Fentanyl buccal

Watson Laboratories, Inc.

Fentanyl Buccal Tablets CII

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION: CONTENTS*

• BOXED WARNING
• FENTANYL BUCCAL DESCRIPTION
• CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
  • Pharmacology:
  • Analgesia
  • Central Nervous System
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Cardiovascular System
  • Endocrine System
  • Respiratory System
  • PHARMACOKINETICS
  • Absorption:
  • Distribution:
  • Metabolism:
  • Elimination:
  • Special Populations:
  • Race
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Renal or Hepatic Impairment:
  • Drug Interactions
  • CLINICAL TRIALS
• FENTANYL BUCCAL INDICATIONS AND USAGE
• FENTANYL BUCCAL CONTRAINDICATIONS
• WARNINGS
  • Use with CNS Depressants
  • Drug Abuse, Addiction and Diversion of Opioids
  • Physical Dependence and Withdrawal
  • Respiratory Depression
• PRECAUTIONS
  • General
  • Chronic Pulmonary Disease
  • Head Injuries and Increased Intracranial Pressure
  • Application Site Reactions
  • Cardiac Disease
  • Hepatic or Renal Disease
  • Information for Patients and Caregivers
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Drug Interactions
  • Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility
  • Pregnancy-Category C
  • Labor and Delivery
  • Nursing Mothers
  • Pediatric Use
  • Geriatric Use
• FENTANYL BUCCAL ADVERSE REACTIONS
• OVERDOSAGE
  • Clinical Presentation
  • General
  • Treatment of Overdosage in the Opioid Non-Tolerant Person
  • Treatment of Overdose in Opioid-Tolerant Patients
  • General Considerations for Overdose
• FENTANYL BUCCAL DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
  • Dosing
  • Patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment
  • Patients receiving CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • Patients with mucositis
  • SAFETY AND HANDLING
  • DISPOSAL OF FENTANYL BUCCAL TABLETS
• HOW SUPPLIED
• MEDICATION GUIDE
• PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
• PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
• PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
• PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
• PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

PHYSICIANS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS MUST BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE IMPORTANT WARNINGS IN THIS LABEL.

FENTANYL BUCCAL DESCRIPTION

Fentanyl buccal tablets are a potent opioid analgesic, intended for buccal mucosal administration. Fentanyl buccal tablets are formulated as a flat-faced, round, beveled-edge white to off-white tablet.

Fentanyl buccal tablets are designed to be placed and retained within the buccal cavity for a period sufficient to allow dissolution of the tablet and absorption of fentanyl across the oral mucosa.

Watson’s fentanyl buccal tablets employ immediate-release drug delivery technology which releases the drug substance upon dissolution.

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, potassium bicarbonate, and magnesium stearate.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Pharmacology:

Fentanyl is a pure opioid agonist whose principal therapeutic action is analgesia. Other members of the class known as opioid agonists include substances such as morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, codeine, and hydrocodone. Pharmacological effects of opioid agonists include anxiolysis, euphoria, feelings of relaxation, respiratory depression, constipation, miosis, cough suppression, and analgesia. Like all pure opioid agonist analgesics, with increasing doses there is increasing analgesia, unlike with mixed agonist/antagonists or non-opioid analgesics, where there is a limit to the analgesic effect with increasing doses. With pure opioid agonist analgesics, there is no defined maximum dose; the ceiling to analgesic effectiveness is imposed only by side effects, the more serious of which may include somnolence and respiratory depression.

Analgesia

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-5-minute 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. As a result, the dose of fentanyl buccal tablets should be individually titrated to achieve the desired effect. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)

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 both a reduction in the responsiveness of the brain stem to increases in carbon dioxide and to electrical stimulation.

Fentanyl depresses the cough reflex by direct effect on the cough center in the medulla. Antitussive effects may occur with doses lower than those usually required for analgesia. 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).

Gastrointestinal System

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 is delayed in the small intestine 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 gastric, biliary and pancreatic secretions, spasm of the sphincter of Oddi, and transient elevations in serum amylase.

Cardiovascular System

Fentanyl may produce release of histamine with or without associated peripheral vasodilation. Manifestations of histamine release and/or peripheral vasodilation may include pruritus, flushing, red eyes, sweating, and/or orthostatic hypotension.

Endocrine System

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

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. During the titration phase of the clinical trials, somnolence, which may be a precursor to respiratory depression, did increase in patients who were treated with higher doses of another oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (Actiq^®‡). 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. Fentanyl depresses the cough reflex as a result of its CNS activity. 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. Therefore, physicians and other healthcare providers should be aware of this potential complication.

(See BOXED WARNING , CONTRAINDICATIONS , WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS , ADVERSE REACTIONS , and OVERDOSAGE for additional information on hypoventilation.)

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 1).

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 (C_max, AUC_0-tmax, AUC_0-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 .) Figure 1 includes an inset which shows the mean plasma concentration versus time profile to 6 hours.  The vertical line denotes the median T_max for fentanyl buccal tablets.

