1).

Figure 1

 

• Peel back foil on blister unit to expose tablet (See Figure 2).

Figure 2

 

• Do not push the tablet through the foil on the blister unit because this could damage the tablet.
• When removed from the blister unit, fentanyl buccal tablets must be used right away.
• Use fentanyl buccal tablets whole.
• Do not crush, split, suck, or chew fentanyl buccal tablets, or swallow the tablets whole. You will get less relief for your breakthrough cancer pain.
• You can place a fentanyl buccal tablet:
  • in your mouth above a rear molar tooth between the upper cheek and gum (See Figure 3). Switch (alternate) sides of your mouth for each dose.

Figure 3

 

OR,

• on the floor of your mouth, under your tongue (See Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d).
  • When placing the tablet under your tongue, first lift your tongue (4b), then place the tablet under your tongue (4c), and lower your tongue over the tablet (4d).

Figure 4a, Figure 4b, Figure 4c and Figure 4d

 

• Leave the tablet in place until it dissolves. A fentanyl buccal tablet generally takes between 14 to 25 minutes to dissolve.
• After 30 minutes, if there is any fentanyl buccal tablet left in your mouth, you may drink a glass of water to help you swallow the left over medicine.
• If you cannot use fentanyl buccal tablets in this manner, tell your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you what to do.

This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Description

Fentanyl buccal tablets are an opioid agonist, intended for buccal mucosal administration. Fentanyl buccal tablets are designed to be placed and retained within the buccal cavity for a period sufficient to allow disintegration of the tablet and absorption of fentanyl across the oral mucosa.

Fentanyl buccal tablets employ the OraVescent® drug delivery technology, which generates a reaction that releases carbon dioxide when the tablet comes in contact with saliva. It is believed that transient pH changes accompanying the reaction may optimize dissolution (at a lower pH) and membrane permeation (at a higher pH) of fentanyl through the buccal mucosa.

Active Ingredient

Fentanyl citrate, USP is N-(1-Phenethyl-4-piperidyl) propionanilide citrate (1:1). Fentanyl is a highly lipophilic compound (octanol-water partition coefficient at pH 7.4 is 816:1) that is freely soluble in organic solvents and sparingly soluble in water (1:40). The molecular weight of the free base is 336.5 (the citrate salt is 528.6). The pKa of the tertiary nitrogens are 7.3 and 8.4. The compound has the following structural formula:

 

 

All tablet strengths are expressed as the amount of fentanyl free base, e.g., the 100 microgram strength tablet contains 100 micrograms of fentanyl free base.

Inactive Ingredients

Mannitol, sodium starch glycolate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, citric acid, and magnesium stearate.

Fentanyl buccal tablets are indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients 18 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 around-the-clock medicine consisting of at least 60 mg of oral morphine per day, at least 25 mcg per hour of transdermal fentanyl, 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 daily for a week or longer. Patients must remain on around-the-clock opioids while taking fentanyl buccal tablets.

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].
• As a part of the TIRF REMS Access program, fentanyl buccal tablets may be dispensed only to outpatients enrolled in the program [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. For inpatient administration of fentanyl buccal tablets (e.g., hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities that prescribe for inpatient use), patient and prescriber enrollment is not required.

Dosage And Administration

Important Dosage And Administration Instructions

• Healthcare professionals who prescribe fentanyl buccal tablets on an outpatient basis must enroll in the TIRF REMS Access program and comply with the requirements of the REMS to ensure safe use of fentanyl buccal tablets [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Use the lowest effective dosage for the shortest duration consistent with individual patient treatment goals [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• It is important to minimize the number of strengths available to patients at any time to prevent confusion and possible overdose.
• 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].
• Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24-72 hours of initiating therapy and following dosage increases with fentanyl buccal tablets and adjust the dosage accordingly [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Instruct patients and caregivers to take steps to store fentanyl buccal tablets securely and to properly dispose of unused fentanyl buccal tablets as soon as no longer needed [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, PATIENT INFORMATION].
• Fentanyl buccal tablets are not bioequivalent with other fentanyl products. Do not convert patients on a mcg per mcg basis from other fentanyl products. There are no conversion directions available for patients on any other fentanyl products other than ACTIQ (Note: This includes oral, transdermal, or parenteral formulations of fentanyl.) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Fentanyl buccal tablets are NOT a generic version of any other transmucosal fentanyl product [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Initial Dosage

The initial dose of fentanyl buccal tablets is always 100 mcg with the only exception being patients already using ACTIQ.

Patients On ACTIQ

a. For patients being converted from ACTIQ, prescribers must use the Initial Dosing Recommendations for Patients on ACTIQ table below (Table 1). The doses of fentanyl buccal tablets in this table are starting doses and not intended to represent equianalgesic doses to ACTIQ. Patients must be instructed to stop the use of ACTIQ and dispose of any remaining units.

Table 1: Initial Dosing Recommendations for Patients on ACTIQ

Current ACTIQ Dose (mcg)	Initial Fentanyl Buccal Tablets Dose*
200	100 mcg tablet
400	100 mcg tablet
600	200 mcg tablet
800	200 mcg tablet
1200	2 x 200 mcg tablets
1600	2 x 200 mcg tablets
*From this initial dose, titrate patient to effective dose.

 

b. For patients converting from ACTIQ doses equal to or greater than 600 mcg, titration should be initiated with the 200 mcg fentanyl buccal tablets and should proceed using multiples of this tablet strength.

Repeat Dosing

1. In cases where the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose using the same strength for that episode. Thus patients should take a maximum of two doses of fentanyl buccal tablets for any episode of breakthrough pain.
2. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with fentanyl buccal tablets.

Dose Titration

1. From an initial dose, closely follow patients and change the dosage strength until the patient reaches a dose that provides adequate analgesia with tolerable side effects. Patients should record their use of fentanyl buccal tablets over several episodes of breakthrough pain and discuss their experience with their healthcare provider to determine if a dosage adjustment is warranted.
2. Patients whose initial dose is 100 mcg and who need to titrate to a higher dose, can be instructed to use two 100 mcg tablets (one on each side of the mouth in the buccal cavity) with their next breakthrough pain episode. If this dosage is not successful, the patient may be instructed to place two 100 mcg tablets on each side of the mouth in the buccal cavity (total of four 100 mcg tablets). Titrate using multiples of the 200 mcg fentanyl buccal tablets for doses above 400 mcg (600 mcg and 800 mcg). Note: Do not use more than 4 tablets simultaneously.
3. In cases where the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose of the same strength for that episode. Thus patients should take a maximum of two doses of fentanyl buccal tablets for any breakthrough pain episode. During titration, one dose of fentanyl buccal tablets may include administration of 1 to 4 tablets of the same dosage strength (100 mcg or 200 mcg).
4. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with fentanyl buccal tablets. To reduce the risk of overdose during titration, patients should have only one strength of fentanyl buccal tablets available at any time.
5. Patients should be strongly encouraged to use all of their fentanyl buccal tablets of one strength prior to being prescribed the next strength. If this is not practical, unused fentanyl buccal tablets should be disposed of safely [see HOW SUPPLIED/Storage And Handling]. Dispose of any unopened fentanyl buccal tablets remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed.

Maintenance Dosing

1. Once titrated to an effective dose, patients should generally use only ONE fentanyl buccal tablet of the appropriate strength per breakthrough pain episode.
2. On occasion when the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, patients may take ONLY ONE additional dose using the same strength for that episode.
3. Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with fentanyl buccal tablets.
4. Dosage adjustment of fentanyl buccal tablets may be required in some patients. Generally, the fentanyl buccal tablets dose should be increased only when a single administration of the current dose fails to adequately treat the breakthrough pain episode for several consecutive episodes.
5. If the patient experiences greater than four breakthrough pain episodes per day, the dose of the around-the-clock opioid used for persistent pain should be reevaluated.
6. Once an effective dose is determined using the titration scheme outlined above, an alternate route of administration is sublingual (placing the tablet under the tongue).

