[Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) in the treatment of breakthrough pain]

Author(s): Borgbjerg FM, Rosenberg J

Affiliation(s): H:S Bispebjerg Hospital, afdeling R.

Publication date & source: 2000-09-25, Ugeskr Laeger., 162(39):5237-40.

Publication type:

Breakthrough pain in patients receiving opioids for pain relief is traditionally treated with opioids given orally. This, however, implies a long time to clinical effect and a long duration of action resulting in difficult titration. It is possible to give fentanyl orally for transmucosal absorption (OTFC) with a new formulation using a stick with a specially designed tablet that can be rubbed against the mouth mucosa. This gives a short time to effect and with a short duration of action. Clinical studies have shown that patient tolerance of OTFC is high and the analgesic effect is comparable to that of intravenous fentanyl, without the need for an i.v. line. Clinical indication will be breakthrough pain in patients receiving opioids for baseline pain medication.