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

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 t_max where range was used) are presented in Table 3.

Distribution:

Fentanyl is highly lipophilic. The plasma protein binding of fentanyl is 80 to 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.

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 PRECAUTIONS: Drug Interactions for additional information.)

Elimination:

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.

Special Populations:

The pharmacokinetics of fentanyl buccal tablets has not been studied in Special Populations.

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 US subjects (mean C_max 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 US subjects (57.4 kg versus 73 kg).

Age

The effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl buccal tablets has not been studied.

Gender

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

Renal or Hepatic Impairment:

The effect of renal or hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl buccal tablets has not been studied. Although fentanyl kinetics are known to be altered as a result of hepatic and renal disease due to alterations in metabolic clearance and plasma protein binding, the duration of effect for the initial dose of fentanyl is largely determined by the rate of distribution of the drug.

Diminished metabolic clearance may, therefore, become significant, primarily with repeated dosing or at very high single doses.  For these reasons, while it is recommended that fentanyl buccal tablets are titrated to clinical effect for all patients, special care should be taken in patients with severe hepatic or renal disease. (See PRECAUTIONS .)

Drug Interactions

The interaction between ritonavir and fentanyl was investigated in eleven healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. Subjects received oral ritonavir or placebo for 3 days. The ritonavir dose was 200 mg tid on Day 1 and 300 mg tid on Day 2 followed by one morning dose of 300 mg on Day 3. On Day 2, fentanyl was given as a single IV dose at 5 mcg/kg two hours after the afternoon dose of oral ritonavir or placebo. Naloxone was administered to counteract the side effects of fentanyl. The results suggested that ritonavir might decrease the clearance of fentanyl by 67%, resulting in a 174% (range 52% to 420%) increase in fentanyl AUC_0-inf. Coadministration of ritonavir in patients receiving fentanyl buccal tablets has not been studied; however, an increase in fentanyl AUC is expected. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and PRECAUTIONS .)

CLINICAL TRIALS

Breakthrough Pain:

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/day, at least 25 mcg of transdermal fentanyl/hour, at  least 30 mg of oxycodone daily, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid 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 (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 to 10) was 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 of patients who entered the study achieved a successful dose during the titration phase. The distribution of successful doses is shown in Table 4.  The median dose was 400 mcg.

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) (p<0.0001).

FENTANYL BUCCAL INDICATIONS AND USAGE

(See BOXED WARNING and CONTRAINDICATIONS .)

Fentanyl buccal tablets are indicated only for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer 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 daily, at least 25 mcg of transdermal fentanyl/hour, at least 30 mg of oxycodone daily, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid daily for a week or longer.

This product must not be used in opioid non-tolerant patients because life-threatening hypoventilation and death could occur at any dose in patients not on a chronic regimen of opioids.  For this reason, fentanyl buccal tablets are contraindicated in the management of acute or postoperative pain.

Fentanyl buccal tablets are intended to be used only in the care of opioid tolerant cancer patients and only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable of and skilled in the use of Schedule II opioids to treat cancer pain.

FENTANYL BUCCAL CONTRAINDICATIONS

Fentanyl buccal tablets are contraindicated in opioid non-tolerant patients. Fentanyl buccal tablets are contraindicated in the management of acute or postoperative pain including headache/migraine. Life-threatening respiratory depression and death could occur at any dose in opioid non-tolerant patients.

Fentanyl buccal tablets are contraindicated in patients with known intolerance or hypersensitivity to any of its components or the drug fentanyl.

WARNINGS

See BOXED WARNING

When prescribing, DO NOT convert a patient from Actiq ^®‡ to fentanyl buccal tablets without following the instructions found in the prescribing information as Actiq^®‡ and fentanyl buccal tablets are not equivalent on a microgram per microgram basis. Fentanyl buccal tablets are NOT a generic version of Actiq^®‡.

When dispensing, DO NOT substitute a fentanyl buccal tablets prescription for an Actiq ^®‡ prescription under any circumstances. Fentanyl buccal tablets and Actiq ^®‡ are not equivalent. Substantial differences exist in the pharmacokinetic profile of fentanyl buccal tablets compared to other fentanyl products including Actiq ^®‡ that result in clinically important differences in the rate and extent of absorption of fentanyl. As a result of these differences, the substitution of the same dose of fentanyl buccal tablets for the same dose of Actiq ^®‡ 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. (Note: This includes oral, transdermal, or parenteral formulations of fentanyl.) Therefore, for opioid tolerant patients, the initial dose of fentanyl buccal tablets should be 100 mcg. Each patient should be individually titrated to provide adequate analgesia while minimizing side effects. (See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)

Use with CNS Depressants

The concomitant use of other CNS depressants, including other opioids, sedatives or hypnotics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers, skeletal muscle relaxants, sedating antihistamines, potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 isoform (e.g., erythromycin, ketoconazole, and certain protease inhibitors), and alcoholic beverages may produce increased depressant effects. Hypoventilation, hypotension, and profound sedation may occur.