Administration Of Fentanyl Buccal Tablets

Opening The Blister Package

1. Instruct patients not to open the blister until ready to administer fentanyl buccal tablets.
2. Separate a single blister unit from the blister card by bending and tearing apart at the perforations.
3. Bend the blister unit along the line where indicated.
4. Peel back the blister backing to expose the tablet. Patients should NOT attempt to push the tablet through the blister as this may cause damage to the tablet.
5. Do not store the tablet once it has been removed from the blister package as the tablet integrity may be compromised and, more importantly, because this increases the risk of accidental exposure to the tablet.

Tablet Administration

Once the tablet is removed from the blister unit, the patient should immediately place the entire fentanyl buccal tablet in the buccal cavity (above a rear molar, between the upper cheek and gum) or place the entire fentanyl buccal tablet under the tongue. Patients should not split the tablet. The fentanyl buccal tablet should not be crushed, sucked, chewed or swallowed whole, as this will result in lower plasma concentrations than when taken as directed. The fentanyl buccal tablet should be left between the cheek and gum or under the tongue until it has disintegrated, which usually takes approximately 14-25 minutes. After 30 minutes, if remnants from the fentanyl buccal tablet remain, they may be swallowed with a glass of water. It is recommended that patients alternate sides of the mouth when administering subsequent doses of fentanyl buccal tablets in the buccal cavity.

Discontinuation Of Therapy

For patients no longer requiring opioid therapy, consider discontinuing fentanyl buccal tablets along with a gradual downward titration of other opioids to minimize possible withdrawal effects. In patients who continue to take their chronic opioid therapy for persistent pain but no longer require treatment for breakthrough pain, fentanyl buccal tablets therapy can usually be discontinued immediately. [see Drug Abuse And Dependence)

Disposal Of Fentanyl Buccal Tablets

To dispose of unused fentanyl buccal tablets, remove fentanyl buccal tablets from blister packages and flush down the toilet. Do not flush fentanyl buccal tablets blister packages or cartons down the toilet. If you need additional assistance with disposal of fentanyl buccal tablets, call Teva Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-483-8279.

How Supplied

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Fentanyl buccal tablets are flat-faced, round, beveled-edge in shape; are white in color; and are available in 100 mcg, 200 mcg, 400 mcg, 600 mcg, and 800 mcg strengths as fentanyl base. Each tablet strength is marked with a unique identifier [see HOW SUPPLIED/Storage And Handling].

Fentanyl buccal tablets are supplied in individually sealed, child-resistant blister packages. Each carton contains 7 blister cards with 4 white tablets in each card. The blisters are child-resistant, encased in peelable foil, and provide protection from moisture. Each tablet is debossed on one side with , and the other side of each dosage strength is uniquely identified by the debossing on the tablet as described in the table below. In addition, the dosage strength is indicated on the blister package and the carton. See blister package and carton for product information.

 

Dosage Strength	Debossing	Carton/Blister Package Color	NDC Number
100 mcg	1	Blue	NDC 0093-1150-28
200 mcg	2	Orange	NDC 0093-1151-28
400 mcg	4	Sage green	NDC 0093-1153-28
600 mcg	6	Magenta (pink)	NDC 0093-1154-28
800 mcg	8	Yellow	NDC 0093-1155-28

 

Note: Carton/blister package colors are a secondary aid in product identification. Please be sure to confirm the printed dosage before dispensing.

Storage And Handling

Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) with excursions permitted between 15° and 30°C (59° to 86°F) until ready to use. (See USP Controlled Room Temperature.) Protect fentanyl buccal tablets from freezing and moisture. Do not use if the blister package has been tampered with.

Distributed By: Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. North Wales, PA 19454. Revised: Dec 2016

The following serious adverse reactions are described, or described in greater detail, in other sections:

• Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Serotonin Syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Adrenal Insufficiency [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Severe Hypotension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
• Seizures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

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 fentanyl buccal tablets has been evaluated in 304 opioid-tolerant cancer patients with breakthrough pain. The average duration of therapy was 76 days with some patients being treated for over 12 months.

The clinical trials of fentanyl buccal tablets were designed to evaluate safety and efficacy in treating patients with cancer and breakthrough pain; all patients were taking concomitant opioids, such as sustained-release morphine, sustained-release oxycodone or transdermal fentanyl, for their persistent pain.

The adverse event data presented here reflect the actual percentage of patients experiencing each adverse effect among patients who received fentanyl buccal tablets for breakthrough pain along with a concomitant opioid for persistent pain. There has been no attempt to correct for concomitant use of other opioids, duration of fentanyl buccal tablets therapy or cancer-related symptoms.

Table 2 lists, by maximum dose received, adverse events with an overall frequency of 5% or greater within the total population that occurred during titration. The ability to assign a dose-response relationship to these adverse events is limited by the titration schemes used in these studies.

Table 2: Adverse Events Which Occurred During Titration at a Frequency of ≥ 5%

System Organ Class MeDRA preferredterm, n (%)	100 mcg (N=45)	200 mcg (N=34)	400 mcg (N=53)	600 mcg (N=56)	800 mcg (N=113)	Total (N=304)*
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea	4 (9)	5 (15)	10 (19)	13 (23)	18 (16)	50 (17)
Vomiting	0	2 (6)	2 (4)	7 (13)	3 (3)	14 (5)
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue	3 (7)	1 (3)	9 (17)	1 (2)	5 (4)	19 (6)
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness	5 (11)	2 (6)	12 (23)	18 (32)	21 (19)	58 (19)
Somnolence	2 (4)	2 (6)	6 (12)	7 (13)	3 (3)	20 (7)
Headache	1 (2)	3 (9)	4 (8)	8 (14)	10 (9)	26 (9)
*Three hundred and two (302) patients were included in the safety analysis.

 

Table 3 lists, by successful dose, adverse events with an overall frequency of ≥5% within the total population that occurred after a successful dose had been determined.

Table 3: Adverse Events Which Occurred During Long-Term Treatment at a Frequency of ≥ 5%

System Organ Class MeDRA preferred term, n (%)	100 mcg (N=19)	200 mcg (N=31)	400 mcg (N=44)	600 mcg (N=48)	800 mcg (N=58)	Total (N=200)
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Anemia	6 (32)	4 (13)	4 (9)	5 (10)	7 (13)	26 (13)
Neutropenia	0	2 (6)	1 (2)	4 (8)	4 (7)	11 (6)
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea	8 (42)	5 (16)	14 (32)	13 (27)	17(31)	57 (29)
Vomiting	7 (37)	5 (16)	9 (20)	8 (17)	11 (20)	40 (20)
Constipation	5 (26)	4 (13)	5 (11)	4 (8)	6 (11)	24 (12)
Diarrhea	3 (16)	0	4 (9)	3 (6)	5 (9)	15 (8)
Abdominal pain	2 (11)	1 (3)	4 (9)	7 (15)	4 (7)	18 (9)
General disorders and administration site conditions
Edema peripheral	6 (32)	5 (16)	4 (9)	5 (10)	3 (5)	23 (12)
Asthenia	3 (16)	5 (16)	2 (5)	3 (6)	8 (15)	21 (11)
Fatigue	3 (16)	3 (10)	9 (20)	9 (19)	8 (15)	32 (16)
Infections and infestations
Pneumonia	1 (5)	5 (16)	1 (2)	1 (2)	4 (7)	12 (6)
Investigations
Weight decreased	1 (5)	1 (3)	3 (7)	2 (4)	6 (11)	13 (7)
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Dehydration	4 (21)	0	4 (9)	6 (13)	7 (13)	21 (11)
Anorexia	1 (5)	2 (6)	4 (9)	3 (6)	6 (11)	16 (8)
Hypokalemia	0	2 (6)	0	1 (2)	8 (15)	11 (6)
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain	2 (11)	0	2 (5)	3 (6)	2 (4)	9 (5)
Arthralgia	0	1 (3)	3 (7)	4 (8)	3 (5)	11 (6)
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (including cysts and polyps)
Cancer pain	3 (16)	1 (3)	3 (7)	2 (4)	1 (2)	10 (5)
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness	5 (26)	3 (10)	5 (11)	6 (13)	6 (11)	25 (13)
Headache	2 (11)	1 (3)	4 (9)	5 (10)	8 (15)	20 (10)
Somnolence	0	1 (3)	4 (9)	4 (8)	8 (15)	17 (9)
Psychiatric disorders
Confusional state	3 (16)	1 (3)	2 (5)	3 (6)	5 (9)	14 (7)
Depression	2 (11)	1 (3)	4 (9)	3 (6)	5 (9)	15 (8)
Insomnia	2 (11)	1 (3)	3 (7)	2 (4)	4 (7)	12 (6)
Respiratory, thoracic, and mediastinal disorders
Cough	1 (5)	1 (3)	2 (5)	4 (8)	5 (9)	13 (7)
Dyspnea	1 (5)	6 (19)	0	7 (15)	4 (7)	18 (9)

