Fentanyl citrate (By mouth)

Introduction

Fentanyl (FEN-ta-nil)

Treats cancer pain in patients whose pain is not always relieved by other pain medicines. This medicine is a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s)

Fentora

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fentanyl. You should not use this medicine until after you have tried other narcotic medicines. Do not use this medicine if you need pain medicine for just a short time, such as when recovering from surgery.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.
• Remove the tablet from the blister unit just before product use. Do not push the tablet through the blister as this may cause damage to the tablet. Do not split the tablet.
• Do not store the tablet after removing it from the blister package. It should be used immediately.
• Place the tablet in your mouth between the upper cheek and gum, above the back molar.
• Allow the tablet to dissolve. It usually takes around 14 to 25 minutes for the tablet to dissolve completely.
• Do not suck, chew, or swallow the tablet.
• If the tablet did not dissolve completely after 30 minutes, you may swallow it with a glass of water.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Any unopened buccal tablets that are no longer needed should also be disposed of promptly. Flush the tablets down the toilet after removing from the blister packages. Do not flush the blister packages or cartons down the toilet.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using ritonavir (Norvir®), ketoconazole (Nizoral®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), troleandomycin (Tao®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), nelfinavir (Viracept®), or nefazodone (Serzone®). Tell your doctor if you are also using amprenavir (Agenerase®), aprepitant (Emend®), diltiazem (Cardizem®, Dilacor XR®), erythromycin (Ery-Tab®), fluconazole (Diflucan®), fosamprenavir (Lexiva®), or verapamil (Calan®, Isoptin®, Verelan®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a MAO inhibitor (MAOI), such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have lung disease or breathing problems such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart rhythm problems, liver disease, or kidney disease. Also tell your doctor if you have a recent head injury, or other problems that could increase the pressure in your head.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine can cause serious illness or even death if taken by a child or by anyone who is not already taking prescription medicine on a regular schedule for cancer pain.
• If you are switching from the oral transmucosal form of fentanyl to buccal form, make sure you read the patient instruction carefully. These forms are very different.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
• This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting.
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Pain in your lower leg (calf).
• Pain on urination, change in how much or how often you urinate.
• Rapid weight gain.
• Sores or white patches on your lips, mouth, or throat.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Trouble breathing.
• Unusual bleeding or bruising.
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Back pain, joint pain.
• Confusion or depression.
• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain.
• Headache.
• Loss of appetite.
• Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Weight loss.