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.

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

Patients and their caregivers must be instructed that fentanyl buccal tablets contain a medicine in an amount which can be fatal to a child. Patients and their caregivers must be instructed to keep tablets out of the reach of children. (See SAFETY AND HANDLING , PRECAUTIONS , and MEDICATION GUIDE for specific patient instructions.)

Drug Abuse, Addiction and Diversion of Opioids

Fentanyl buccal tablets contain fentanyl, a mu-opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance with high potential for abuse similar to hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.  Fentanyl can be abused and is subject to misuse, and criminal diversion.

Concerns about abuse, addiction, and diversion should not prevent the proper management of pain.  However, 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.

Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations.  It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following:  impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving.  Drug addiction is a treatable disease, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, but relapse is common.

“Drug-seeking” behavior is very common in addicts and drug abusers. Fentanyl buccal tablets should be prescribed with caution to patients who have a higher risk of substance abuse, including patients with bipolar disorder and/or schizophrenia.

Patients with chronic pain may be at a higher risk for suicide.

Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance.  Physicians 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 addiction and is characterized by misuse for nonmedical purposes, often in combination with other psychoactive substances.  Since fentanyl buccal tablets may be diverted for non-medical use, careful record keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests is strongly advised.

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

Fentanyl buccal tablets should be handled appropriately to minimize the risk of diversion, including restriction of access and accounting procedures as appropriate to the clinical setting and as required by law.

Healthcare professionals should contact their State Professional Licensing Board, or State Controlled Substances Authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

Physical Dependence and Withdrawal

The administration of fentanyl buccal tablets should be guided by the response of the patient. Physical dependence, per se, is not ordinarily a concern when one is treating a patient with cancer and chronic pain, and fear of tolerance and physical dependence should not deter using doses that adequately relieve the pain.

Opioid analgesics may cause physical dependence. Physical dependence results in withdrawal symptoms in patients who abruptly discontinue the drug. Withdrawal also may be precipitated through the administration of drugs with opioid antagonist activity, e.g., naloxone, nalmefene, or mixed agonist/antagonist analgesics (pentazocine, butorphanol, buprenorphine, nalbuphine).

Physical dependence usually does not occur to a clinically significant degree until after several weeks of continued opioid usage. Tolerance, in which increasingly larger doses are required in order to produce the same degree of analgesia, is initially manifested by a shortened duration of analgesic effect, and subsequently, by decreases in the intensity of analgesia.

Respiratory Depression

Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of opioid agonists, including fentanyl, the active ingredient in fentanyl buccal tablets. Respiratory depression is more likely to occur in patients with underlying respiratory disorders and elderly or debilitated patients, usually following large initial doses in opioid non-tolerant patients, or when opioids are given in conjunction with other drugs that depress respiration.

Respiratory depression from opioids is manifested by a reduced urge to breathe and a decreased rate of respiration, often associated with the “sighing” pattern of breathing (deep breaths separated by abnormally long pauses).  Carbon dioxide retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.  This makes overdoses involving drugs with sedative properties and opioids especially dangerous.

PRECAUTIONS

General

Opioid analgesics impair the mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially dangerous tasks (e.g., driving a car or operating machinery). Patients taking fentanyl buccal tablets should be warned of these dangers and should be counseled accordingly.

The use of concomitant CNS active drugs requires special patient care and observation. (See WARNINGS .)

Chronic Pulmonary Disease

Because potent opioids can cause respiratory depression, fentanyl buccal tablets should be titrated with caution in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pre-existing medical conditions predisposing them to respiratory depression. In such patients, even normal therapeutic doses of fentanyl buccal tablets may further decrease respiratory drive to the point of respiratory failure.

Head Injuries and Increased Intracranial Pressure

Fentanyl buccal tablets should only be administered with extreme caution in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO₂ retention such as those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure or impaired consciousness. Opioids may obscure the clinical course of a patient with a head injury and should be used only if clinically warranted.

Application Site Reactions

In clinical trials, 10% of all patients exposed to fentanyl buccal tablets reported application site reactions. These reactions ranged from paresthesia 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.

Cardiac Disease

Intravenous fentanyl may produce bradycardia. Therefore, fentanyl buccal tablets should be used with caution in patients with bradyarrhythmias.

Hepatic or Renal Disease

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.

Information for Patients and Caregivers

• Patients and their caregivers must be instructed that children, especially small children, exposed to fentanyl buccal tablets are at high risk of FATAL RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION. Patients and their caregivers must be instructed to keep fentanyl buccal tablets out of the reach of children. (See SAFETY AND HANDLING , WARNINGS , and MEDICATION GUIDE for specific patient instructions.)

• Patients and their caregivers must be provided a Medication Guide each time fentanyl buccal tablets are dispensed because new information may be available.

• Patients must be instructed 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.

• Patients must be instructed 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.