 

In addition, a small number of patients (n=11) with Grade 1 mucositis were included in clinical trials designed to support the safety of fentanyl buccal tablets. There was no evidence of excess toxicity in this subset of patients.

Application Site Reactions

In clinical trials, 10% of all patients exposed to fentanyl buccal tablets reported application site reactions. These reactions ranged from paresthesias to ulceration and bleeding. Application site reactions occurring in ≥1% of patients were pain (4%), ulcer (3%), and irritation (3%). Application site reactions tended to occur early in treatment, were self-limited and only resulted in treatment discontinuation for 2% of patients.

The duration of exposure to fentanyl buccal tablets varied greatly, and included open-label and double-blind studies. The frequencies listed below represent the ≥1% of patients (and not listed in Tables 2 and 3 above) from three clinical trials (titration and post-titration periods combined) who experienced that event while receiving fentanyl buccal tablets. Events are classified by system organ class.

Adverse Events (≥1%)

Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: Thrombocytopenia, Leukopenia

Cardiac Disorders: Tachycardia

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Stomatitis, Dry Mouth, Dyspepsia, Upper Abdominal Pain, Abdominal Distension, Dysphagia, Gingival Pain, Stomach Discomfort, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Glossodynia, Mouth Ulceration

General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: Pyrexia, Application Site Pain, Application Site Ulcer, Chest Pain, Chills, Application Site Irritation, Edema, Mucosal Inflammation, Pain

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Jaundice

Infections and Infestations: Oral Candidiasis, Urinary Tract Infection, Cellulitis, Nasopharyngitis, Sinusitis, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Influenza, Tooth Abscess

Injury, Poisoning and Procedural Complications: Fall, Spinal Compression Fracture

Investigations: Decreased Hemoglobin, Increased Blood Glucose, Decreased Hematocrit, Decreased Platelet Count

Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Decreased Appetite, Hypoalbuminemia, Hypercalcemia, Hypomagnesemia, Hyponatremia, Reduced Oral Intake

Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Pain in Extremity, Myalgia, Chest Wall Pain, Muscle Spasms, Neck Pain, Shoulder Pain

Nervous System Disorders: Hypoesthesia, Dysgeusia, Lethargy, Peripheral Neuropathy, Paresthesia, Balance Disorder, Migraine, Neuropathy

Psychiatric Disorders: Anxiety, Disorientation, Euphoric Mood, Hallucination, Nervousness

Renal and Urinary Disorders: Renal Failure

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Pharyngolaryngeal Pain, Exertional Dyspnea, Pleural Effusion, Decreased Breathing Sounds, Wheezing

Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Pruritus, Rash, Hyperhidrosis, Cold Sweat

Vascular Disorders: Hypertension, Hypotension, Pallor, Deep Vein Thrombosis

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of fentanyl. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Nervous System Disorders

Serotonin Syndrome: Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of opioids with serotonergic drugs.

Endocrine Disorders

Adrenal insufficiency: Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use.

Androgen deficiency: Cases of androgen deficiency have occurred with chronic use of opioids [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Immune System Disorders

Anaphylaxis: Anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in fentanyl buccal tablets.

General Disorders And Administration Site Conditions

Drug withdrawal syndrome

Table 4 includes clinically significant drug interactions with fentanyl buccal tablets.

Table 4: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Fentanyl Buccal Tablets

Inhibitors of CYP3A4
Clinical Impact:	The concomitant use of fentanyl buccal tablets 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 fentanyl buccal tablets is achieved [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the fentanyl plasma concentration will decrease [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], 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 fentanyl buccal tablets until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the fentanyl buccal tablets dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor 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 fentanyl buccal tablets and CYP3A4 inducers can decrease the plasma concentration of fentanyl [seeCLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to fentanyl [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the fentanyl plasma concentration will increase [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY], 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 fentanyl buccal tablets dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider fentanyl buccal tablets dosage reduction and monitor for signs of respiratory depression.
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. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Examples:	Benzodiazepines and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, 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].
Intervention:	If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue fentanyl buccal tablets 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., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue).
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
Clinical Impact:	MAOI interactions with opioids may manifest as serotonin syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS] or opioid toxicity (e.g., respiratory depression, coma) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Intervention:	The use of fentanyl buccal tablets is not recommended for patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment.
Examples:	Phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid
Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics
Clinical Impact:	May reduce the analgesic effect of fentanyl buccal tablets and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.
Intervention:	Avoid concomitant use.
Examples:	Butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, buprenorphrine
Muscle Relaxants
Clinical Impact:	Fentanyl may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.
Intervention:	Monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of fentanyl buccal tablets and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary.
Diuretics
Clinical Impact:	Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone.
Intervention:	Monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed.
Anticholinergic Drugs
Clinical Impact:	The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus.
Intervention:	Monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility when fentanyl buccal tablets are used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs.

 

Drug Abuse And Dependence

Controlled Substance

Fentanyl buccal tablets contain fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

Abuse

Fentanyl buccal tablets contain fentanyl, a substance with high potential for abuse similar to other opioids including hydrocodone, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone, and tapentadol. Fentanyl buccal tablets can be abused and is subject to misuse, addiction, and criminal diversion [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. All patients treated with opioids require careful monitoring for signs of abuse and addiction, since use of opioid analgesic products carries the risk of addiction even under appropriate medical use.

Prescription drug abuse is the intentional non-therapeutic use of a prescription drug, even once, for its rewarding psychological or physiological effects.

Drug addiction is a cluster of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological phenomena that develop after repeated substance use and includes: a strong desire to take the drug, difficulties in controlling its use, persisting in its use despite harmful consequences, a higher priority given to drug use than to other activities and obligations, increased tolerance, and sometimes physical withdrawal.

“Drug-seeking” behavior is very common in persons with substance use disorders. Drug-seeking tactics include emergency calls or visits near the end of office hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing, or referral, repeated “loss” of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions, and reluctance to provide prior medical records or contact information for other treating health care provider(s). “Doctor shopping” (visiting multiple prescribers to obtain additional prescriptions) is common among drug abusers and people suffering from untreated addiction. Preoccupation with achieving adequate pain relief can be appropriate behavior in a patient with poor pain control.

Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance [see Drug Abuse And Dependence]. Health care providers should be aware that addiction may not be accompanied by concurrent tolerance and symptoms of physical dependence in all addicts. In addition, abuse of opioids can occur in the absence of true addiction.

Fentanyl buccal tablets, like other opioids, can be diverted for non-medical use into illicit channels of distribution. Careful record-keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests, as required by state and federal law, is strongly advised.

Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, and proper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.

