How does it work?

Fentanyl citrate belongs to a group of medicines called opioid analgesics or painkillers. Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors. Fentanyl citrate mimicks the action of endorphins by combining with the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. People with chronic, severe pain, such as the pain caused by cancer, are given opioid medicines as painkillers. However, occasionally the pain can become worse despite taking these strong painkillers. This is known as 'breakthrough' pain . Fentanyl citrate lozenges are used to relieve this 'breakthrough' pain in people already receiving opioid painkillers to control chronic, severe pain. This preparation of fentanyl consists of a lozenge attached with edible glue to a handle. The lozenge should be placed in the mouth next to the cheek and moved aroud the mouth using the handle. The medicine is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream through the mucosal skin on the inside of the mouth.

What is it used for?

Relief of breakthrough pain in people taking opioid painkillers

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Alcohol should be avoided.

Dependence may occur. This means that the patient finds it very difficult to stop using the medicine.

This medicine has severe adverse reactions in an overdose. Do not exceed the prescribed dose.

This preparation contains a dose of medicine that can be fatal to a child. Keep this medicine well out of reach of children and discard the handle in a waste container that is also well out of reach of children.

The safety and efficacy of this medicine have not been established in children and adolescents.

If the dosage unit has been only partially consumed, the remaining medicine should be dissolved by running the unit under hot water. Discard the handle in a waste container well out of reach of children. Return all unused dose units to your doctor or pharmacist.

The unit should be sucked, not chewed. Use water to moisten the inside of the mouth if your mouth is dry.

Use with caution in

Asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

Head injury

Impaired conciousness

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Severe kidney disease

Severe liver disease

Slow abnormal heart rhythms (bradyarrhythmias)

Not to be used in

People NOT already taking opioid painkillers

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk and women taking this medicine should therefore not breastfeed. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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