• Patients must be instructed that, if they are not taking an opioid medication on a scheduled basis (around-the-clock), they should not take fentanyl buccal tablets.

• Patients should be instructed 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).

• Patients must be instructed 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.

• Patients must be instructed that they MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with fentanyl buccal tablets.

• Patients must be instructed 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.

• Patients must be aware that fentanyl buccal tablets contain fentanyl which is a strong pain medication similar to hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.

• Patients must be instructed that the active ingredient in fentanyl buccal tablets, fentanyl, is a drug that some people abuse. Fentanyl buccal tablets should be taken only by the patient they were prescribed for, and they should be protected from theft or misuse in the work or home environment.

• Patients should be instructed 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 and allowed to dissolve.  After 30 minutes if remnants of the tablet still remain, patients may swallow it with a glass of water.

• Patients must be cautioned to talk to their doctor if breakthrough pain is not alleviated or worsens after taking fentanyl buccal tablets.

• Patients must be instructed to use fentanyl buccal tablets exactly as prescribed by their doctor and not to take fentanyl buccal tablets more often than prescribed.

• Patients must be cautioned that fentanyl buccal tablets can affect a person’s ability to perform activities that require a high level of attention (such as driving or using heavy machinery).  Patients taking fentanyl buccal tablets should be warned of these dangers and counseled accordingly.

• Patients must be warned to not combine fentanyl buccal tablets with alcohol, sleep aids, or tranquilizers except by the orders of the prescribing physician, because dangerous additive effects may occur, resulting in serious injury or death.

• Female patients must be informed that if they become pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment with fentanyl buccal tablets, they should ask their doctor about the effects that fentanyl buccal tablets (or any medicine) may have on them and their unborn children.

• Patients and caregivers must be advised that if they have been receiving treatment with fentanyl buccal tablets and the medicine is no longer needed they should flush any remaining product down the toilet, and if they then need further assistance, contact Watson at 1-866-510-7780.

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. (See SAFETY AND HANDLING .)

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. Patients should be encouraged to read this information in its entirety and be given 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, they should be instructed to call the Watson toll-free number (1-866-510-7780) or seek assistance from their local DEA office.

Laboratory Tests

The effects of fentanyl buccal tablets on laboratory tests have not been evaluated.

Drug Interactions

See WARNINGS .

Fentanyl is metabolized mainly via the human cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4); therefore potential interactions may occur when fentanyl buccal tablets are given concurrently with agents that affect CYP3A4 activity. The concomitant use of fentanyl buccal tablets with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, and nefazadone) or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., amprenavir, aprepitant, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, and verapamil) may result in increased fentanyl plasma concentrations, potentially causing serious adverse drug effects including fatal respiratory depression. Patients receiving fentanyl buccal tablets concomitantly with moderate or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should be carefully monitored for an extended period of time. Dosage increase should be done conservatively. (See PHARMACOKINETICS, Drug Interactions and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION .)

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice decrease CYP3A4 activity, increasing blood concentrations of fentanyl, thus should be avoided.

Drugs that induce cytochrome P450 3A4 activity may have the opposite effects.

Concomitant use of fentanyl buccal tablets with an MAO inhibitor, or within 14 days of discontinuation, is not recommended.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility

Long-term studies in animals have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of fentanyl.

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

Fentanyl impairs fertility in rats at doses of 30 mcg/kg IV and 160 mcg/kg SC. Conversion to human equivalent doses indicates this is within the range of the human recommended dosing for fentanyl buccal tablets.

Pregnancy-Category C

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Fentanyl buccal tablets should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. No epidemiological studies of congenital anomalies in infants born to women treated with fentanyl during pregnancy have been reported.

Chronic maternal treatment with fentanyl during pregnancy has been associated with transient respiratory depression, behavioral changes, or seizures characteristic of neonatal abstinence syndrome in newborn infants. Symptoms of neonatal respiratory or neurological depression were no more frequent than expected in most studies of infants born to women treated acutely during labor with intravenous or epidural fentanyl. Transient neonatal muscular rigidity has been observed in infants whose mothers were treated with intravenous fentanyl.

Fentanyl is embryocidal as evidenced by increased resorptions in pregnant rats at doses of 30 mcg/kg IV or 160 mcg/kg SC. Conversion to human equivalent doses indicates this is within the range of the human recommended dosing for fentanyl buccal tablets.

Fentanyl citrate was not teratogenic when administered to pregnant animals. Published studies demonstrated that administration of fentanyl (10, 100, or 500 mcg/kg/day) to pregnant rats from day 7 to 21, of their 21 day gestation, via implanted microosmotic minipumps was not teratogenic (the high dose was approximately 3-times the human dose of 1600 mcg per pain episode on a mg/m² basis). Intravenous administration of fentanyl (10 or 30 mcg/kg) to pregnant female rats from gestation day 6 to 18, was embryo or fetal toxic, and caused a slightly increased mean delivery time in the 30 mcg/kg/day group, but was not teratogenic.