Risks Specific To The Abuse Of Fentanyl Buccal Tablets

Fentanyl buccal tablets are for oral transmucosal use only. Abuse of fentanyl buccal tablets poses a risk of overdose and death. This risk is increased with concurrent abuse of fentanyl buccal tablets with alcohol and other central nervous system depressants.

Dependence

Both tolerance and physical dependence can develop during chronic opioid therapy. Tolerance is the need for increasing doses of opioids to maintain a defined effect such as analgesia (in the absence of disease progression or other external factors). Tolerance may occur to both the desired and undesired effects of drugs, and may develop at different rates for different effects.

Physical dependence results in withdrawal symptoms after abrupt discontinuation or a significant dosage reduction of a drug. Withdrawal also may be precipitated through the administration of drugs with opioid antagonist activity (e.g., naloxone, nalmefene) mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (e.g., pentazocine, butorphanol, nalbuphine), or partial agonists (e.g., buprenorphine). Physical dependence may not occur to a clinically significant degree until after several days to weeks of continued opioid usage.

Infants born to mothers physically dependent on opioids will also be physically dependent and may exhibit respiratory difficulties and withdrawal signs [see Use In Specific Populations].

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions

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 antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status [see OVERDOSAGE]. Carbon dioxide (CO2) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of fentanyl buccal tablets, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase. Monitor patients closely for respiratory depression, especially within the first 24-72 hours of initiating therapy with and following dosage increases of fentanyl buccal tablets.

To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of fentanyl buccal tablets are essential [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]. Overestimating the fentanyl buccal tablets dosage can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. The substitution of fentanyl buccal tablets for any other fentanyl product may result in fatal overdose [see Risk of Medication Errors].

Fentanyl buccal tablets could be fatal to individuals for whom it is not prescribed and for those who are not opioid-tolerant.

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of fentanyl buccal tablets, especially by children, can result in respiratory depression and death due to an overdose of fentanyl.

Increased Risk Of Overdose In Children Due To Accidental Ingestion Or Exposure

Death has been reported in children who have accidentally ingested transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl products.

Patients and their caregivers must be informed that fentanyl buccal tablets contain a medicine in an amount which can be fatal to a child. Healthcare providers and dispensing pharmacists must specifically question patients or caregivers about the presence of children in the home (on a full time or visiting basis) and counsel them regarding the dangers to children from inadvertent exposure.

Patients and their caregivers must be instructed to keep both used and unused dosage units out of the reach of children. While all units should be disposed of immediately after use, partially consumed units represent a special risk to children. In the event that a unit is not completely consumed it must be properly disposed as soon as possible [see PATIENT INFORMATION].

Detailed instructions for the proper storage, administration, disposal, and important instructions for managing an overdose of fentanyl buccal tablets are provided in the fentanyl buccal tablets Medication Guide. Encourage patients to read this information in its entirety and give them an opportunity to have their questions answered.

Risks Of Concomitant Use Or Discontinuation Of Cytochrome P450 3A4 Inhibitors And Inducers

Concomitant use of fentanyl buccal tablets with a CYP3A4 inhibitor, such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g., ketoconazole), and protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), may increase plasma concentrations of fentanyl and prolong opioid adverse reactions, which may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression [see Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression], particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of fentanyl buccal tablets is achieved. Similarly, discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inducer, such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, in fentanyl buccal tablets-treated patients may increase fentanyl plasma concentrations and prolong opioid adverse reactions. When using fentanyl buccal tablets with CYP3A4 inhibitors or discontinuing CYP3A4 inducers in fentanyl buccal tablets-treated patients, monitor patients closely at frequent intervals and consider dosage reduction of fentanyl buccal tablets until stable drug effects are achieved [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Concomitant use of fentanyl buccal tablets with CYP3A4 inducers or discontinuation of a CYP3A4 inhibitor could decrease fentanyl plasma concentrations, decrease opioid efficacy or, possibly, lead to a withdrawal syndrome in a patient who had developed physical dependence to fentanyl. When using fentanyl buccal tablets with CYP3A4 inducers or discontinuing CYP3A4 inhibitors, monitor patients closely at frequent intervals and consider increasing the opioid dosage if needed to maintain adequate analgesia or if symptoms of opioid withdrawal occur [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants (including Alcohol)

Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death may result from the concomitant use of fentanyl buccal tablets with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (e.g., non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics, other opioids, alcohol). Because of these risks, reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.

Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when fentanyl buccal tablets are used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant have been determined. Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcohol and illicit drugs [see DRUG INTERACTIONS and PATIENT INFORMATION].

Risk Of Medication Errors

When prescribing, do not convert a patient to fentanyl buccal tablets from any other fentanyl product on a mcg per mcg basis as fentanyl buccal tablets and other fentanyl products are not equivalent on a microgram per microgram basis.

Fentanyl buccal tablets are not a generic version of other transmucosal immediate release fentanyl (TIRF) formulations. When dispensing, do not substitute a fentanyl buccal tablets prescription for any other TIRF formulation under any circumstances. Other TIRF formulations and fentanyl buccal tablets are not equivalent. Substantial differences exist in the pharmacokinetic profile of fentanyl buccal tablets compared to other fentanyl products including other TIRF formulations that result in clinically important differences in the rate and extent of absorption of fentanyl. As a result of these differences, the substitution of fentanyl buccal tablets or any other fentanyl product may result in a fatal overdose.

There are no safe conversion directions available for patients on any other fentanyl products except ACTIQ (Note: This includes oral, transdermal, or parenteral formulations of fentanyl.) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].Therefore, for opioid tolerant patients, the initial dose of fentanyl buccal tablets should always be 100 mcg. Individually titrate each patient’s dose to provide adequate analgesia while minimizing side effects [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Addiction, Abuse, And Misuse

Fentanyl buccal tablets contain fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, fentanyl buccal tablets expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse And Dependence].

Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed fentanyl buccal tablets. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused.

Assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing fentanyl buccal tablets, and monitor all patients receiving fentanyl buccal tablets for the development of these behaviors or 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 fentanyl buccal tablets, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of fentanyl buccal tablets along with intensive monitoring for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse.

Opioids are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing fentanyl buccal tablets. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient on the proper disposal of unused drug [see PATIENT INFORMATION]. 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.

Transmucosal Immediate Release Fentanyl (TIRF) Risk Evaluation And Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Access Program

Because of the risk for misuse, abuse, addiction, and overdose [see Drug Abuse And Dependence], fentanyl buccal tablets are available only through a restricted program called the TIRF REMS Access program. Under the TIRF REMS Access program, outpatients, healthcare professionals who prescribe for outpatient use, pharmacies, and distributors must enroll in the program. For inpatient administration (e.g., hospitals, hospices, and long-term care facilities that prescribe for inpatient use) of fentanyl buccal tablets, patient and prescriber enrollment is not required.

Required components of the TIRF REMS Access program are:

• Healthcare professionals, who prescribe fentanyl buccal tablets for outpatient use, must review the prescriber educational materials for the TIRF REMS Access program, enroll in the program, and comply with the REMS requirements.
• To receive fentanyl buccal tablets, outpatients must understand the risks and benefits and sign a Patient-Prescriber Agreement.
• Pharmacies that dispense fentanyl buccal tablets must enroll in the program and agree to comply with the REMS requirements.
• Wholesalers and distributors that distribute fentanyl buccal tablets must enroll in the program, and distribute only to authorized pharmacies.
• Further information, including a list of qualified pharmacies/distributors, is available at www.TIRFREMSAccess.com or by calling 1-866-822-1483.

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Prolonged use of fentanyl buccal tablets during pregnancy can result in withdrawal in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. Observe newborns for signs of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly. Advise pregnant women using opioids for a prolonged period of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available [see Use In Specific Populations, PATIENT INFORMATION].