Labor and Delivery

Fentanyl readily passes across the placenta to the fetus; therefore fentanyl buccal tablets are not recommended for analgesia during labor and delivery.

Nursing Mothers

Fentanyl is excreted in human milk; therefore fentanyl buccal tablets should not be used in nursing women because of the possibility of sedation and/or respiratory depression in their infants. Symptoms of opioid withdrawal may occur in infants at the cessation of nursing by women using fentanyl buccal tablets.

Pediatric Use

See WARNINGS .

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.

FENTANYL BUCCAL ADVERSE REACTIONS

Pre-Marketing Clinical Trial Experience

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 most commonly observed adverse events seen with fentanyl buccal tablets are typical of opioid side effects. Opioid side effects should be expected and managed accordingly.

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 5 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 6 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.

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.

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 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: Anemia, Neutropenia, Thrombocytopenia, Leukopenia

Cardiac Disorders: Tachycardia

Gastrointestinal Disorders:  Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation,  Abdominal Pain,  Diarrhea, 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: Fatigue, Edema Peripheral, Asthenia, Pyrexia, Application Site Pain, Application Site Ulcer, Chest Pain, Chills, Application Site Irritation, Edema, Mucosal Inflammation, Pain

Hepatobiliary Disorders: Jaundice

Infections and Infestations:  Pneumonia, 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 Weight, Decreased Hemoglobin, Increased Blood Glucose, Decreased Hematocrit, Decreased Platelet Count

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

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

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

Psychiatric Disorders:  Confusional State, Depression, Insomnia, Anxiety, Disorientation, Euphoric Mood, Hallucination, Nervousness

Renal and Urinary Disorders: Renal Failure

Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders: Dyspnea, Cough, 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

OVERDOSAGE

Clinical Presentation

The manifestations of fentanyl buccal tablets overdosage are expected to be similar in nature to intravenous fentanyl and other opioids, and are an extension of its pharmacological actions with the most serious significant effect being hypoventilation. (See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY .)

General

Immediate management of opioid overdose includes removal of the fentanyl buccal tablet, if still in the mouth, ensuring a patient airway, physical and verbal stimulation of the patient, and assessment of level of consciousness, as well as ventilatory and circulatory status.

Treatment of Overdosage in the Opioid Non-Tolerant Person

Ventilatory support should be provided, intravenous access obtained, and naloxone or other opioid antagonists should be employed as clinically indicated. The duration of respiratory depression following overdose may be longer than the effects of the opioid antagonist’s action (e.g., the half-life of naloxone ranges from 30 to 81 minutes) and repeated administration may be necessary. Consult the package insert of the individual opioid antagonist for details about such use.

Treatment of Overdose in Opioid-Tolerant Patients

Ventilatory support should be provided and intravenous access obtained as clinically indicated. Judicious use of naloxone or another opioid antagonist may be warranted in some instances, but it is associated with the risk of precipitating an acute withdrawal syndrome.

General Considerations for Overdose

Management of severe fentanyl buccal tablets overdose includes:  securing a patient airway, assisting or controlling ventilation, establishing intravenous access, and GI decontamination by lavage and/or activated charcoal, once the patient’s airway is secure. In the presence of hypoventilation or apnea, ventilation should be assisted or controlled and oxygen administered as indicated.

Patients with overdose should be carefully observed and appropriately managed until their clinical condition is well controlled.

Although muscle rigidity interfering with respiration has not been seen following the use of fentanyl buccal tablets, this is possible with fentanyl and other opioids. If it occurs, it should be managed by the use of assisted or controlled ventilation, by an opioid antagonist, and as a final alternative, by a neuromuscular blocking agent.

FENTANYL BUCCAL DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Physicians should individualize treatment using a progressive plan of pain management.  Healthcare professionals should follow appropriate pain management principles of careful assessment and ongoing monitoring. (See BOXED WARNING and Dosing .)

It is important to minimize the number of strengths available to patients at any time to prevent confusion and possible overdose.

Dosing

1. Initial Dose

• For opioid-tolerant patients not being converted from Actiq^®‡, the initial dose of fentanyl buccal tablets is always 100 mcg.

• For patients being converted from Actiq^®‡, prescribers must use the Initial Dosing Recommendations table below (Table 7). 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 7. Initial Dosing Recommendations for Patients on Actiq^®‡

  Current Actiq ®‡   Dose (mcg)	Initial Fentanyl  Buccal Tablets Dose (mcg)
  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

• For patients converting from Actiq^®‡ doses equal to or greater than 600 mcg, titration should be initiated with the 200 mcg fentanyl buccal tablet and should proceed using multiples of this tablet strength.

• 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.

• Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with fentanyl buccal tablets.

2. Titration

• From an initial dose, patients should be closely followed by the prescriber and the dosage strength changed 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 physician to determine if a dosage adjustment is warranted.

• 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 tablet for doses above 400 mcg (600 mcg and 800 mcg). Note: Do not use more than 4 tablets simultaneously.

• 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).

• Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with fentanyl buccal tablets. To reduce the risk of overdosing during titration, patients should have only one strength of fentanyl buccal tablets available at any one time.

• 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 DISPOSAL OF FENTANYL BUCCAL TABLETS.) Dispose of any unopened fentanyl buccal tablets remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed.

3. Maintenance Dosing

• Once titrated to an effective dose, patients should generally use only ONE fentanyl buccal tablet of the appropriate strength per breakthrough pain episode.

• 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.

• Patients MUST wait at least 4 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with fentanyl buccal tablets.

• Dosage adjustment of fentanyl buccal tablets may be required in some patients in order to continue to provide adequate relief of breakthrough pain.

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.

If the patient experiences greater than four breakthrough pain episodes per day, the dose of the maintenance (around-the-clock) opioid used for persistent pain should be reevaluated.

Patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment

Caution should be exercised for patients with hepatic and/or renal impairment, and the lowest possible dose should be used in these patients. (See PRECAUTIONS .)

Patients receiving CYP3A4 inhibitors

Particular caution should be exercised for patients receiving CYP3A4 inhibitors, and the lowest possible dose should be used in these patients. (See PRECAUTIONS .)

Patients with mucositis

No dose adjustment appears necessary in patients with Grade 1 mucositis. The safety and efficacy of fentanyl buccal tablets when used in patients with mucositis more severe than Grade 1 have not been studied.

Opening the Blister Package

• Patients should be instructed not to open the blister until ready to administer fentanyl buccal tablets.

• The pull tab should be lifted where indicated.

• The tab should be pulled around the curve and the blister should be pressed against the other side to push the tablet through.

• The tablet should not be stored 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). Patients should not split the tablet.

The fentanyl buccal tablet should not be sucked, chewed or swallowed, 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 until it has disintegrated, which usually takes approximately 14 to 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.

SAFETY AND HANDLING

Fentanyl buccal tablets are supplied in individually sealed, child-resistant blister packages. The amount of fentanyl contained in fentanyl buccal tablets can be fatal to a child. Patients and their caregivers must be instructed to keep fentanyl buccal tablets out of the reach of children. (See BOXED WARNING , WARNINGS , PRECAUTIONS , and MEDICATION GUIDE .)

Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) until ready to use. [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Fentanyl buccal tablets should be protected from freezing and moisture. Do not use if the blister package has been tampered with.

DISPOSAL OF FENTANYL BUCCAL TABLETS

Patients and members of their household must be advised to dispose of any tablets remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed. Information is available in the Information for Patients and Caregivers and in the Medication Guide. If additional assistance is required, referral to the Watson toll-free telephone number (1-866-510-7780) should be made.

To dispose of unused fentanyl buccal tablets, remove fentanyl buccal tablets from blister packages and flush down the toilet. Do not flush fentanyl buccal tablet blister packages or cartons down the toilet. If you need additional assistance with disposal of fentanyl buccal tablets, call Watson Laboratories, Inc., at 1-866-510-7780.

HOW SUPPLIED

Each carton contains 7 blister cards with 4 round, white to off-white uncoated tablets in each card. The blisters are child-resistant, encased in peel/push foil, and provide protection from moisture.

Each tablet is debossed on one side with “WPI”, and the other side of each dosage strength is uniquely identified by the debossing on the tablet as described in the table below.  The dosage strength of each tablet is marked on the blister package and the carton.  See blister package and carton for product information.

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

Rx only.

DEA ORDER FORM REQUIRED. A SCHEDULE CII NARCOTIC.

^‡ ACTIQ^® is a registered trademark of Anesta Corp., a subsidiary of Cephalon, Inc.

Manufactured by:
Watson Laboratories, Inc.

Corona, CA 92880

Revised: January 2011

MEDICATION GUIDE

Fentanyl Buccal Tablets CII
100 mcg, 200 mcg, 400 mcg, 600 mcg, 800 mcg

Rx only

Read the Medication Guide that comes with fentanyl buccal tablets before you start taking them and each time you get a new prescription. There may be new information.  This Medication Guide does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. Share this important information with members of your household.

What is the most important information I should know about fentanyl buccal tablets?

• Fentanyl buccal tablets can cause life threatening breathing problems which can lead to death:

  • if you are not regularly using other opioid pain medicines around-the-clock for your constant cancer pain and your body is not used to these medicines. This means that you are not opioid tolerant.

  • if you do not use it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Your doctor will prescribe a starting dose of fentanyl buccal tablets that is different than other fentanyl containing medicines you may have been taking. Do not substitute fentanyl buccal tablets for other fentanyl medicines, including Actiq^®‡, without talking to your doctor.

What are fentanyl buccal tablets?

• Fentanyl buccal tablets are a prescription medicine that contains the medicine fentanyl. Fentanyl buccal tablets are a federally controlled substance (CII) because it is a strong opioid pain medicine that can be abused by people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs.