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression In Patients With Chronic Pulmonary Disease Or In Elderly, Cachectic, Or Debilitated Patients

The use of fentanyl buccal tablets in patients with acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment is contraindicated.

Patients With Chronic Pulmonary Disease

fentanyl buccal tablets-treated patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and those with a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression are at increased risk of decreased respiratory drive including apnea, even at recommended dosages of fentanyl buccal tablets [see Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression].

Elderly, Cachectic, Or Debilitated Patients

Life-threatening respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients because they may have altered pharmacokinetics or altered clearance compared to younger, healthier patients [see Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression].

Monitor such patients closely, particularly when initiating and titrating fentanyl buccal tablets and when fentanyl buccal tablets are given concomitantly with other drugs that depress respiration [see Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression]. Alternatively, consider the use of non-opioid analgesics in these patients.

Serotonin Syndrome With Concomitant Use Of Serotonergic Drugs

Cases of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, have been reported during concomitant use of fentanyl buccal tablets with serotonergic drugs. Serotonergic drugs include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), and drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin (including MAO inhibitors, both those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. This may occur within the recommended dosage range.

Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination, rigidity), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). The onset of symptoms generally occurs within several hours to a few days of concomitant use, but may occur later than that. Discontinue fentanyl buccal tablets if serotonin syndrome is suspected.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If adrenal insufficiency is suspected, confirm the diagnosis with diagnostic testing as soon as possible. If adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids. Wean the patient off of the opioid to allow adrenal function to recover and continue corticosteroid treatment until adrenal function recovers. Other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency. The information available does not identify any particular opioids as being more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency.

Severe Hypotension

Fentanyl buccal tablets may cause severe hypotension including orthostatic hypotension and syncope in ambulatory patients. There is increased risk in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by a reduced blood volume or concurrent administration of certain CNS depressant drugs (e.g. phenothiazines or general anesthetics) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Monitor these patients for signs of hypotension after initiating or titrating the dosage of fentanyl buccal tablets. In patients with circulatory shock, fentanyl buccal tablets may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure. Avoid the use of fentanyl buccal tablets in patients with circulatory shock.

Risks Of Use In Patients With Increased Intracranial Pressure, Brain Tumors, Head Injury, Or Impaired Consciousness

In patients who may be susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO2 retention (e.g., those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or brain tumors), fentanyl buccal tablets may reduce respiratory drive, and the resultant CO2 retention can further increase intracranial pressure. Monitor such patients for signs of sedation and respiratory depression, particularly when initiating therapy with fentanyl buccal tablets.

Opioids may also obscure the clinical course in a patient with a head injury. Avoid the use of fentanyl buccal tablets in patients with impaired consciousness or coma.

Risks Of Use In Patients With Gastrointestinal Conditions

Fentanyl buccal tablets are contraindicated in patients with known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.

The fentanyl in fentanyl buccal tablets may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. Opioids may cause increases in serum amylase. Monitor patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis for worsening symptoms.

Increased Risk Of Seizures In Patients With Seizure Disorders

The fentanyl in fentanyl buccal tablets may increase the frequency of seizures in patients with seizure disorders, and may increase the risk of seizures occurring in other clinical settings associated with seizures. Monitor patients with a history of seizure disorders for worsened seizure control during fentanyl buccal tablets therapy.

Risks Of Driving And Operating Machinery

Fentanyl buccal tablets may impair the mental or physical abilities needed to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Warn patients not to drive or operate dangerous machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of fentanyl buccal tablets and know how they will react to the medication.

Cardiac Disease

Intravenous fentanyl may produce bradycardia. Therefore, use fentanyl buccal tablets with caution in patients with bradyarrhythmias.

Application Site Reactions

Application site reactions occurred in 10% of patients in clinical trials and ranged from paresthesia to ulceration and bleeding [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

MAO Inhibitors

Fentanyl buccal tablets are not recommended for use in patients who have received MAO inhibitors within 14 days, because severe and unpredictable potentiation by MAO inhibitors has been reported with opioid analgesics [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

Life-Threatening Respiratory

Depression Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting fentanyl buccal tablets or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended dosages [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Advise patients how to recognize respiratory depression and to seek medical attention if breathing difficulties develop.

Increased Risk Of Overdose And Death In Children Due To Accidental Ingestion

• • Healthcare providers and dispensing pharmacists must specifically question patients or caregivers about the presence of children in the home (on a full time or visiting basis) and counsel them regarding the dangers to children from inadvertent exposure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
  • Inform patients that accidental ingestion, especially by children, may result in respiratory depression or death [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
  • Instruct patients to take steps to store fentanyl buccal tablets securely and to dispose of unused fentanyl buccal tablets [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, PATIENT INFORMATION; Disposal of Unopened Fentanyl Buccal Tablets Blister Packages When No Longer Needed].

• Instruct patients and caregivers to keep both used and unused fentanyl buccal tablets out of the reach of children [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Interactions With Benzodiazepines And Other CNS Depressants (including Alcohol)

Inform patients that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if fentanyl buccal tablets are used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, and not to use these concomitantly unless supervised by a health care provider [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Addiction, Abuse, And Misuse

Inform patients that the use of fentanyl buccal tablets, even when taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Instruct patients not to share fentanyl buccal tablets with others and to take steps to protect fentanyl buccal tablets from theft or misuse.

Transmucosal Immediate-Release Fentanyl (TIRF) REMS

Advise patients of the following information pertaining to the TIRF REMS

• Inform outpatients that they must be enrolled in the TIRF REMS Access program before they can receive fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Allow patients the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns regarding fentanyl buccal tablets or the TIRF REMS Access program.
• As required by the TIRF REMS Access program, review the contents of the fentanyl buccal tablets Medication Guide with every patient before initiating treatment with fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Advise the patient that fentanyl buccal tablets is available only from pharmacies that are enrolled in the TIRF REMS Access program, and provide them with the telephone number and website for information on how to obtain the drug.
• Advise the patient that only enrolled healthcare providers may prescribe fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Inform the patient that they must sign the Patient-Prescriber Agreement to acknowledge that they understand the risks of fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Advise patients that they may be requested to participate in a survey to evaluate the effectiveness of the TIRF REMS Access program [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Serotonin Syndrome

Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, DRUG INTERACTIONS].

MAOI Interaction

Inform patients to avoid taking fentanyl buccal tablets while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking fentanyl buccal tablets [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS; DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Adrenal Insufficiency

Inform patients that opioids could cause adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition. Adrenal insufficiency may present with non-specific symptoms and signs such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Advise patients to seek medical attention if they experience a constellation of these symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Important Administration Instructions

[see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]

• Instruct patients not to take fentanyl buccal tablets for acute pain, postoperative pain, pain from injuries, headache, migraine or any other short-term pain, even if they have taken other opioid analgesics for these conditions.
• Instruct patients on the meaning of opioid tolerance and that fentanyl buccal tablets are only to be used as a supplemental pain medication for patients with pain requiring around-the-clock opioids, who have developed tolerance to the opioid medication, and who need additional opioid treatment of breakthrough pain episodes.
• Instruct patients that, if they are not taking an opioid medication on a scheduled basis (around-the-clock), they should not take fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Instruct patients that the titration phase is the only period in which they may take more than ONE tablet to achieve a desired dose (e.g., two 100 mcg tablets for a 200 mcg dose).
• Instruct patients that, if the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved after 30 minutes, they may take ONLY ONE ADDITIONAL DOSE OF FENTANYL BUCCAL TABLETS USING THE SAME STRENGTH FOR THAT EPISODE. Thus, patients should take a maximum of two doses of fentanyl buccal tablets for any breakthrough pain episode.
• Instruct patients that they MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Instruct patients NOT to share fentanyl buccal tablets and that sharing fentanyl buccal tablets with anyone else could result in the other individual’s death due to overdose.
• Make patients aware that fentanyl buccal tablets contain fentanyl which is a strong pain medication similar to hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.
• Instruct patients not to open the blister until ready to use fentanyl buccal tablets and not to store the tablet in a temporary container such as a pill box, once it has been removed from the blister package.
• Instruct patients that fentanyl buccal tablets are not to be swallowed whole; this will reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Tablets are to be placed between the cheek and gum above a molar tooth or under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. After 30 minutes if remnants of the tablet still remain, patients may swallow it with a glass of water.
• Caution patients to talk to their doctor if breakthrough pain is not alleviated or worsens after taking fentanyl buccal tablets.
• Instruct patients to use fentanyl buccal tablets exactly as prescribed by their doctor and not to take fentanyl buccal tablets more often than prescribed.
• Provide patients and their caregivers with a Medication Guide each time fentanyl buccal tablets are dispensed because new information may be available.

Hypotension

Inform patients that fentanyl buccal tablets may cause orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Instruct patients how to recognize symptoms of low blood pressure and how to reduce the risk of serious consequences should hypotension occur (e.g., sit or lie down, carefully rise from a sitting or lying position) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Anaphylaxis

Inform patients that anaphylaxis have been reported with ingredients contained in fentanyl buccal tablets. Advise patients how to recognize such a reaction and when to seek medical attention [see CONTRAINDICATIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Pregnancy

Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome

Inform patients that prolonged use of fentanyl buccal tablets can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Use In Specific Populations].

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

Inform female patients of reproductive potential that fentanyl buccal tablets can cause fetal harm and to inform the healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations, Nonclinical Toxicology].

Lactation

Advise nursing mothers to monitor infants for increased sleepiness (more than usual), breathing difficulties, or limpness. Instruct nursing mothers to seek immediate medical care if they notice these signs [see Use In Specific Populations].

Infertility

Inform patients that chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see Use In Specific Populations].

Driving Or Operating Heavy Machinery

Inform patients that fentanyl buccal tablets may impair the ability to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Advise patients not to perform such tasks until they know how they will react to the medication [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Constipation

Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation, including management instructions and when to seek medical attention [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Disposal Of Unopened Fentanyl Buccal Tablets Blister Packages When No Longer Needed

• Patients and members of their household must be advised to dispose of any unopened blister packages remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed.
• To dispose of unused fentanyl buccal tablets, remove fentanyl buccal tablets from blister packages and flush down the toilet. Do not flush the fentanyl buccal tablets blister packages or cartons down the toilet.
• Detailed instructions for the proper storage, administration, disposal, and important instructions for managing an overdose of fentanyl buccal tablets are provided in the fentanyl buccal tablets Medication Guide. Instruct patients to read this information in its entirety and provide an opportunity to have their questions answered.
• In the event that a caregiver requires additional assistance in disposing of excess unusable tablets that remain in the home after a patient has expired, instruct them to call the Teva Pharmaceuticals toll-free number (1-888-483-8279) or seek assistance from their local DEA office.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Fentanyl was evaluated for carcinogenic potential in a 104-week rat study and in a 6-month Tg.AC transgenic mouse study. In rats, doses up to 50 mcg/kg in males and 100 mcg/kg in females were administered subcutaneously and no treatment-related neoplasms were observed (doses are equivalent to 2.3-and 3.4-times the exposure of a single human dose of 800 mcg per pain episode, respectively, based on an AUC comparison). In a 26-week transgenic mice model (Tg.AC), at topical doses up to 50 mcg/dose/day, no increase in the occurrence of treatment-related neoplasms was observed.

Mutagenesis

Fentanyl citrate was not mutagenic in the Ames reverse mutation assay in S. typhimurium or E. coli, or the mouse lymphoma mutagenesis assay. Fentanyl citrate was not clastogenic in the in vivo mouse micronucleus assay.

Impairment Of Fertility

In a fertility study, female rats were administered fentanyl subcutaneously for 14 days prior to mating with untreated males at doses up to 300 mcg/kg and no effects on female fertility were observed. The systemic exposure at the dose of 300 mcg/kg was approximately 8.6 times the exposure of a single human dose of 800 mcg per pain episode, based on an AUC comparison. Males were administered fentanyl subcutaneously for 28 days prior to mating with untreated females at doses up to 300 mcg/kg. At 300 mcg/kg, adverse effects on sperm parameters, which affected fertility, were observed. These effects included decreased percent mobile sperm, decreased sperm concentrations as well as an increase in the percent abnormal sperm. The dose in males at which no effects on fertility were observed was 100 mcg/kg, which is approximately 5.7-times the exposure of a single human dose of 800 mcg per pain episode, based on an AUC comparison.

Fentanyl has been shown to impair fertility in rats at doses of 30 mcg/kg IV and 160 mcg/kg subcutaneously. Conversion to the human equivalent doses indicates that this is within the range of the human recommended dosing for fentanyl buccal tablets.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Available data with fentanyl buccal tablets in pregnant women are insufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage.

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 estimated 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 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Prolonged use of opioid analgesics 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].

Labor Or Delivery

Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Fentanyl buccal tablets are not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including fentanyl buccal tablets, 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) was administered subcutaneously to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis (Gestation Day, GD 6-17). Maternal toxicity and a decrease in fetal weights were observed at 100 mcg/kg but no teratogenicity was seen in the study (100 mcg/kg dose is equivalent to 1.4-times the exposure of a single human dose of 800 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 7.5-times the exposure of a single human dose of 800 mcg per pain episode, based on an AUC comparison).

Fentanyl has been shown to embryocidal in pregnant rats at doses of 30 mcg/kg intravenously (0.4 times the 800 mcg dose of fentanyl buccal tablets on a mg/m² basis) from GD 6 to 18 and 160 mcg/kg subcutaneously (2 times the 800 mcg dose of fentanyl buccal tablets based on a mg/m² basis). No evidence of teratogenicity was reported.

No evidence of malformations or adverse effects on the fetus was reported in a published study in which pregnant rats were administered fentanyl continuously via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps at doses of 10, 100, or 500 mcg/kg/day starting 2-weeks prior to breeding and throughout pregnancy. The high dose was approximately 6 times the human dose of 800 mcg fentanyl buccal tablets per pain episode on a mg/m² basis and produced mean steady-state plasma levels that are approximately 5 times higher than the mean Cmax observed following administration of 800 mcg dose of fentanyl buccal tablets in humans.

In a postnatal development study, pregnant rats were treated from GD 6 through lactation day (LD) 20 with subcutaneous doses of fentanyl (25, 50, 100, and 400 mcg/kg). Maternal toxicity was noted at doses >100 mcg/kg. A reduction in pup growth and delayed attainment of developmental indices were observed at >100 mcg/kg. No difference in the number of live pups/litter was seen at birth, however, pup survival at LD 4 was reduced to 48% at 400 mcg/kg and by LD 21 pup survival was reduced to 30% and 26% at 100 and 400 mcg/kg, respectively. During lactation, fentanyl-related clinical signs (decreased activity, skin cold to touch, and moribund appearance) were noted in the F1 pups, most prominently in the 400 mcg/kg group. Pups from this group also had significantly reduced body weights throughout the lactation period. The dose of fentanyl administered to rats at which no developmental toxicity in the F1 generation was seen was 50 mcg/kg which is approximately equal the exposure of a single human dose of 800 mcg per pain episode, based on an AUC comparison.

Lactation

Risk Summary

Fentanyl is present in breast milk. One published lactation study reports a relative infant dose of fentanyl of 0.024%. However, there is insufficient information to determine the effects of fentanyl on the breastfed infant and the effects of fentanyl on milk production.

Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including excess sedation and respiratory depression in a breastfed infant, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with fentanyl buccal tablets.

Clinical Considerations

Monitor infants exposed to fentanyl buccal tablets through breast milk for excess sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breast-feeding is stopped.