• Fentanyl buccal tablets are used to treat breakthrough pain in adult patients with cancer (18 years of age and older) who are regularly using other opioid pain medicines around-the-clock for their constant cancer pain. Fentanyl buccal tablets are started only after you have been taking other opioid pain medicines and your body has gotten used to them (you are opioid tolerant). DO NOT USE fentanyl buccal tablets if you are not opioid tolerant.

• You must stay under your doctor’s care while taking fentanyl buccal tablets.

• Fentanyl buccal tablets must not be used for the treatment of short-term pain from injuries, surgery, and headaches, including migraines. 

• Fentanyl buccal tablets should be placed in the mouth, against your gum and allowed to dissolve. Fentanyl buccal tablets are not meant to be chewed or swallowed.

• Prevent theft and misuse. Keep fentanyl buccal tablets in a safe place to protect it from being stolen since it can be a target for people who abuse narcotic medicines or street drugs.

• Never give fentanyl buccal tablets to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them and even cause death.

• Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Who should not take fentanyl buccal tablets?

Do Not Take fentanyl buccal tablets:

• if you are not regularly using other opioid pain medicines around-the-clock for your constant cancer pain.

• for the treatment of short-term pain from injuries, surgery, and headaches, including migraines.

• if you are allergic to anything in fentanyl buccal tablets. The active ingredient is fentanyl. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in fentanyl buccal tablets.

What should I tell my doctor before starting fentanyl buccal tablets?

Tell your doctor about all of your medical and mental problems, especially the ones listed below:

• Trouble breathing or lung problems such as asthma, wheezing, or shortness of breath

• A head injury or brain problem

• Liver or kidney problems

• Seizures (convulsions or fits)

• Slow heart rate or other heart problems

• Low blood pressure

• Mental problems including major depression or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)

• A past or present drinking problem or alcoholism, or a family history of this problem

• A past or present drug abuse or addiction problem, or a family history of this problem

Tell your doctor if you are:

• pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Fentanyl buccal tablets may harm your unborn baby.

• breast feeding. Fentanyl passes through your breast milk, and it can cause serious harm to your baby. You should not use fentanyl buccal tablets while breast feeding.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.  Some medicines may cause serious or life-threatening medical problems when taken with fentanyl buccal tablets. Sometimes, the doses of certain medicines and fentanyl buccal tablets need to be changed if used together.

Do not take any medicine while using fentanyl buccal tablets until you have talked to your doctor. Your doctor will tell you if it is safe to take other medicines while you are using fentanyl buccal tablets. Be especially careful about taking other medicines that make you sleepy such as other pain medicines, anti-depressant medicines, sleeping pills, anxiety medicines, antihistamines, or tranquilizers.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist.

How should I use fentanyl buccal tablets?

• Use fentanyl buccal tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use fentanyl buccal tablets more often than prescribed.

        o   Use 1 dose of fentanyl buccal tablets for an episode of breakthrough cancer pain. When the amount 
              of fentanyl buccal tablets is being adjusted by your doctor, a dose may include more than 1 tablet.

        o   If your breakthrough cancer pain is not relieved after 30 minutes, use ONLY 1 more dose of fentanyl buccal 
             tablets at this time.

        o   Wait at least 4 more hours before using fentanyl buccal tablets again for another episode of breakthrough cancer 
             pain.

        o   Remember you must continue taking your regularly used around-the-clock opioid medicine while taking fentanyl 
             buccal tablets.

• Talk to your doctor if your dose of fentanyl buccal tablets does not relieve your breakthrough cancer pain. Your doctor will decide if your dose of fentanyl buccal tablets needs to be changed.

• Talk to your doctor 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.

• Fentanyl buccal tablets come packaged in a blister card. Do not open the blister until ready to use.  Lift the pull tab where indicated. Pull the tab around the curve and press the blister against the other side, pushing the tablet through.

• Once removed from the blister pack, fentanyl buccal tablet must be used right away.

• Place a fentanyl buccal tablet in your mouth above a rear molar tooth between the upper cheek and gum and leave in place until the tablet is dissolved.  This generally takes between 14 to 25 minutes.  After 30 minutes if there is any tablet left, swallow it with a glass of water. If you cannot take the medicine in this manner, tell your doctor who will advise you what to do. Do not split the tablet.

• Do not bite, chew or suck fentanyl buccal tablets. If you do so, you will swallow more of the medicine and get less relief for your breakthrough cancer pain.

• Do not split the fentanyl buccal tablet. The fentanyl buccal tablet should be used whole.

• 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.

• If you take too many fentanyl buccal tablets or overdose, call 911 for emergency help.

What should I avoid while taking fentanyl buccal tablets?

• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how fentanyl buccal tablets affect how alert you are. Fentanyl buccal tablets can make you sleepy. Ask your doctor when it is okay to do these activities.

• Do not drink alcohol while using fentanyl buccal tablets. It can increase your chance of getting dangerous side effects.