Females And Males Of Reproductive Potential

Infertility

Chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see ADVERSE REACTIONS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Nonclinical Toxicology].

Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of fentanyl buccal tablets have not been established in pediatric patients below the age of 18 years.

Geriatric Use

Of the 304 patients with cancer in clinical studies of fentanyl buccal tablets, 69 (23%) were 65 years of age and older. Patients over the age of 65 years tended to titrate to slightly lower doses than younger patients. Patients over the age of 65 years reported a slightly higher frequency for some adverse events specifically vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. Therefore, caution should be exercised in individually titrating fentanyl buccal tablets in elderly patients to provide adequate efficacy while minimizing risk.

Respiratory depression is the chief risk for elderly patients treated with opioids, and has occurred after large initial doses were administered to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that depress respiration. Titrate the dosage of fentanyl buccal tablets slowly in geriatric patients and monitor closely for signs of central nervous system and respiratory depression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Fentanyl is known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.

Patients With Renal Or Hepatic Impairment

Insufficient information exists to make recommendations regarding the use of fentanyl buccal tablets in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function. Fentanyl is metabolized primarily via human cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system and mostly eliminated in urine. If the drug is used in these patients, it should be used with caution because of the hepatic metabolism and renal excretion of fentanyl.

Sex

Both male and female opioid tolerant patients with cancer were studied for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain. No clinically relevant sex differences were noted either in dosage requirement or in observed adverse reactions.

Race

The pharmacokinetic effects of race with the use of fentanyl buccal tablets have not been systematically evaluated. In studies conducted in healthy Japanese subjects, systemic exposure was generally higher than that observed in U.S. subjects.

Clinical Presentation

Acute overdose with fentanyl buccal tablets can be manifested by respiratory depression, somnolence progressing to stupor or coma, skeletal muscle flaccidity, cold and clammy skin, constricted pupils, and, in some cases, pulmonary edema, bradycardia, hypotension, partial or complete airway obstruction, atypical snoring, and death. Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen with hypoxia in overdose situations [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Treatment Of Overdose

In case of overdose, priorities are the re-establishment of a patent and protected airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation, if needed. Employ other supportive measures (including oxygen and vasopressors) in the management of circulatory shock and pulmonary edema as indicated. Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias will require advanced life-support techniques.

The opioid antagonists, naloxone or nalmefene, are specific antidotes to respiratory depression resulting from opioid overdose. For clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to fentanyl overdose, administer an opioid antagonist. Opioid antagonists should not be administered in the absence of clinically significant respiratory or circulatory depression secondary to fentanyl overdose.

Because the duration of opioid reversal is expected to be less than the duration of action of fentanyl in fentanyl buccal tablets, carefully monitor the patient until spontaneous respiration is reliably re-established. If the response to an opioid antagonist is suboptimal or only brief in nature, administer additional antagonist as directed by the product’s prescribing information.

In an individual physically dependent on opioids, administration of the recommended usual dosage of the antagonist will precipitate an acute withdrawal syndrome. The severity of the withdrawal symptoms experienced will depend on the degree of physical dependence and the dose of the antagonist administered. If a decision is made to treat serious respiratory depression in the physically dependent patient, administration of the antagonist should be begun with care and by titration with smaller than usual doses of the antagonist.

Fentanyl Buccal Tablets Are 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; WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Significant respiratory depression [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Acute or postoperative pain including headache/migraine and dental pain, or acute pain in the emergency department [see INDICATIONS AND USAGE].
• Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
• Known hypersensitivity (e.g. anaphylaxis) to fentanyl or components of fentanyl buccal tablets (e.g., anaphylaxis) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Mechanism Of Action

Fentanyl is an opioid agonist whose principal therapeutic action is analgesia.

Pharmacodynamics

Effects On The Central Nervous System

The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown although fentanyl is known to be a mu opioid receptor agonist. Specific CNS opioid receptors for endogenous compounds with opioid-like activity have been identified throughout the brain and spinal cord and play a role in the analgesic effects of this drug. Fentanyl produces respiratory depression by direct action on brain stem respiratory centers. The respiratory depression involves a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem to both increases in carbon dioxide and to electrical stimulation. Fentanyl causes miosis even in total darkness. Pinpoint pupils are a sign of opioid overdose but are not pathognomonic (e.g., pontine lesions of hemorrhagic or ischemic origin may produce similar findings). Marked mydriasis rather than miosis may be seen due to hypoxia in overdose situations.

Effects On The Gastrointestinal Tract And Other Smooth Muscle

Fentanyl causes a reduction in motility associated with an increase in smooth muscle tone in the antrum of the stomach and in the duodenum. Digestion of food in the small intestine is delayed and propulsive contractions are decreased. Propulsive peristaltic waves in the colon are decreased, while tone may be increased to the point of spasm resulting in constipation. Other opioid-induced effects may include a reduction in biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations in serum amylase.

Effects On The Cardiovascular System

Fentanyl produces peripheral vasodilation which may result in orthostatic hypotension or syncope. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes and sweating, and/or orthostatic hypotension.

Effects On The Endocrine System

Opioid agonists have been shown to have a variety of effects on the secretion of hormones. Opioids inhibit the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in humans. They also stimulate prolactin, growth hormone (GH) secretion, and pancreatic secretion of insulin and glucagon [see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) has been shown to be both inhibited and stimulated by opioids.

Chronic use of opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Effects On The Immune System

Opioids have been shown to have a variety of effects on components of the immune system in in vitro and animal models. The clinical significance of these findings is unknown. Overall, the effects of opioids appear to be modestly immunosuppressive.

Concentration-Efficacy Relationships

The analgesic effects of fentanyl are related to the blood level of the drug, if proper allowance is made for the delay into and out of the CNS (a process with a 3-to 5minute half-life).

In general, the effective concentration and the concentration at which toxicity occurs increase with increasing tolerance with any and all opioids. The rate of development of tolerance varies widely among individuals [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

The minimum effective analgesic concentration of fentanyl for any individual patient may increase over time due to an increase in pain, the development of a new pain syndrome and/or the development of analgesic tolerance [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Concentration-Adverse Reaction Relationships

There is a relationship between increasing fentanyl plasma concentration and increasing frequency of dose-related opioid adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, CNS effects, and respiratory depression. In opioid-tolerant patients, the situation may be altered by the development of tolerance to opioid-related adverse reactions [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Respiratory System

All opioid mu-receptor agonists, including fentanyl, produce dose-dependent respiratory depression. The risk of respiratory depression is less in patients receiving chronic opioid therapy who develop tolerance to respiratory depression and other opioid effects. Peak respiratory depressive effects may be seen as early as 15 to 30 minutes from the start of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate product administration and may persist for several hours.

Serious or fatal respiratory depression can occur even at recommended doses. Although not observed with oral transmucosal fentanyl products in clinical trials, fentanyl given rapidly by intravenous injection in large doses may interfere with respiration by causing rigidity in the muscles of respiration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Pharmacokinetics

Fentanyl exhibits linear pharmacokinetics. Systemic exposure to fentanyl following administration of fentanyl buccal tablets increases linearly in an approximate dose-proportional manner over the 100-to 800-mcg dose range.

Absorption

Following buccal administration of fentanyl buccal tablets, fentanyl is readily absorbed with an absolute bioavailability of 65%. The absorption profile of fentanyl buccal tablets is largely the result of an initial absorption from the buccal mucosa, with peak plasma concentrations following venous sampling generally attained within an hour after buccal administration. Approximately 50% of the total dose administered is absorbed transmucosally and becomes systemically available. The remaining half of the total dose is swallowed and undergoes more prolonged absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.

In a study that compared the absolute and relative bioavailability of fentanyl buccal tablets and ACTIQ (oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate), the rate and extent of fentanyl absorption were considerably different (approximately 30% greater exposure with fentanyl buccal tablets) (Table 5).

Table 5: Pharmacokinetic Parameters* in Adult Subjects Receiving Fentanyl Buccal Tablets or ACTIQ

Pharmacokinetic Parameter (mean)	Fentanyl Buccal Tablets 400 mcg	ACTIQ 400 mcg (adjusted dose)***
Absolute Bioavailability	65% ± 20%	47% ± 10.5%
Fraction Absorbed Transmucosally	48% ± 31.8%	22% ± 17.3%
Tmax (minute)**	46.8 (20-240)	90.8 (35-240)
Cmax (ng/mL)	1.02 ± 0.42	0.63 ± 0.21
AUC0-tmax (ng•hr/mL)	0.40 ± 0.18	0.14 ± 0.05
AUC0-inf (ng•hr/mL)	6.48 ± 2.98	4.79 ± 1.96
* Based on venous blood samples. ** Data for Tmax presented as median (range). ***ACTIQ data was dose adjusted (800 mcg to 400 mcg).

 

Similarly, in another bioavailability study exposure following administration of fentanyl buccal tablets was also greater (approximately 50%) compared to Actiq.

Due to differences in drug delivery, measures of exposure (Cmax, AUC0-tmax, AUC0-inf) associated with a given dose of fentanyl were substantially greater with fentanyl buccal tablets compared to ACTIQ (see Figure 1). Therefore, caution must be exercised when switching patients from one product to another [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Figure 1 includes an inset which shows the mean plasma concentration versus time profile to 6 hours. The vertical line denotes the median Tmax for fentanyl buccal tablets.

Figure 1: Mean Plasma Concentration Versus Time Profiles Following Single Doses of Fentanyl Buccal Tablets and ACTIQ in Healthy Subjects

 

Mean pharmacokinetic parameters are presented in Table 6. Mean plasma concentration versus time profiles are presented in Figure 2.

Table 6: Pharmacokinetic Parameters* Following Single 100, 200, 400, and 800 mcg Doses of Fentanyl Buccal Tablets in Healthy Subjects

Pharmacokinetic Parameter (mean±SD)	100 mcg	200 mcg	400 mcg	800 mcg
Cmax (ng/mL)	0.25 ± 0.14	0.40 ± 0.18	0.97 ± 0.53	1.59 ± 0.90
Tmax, minute** (range)	45.0 (25.0 -181.0)	40.0 (20.0 – 180.0)	35.0 (20.0 – 180.0)	40.0 (25.0 – 180.0)
AUC0-inf (ng•hr/mL)	0.98 ± 0.37	2.11 ± 1.13	4.72 ± 1.95	9.05 ± 3.72
AUC0-tmax (ng•hr/mL)	0.09 ± 0.06	0.13 ± 0.09	0.34 ± 0.23	0.52 ± 0.38
T½, hr**	2.63 (1.47 – 13.57)	4.43 (1.85 -20.76)	11.09 (4.63 – 20.59)	11.70 (4.63 – 28.63)
* Based on venous sampling. ** Data for Tmax presented as median (range).

 

Figure 2: Mean Plasma Concentration Versus Time Profiles Following Single 100, 200, 400, and 800 mcg Doses of Fentanyl Buccal Tablets in Healthy Subjects

 

Dwell time (defined as the length of time that the tablet takes to fully disintegrate following buccal administration), does not appear to affect early systemic exposure to fentanyl.

The effect of mucositis (Grade 1) on the pharmacokinetic profile of fentanyl buccal tablets was studied in a group of patients with (N = 8) and without mucositis (N = 8) who were otherwise matched. A single 200 mcg tablet was administered, followed by sampling at appropriate intervals. Mean summary statistics (standard deviation in parentheses, expected tmax where range was used) are presented in Table 7.

Table 7: Pharmacokinetic Parameters in Patients with Mucositis

Patient status	Cmax (ng/mL)	tmax (min)	AUC0-tmax (ng•hr/mL)	AUC0-8 (ng•hr/mL)
Mucositis	1.25 ± 0.78	25.0 (15 -45)	0.21 ± 0.16	2.33 ± 0.93
No mucositis	1.24 ± 0.77	22.5 (10 – 121)	0.25 ± 0.24	1.86 ± 0.86

 

Following sublingual tablet placement, systemic exposure (as measured by AUC and Cmax) of fentanyl is equivalent to systemic exposure following buccal tablet placement.

Distribution

Fentanyl is highly lipophilic. The plasma protein binding of fentanyl is 80-85%. The main binding protein is alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, but both albumin and lipoproteins contribute to some extent. The mean oral volume of distribution at steady state (Vss/F) was 25.4 L/kg.

Elimination

Metabolism

The metabolic pathways following buccal administration of fentanyl buccal tablets have not been characterized in clinical studies. The progressive decline of fentanyl plasma concentrations results from the uptake of fentanyl in the tissues and biotransformation in the liver. Fentanyl is metabolized in the liver and in the intestinal mucosa to norfentanyl by cytochrome P450 3A4 isoform. In animal studies, norfentanyl was not found to be pharmacologically active [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Excretion

Disposition of fentanyl following buccal administration of fentanyl buccal tablets has not been characterized in a mass balance study. Fentanyl is primarily (more than 90%) eliminated by biotransformation to N-dealkylated and hydroxylated inactive metabolites. Less than 7% of the administered dose is excreted unchanged in the urine, and only about 1% is excreted unchanged in the feces. The metabolites are mainly excreted in the urine, while fecal excretion is less important.

The total plasma clearance of fentanyl following intravenous administration is approximately 42 L/h.

Sex

Systemic exposure was higher for women than men (mean Cmax and AUC values were approximately 28% and 22% higher, respectively). The observed differences between men and women were largely attributable to differences in weight.

Race

In studies conducted in healthy Japanese subjects, systemic exposure was generally higher than that observed in U.S. subjects (mean Cmax and AUC values were approximately 50% and 20% higher, respectively). The observed differences were largely attributed to the lower mean weight of the Japanese subjects compared to U.S. subjects (57.4 kg versus 73 kg).

Clinical Studies

The efficacy of fentanyl buccal tablets was demonstrated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study in opioid tolerant patients with cancer and breakthrough pain. Patients considered opioid tolerant were those who were taking at least 60 mg of oral morphine daily, at least 25 mcg/hour of transdermal fentanyl, at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid daily for a week or longer.

In this trial, patients were titrated in an open-label manner to a successful dose of fentanyl buccal tablets. A successful dose was defined as the dose in which a patient obtained adequate analgesia with tolerable side effects. Patients who identified a successful dose were randomized to a sequence of 10 treatments with 7 being the successful dose of fentanyl buccal tablets and 3 being placebo. Patients used one tablet of study drug (either fentanyl buccal tablets or placebo) per breakthrough pain episode.

Patients assessed pain intensity on a scale that rated the pain as 0=none to 10=worst possible pain. With each episode of breakthrough pain, pain intensity was assessed first and then treatment was administered. Pain intensity (0-10) was then measured at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after the start of administration. The sum of differences in pain intensity scores at 15 and 30 minutes from baseline (SPID30) was the primary efficacy measure.

Sixty-five percent (65%) of patients who entered the study achieved a successful dose during the titration phase. The distribution of successful doses is shown in Table 8. The median dose was 400 mcg.

Table 8: Successful Dose of Fentanyl Buccal Tablets Following Initial Titration

Fentanyl Buccal Tablets Dose	n (%) (N=80)
100 mcg	13 (16)
200 mcg	11(14)
400 mcg	21(26)
600 mcg	10(13)
800 mcg	25 (31)

 

The LS mean (SE) SPID30 for fentanyl buccal tablets-treated episodes was 3.0 (0.12) while for placebo-treated episodes it was 1.8 (0.18).

Figure 3: Mean Pain Intensity Differences (PID) at Each Time Point During the Double -Blind Treatment Period