• Do not take any medicine while using fentanyl buccal tablets until you have talked to your doctor. Your doctor will tell you if it is safe to take other medicines while you are using fentanyl buccal tablets. Be especially careful about taking other medicines that make you sleepy such as other pain medicines, anti-depressant medicines, sleeping pills, anxiety medicines, antihistamines, or tranquilizers

What are the possible or reasonably likely SIDE EFFECTS of fentanyl buccal tablets?

• Fentanyl buccal tablets can cause serious breathing problems that can become life-threatening, especially if used the wrong way. See “What is the most important information I should know about fentanyl buccal tablets?”

Call your doctor or get emergency medical help right away if you:

• have trouble breathing

• have extreme drowsiness with slowed breathing

• have slow, shallow breathing (little chest movement with breathing)

• feel faint, very dizzy, confused, or have unusual symptoms

The above symptoms mean that you have taken too much (overdose) 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. Do not take another dose of fentanyl buccal tablets.

• Fentanyl buccal tablets can cause pain or sores at the application site (on your gum or the inside of your cheek).  Tell your doctor if this is a problem for you.

• Fentanyl buccal tablets can cause your blood pressure to drop.  This can make you feel dizzy if you get up too fast from sitting or lying down.

• Fentanyl buccal tablets can cause physical dependence. Do not stop taking fentanyl buccal tablets or any other opioid without talking to your doctor. You could become sick with uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms because your body has become used to these medicines. Physical dependence is not the same as drug addiction.

• There is a chance of abuse or addiction with fentanyl buccal tablets. The chance is higher if you are or have been addicted to or abused other medications, street drugs, or alcohol, or if you have a history of mental problems.

• The most common side effects of fentanyl buccal tablets are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, and constipation. Constipation (not often enough or hard bowel movements) is a very common side effect of pain medicines (opioids) including fentanyl buccal tablets and is unlikely to go away without treatment. Talk to your doctor about dietary changes, and the use of laxatives (medicines to treat constipation) and stool softeners to prevent or treat constipation while taking fentanyl buccal tablets.

Talk to your doctor about any side effects that bother you or that do not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of fentanyl buccal tablets. For a complete list, ask your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store fentanyl buccal tablets?

• Keep fentanyl buccal tablets in a safe and secure place away from children and from anyone for whom it has not been prescribed.  Accidental use by a child is a medical emergency and can result in death.  If a child accidentally takes fentanyl buccal tablets, get emergency help right away.

• Fentanyl buccal tablets are supplied in single sealed child-resistant blister packages.

• Do NOT remove fentanyl buccal tablets from its blister packaging for storage in a temporary container, such as a pillbox.

• Store fentanyl buccal tablets at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] until ready to use.

• Always keep fentanyl buccal tablets in a secure place to protect from theft.

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

• Dispose of any unopened fentanyl buccal tablets 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.

• If you need help with disposal of fentanyl buccal tablets, call Watson Laboratories Inc., at 1-866-510-7780.

General Information About the Safe and Effective Use of 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 doctor.  You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about fentanyl buccal tablets that is written for healthcare professionals. You can also call Watson Laboratories, Inc., at 1-866-510-7780.

What are the ingredients of fentanyl buccal tablets?

Active Ingredient: fentanyl citrate Inactive Ingredients: mannitol, sodium starch glycolate, potassium bicarbonate, and magnesium stearate.

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

Rx Only.

^‡ ACTIQ^® is a registered trademark of Anesta Corp., a subsidiary of Cephalon, Inc.

Manufactured by:
Watson Laboratories, Inc.
Corona, CA 92880                                                                                                                                    Revised: January 2011

                                                                                                                                                                                        194388-1
                             

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

FOR BUCCAL ADMINISTRATION. DO NOT CHEM OR SWALLOW TABLET WHOLE.

Watson

28 Buccal Tablets   
Fentanyl Buccal
Tablets   CII
100 mcg*
*equivalent to fentanyl base

*Each tablet contains fentanyl citrate
equivalent to 100 mcg fentanyl base.

Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) until ready to use
[See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

For buccal administration.
Usual Dosage: See Package Insert.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

FOR BUCCAL ADMINISTRATION. DO NOT CHEM OR SWALLOW TABLET WHOLE.

Watson

28 Buccal Tablets   
Fentanyl Buccal
Tablets   CII
200 mcg*
*equivalent to fentanyl base

*Each tablet contains fentanyl citrate
equivalent to 200 mcg fentanyl base.

Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) until ready to use
[See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

For buccal administration.
Usual Dosage: See Package Insert.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

FOR BUCCAL ADMINISTRATION. DO NOT CHEM OR SWALLOW TABLET WHOLE.

Watson

28 Buccal Tablets   
Fentanyl Buccal
Tablets   CII
400 mcg*
*equivalent to fentanyl base

*Each tablet contains fentanyl citrate
equivalent to 400 mcg fentanyl base.

Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) until ready to use
[See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

For buccal administration.
Usual Dosage: See Package Insert.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

FOR BUCCAL ADMINISTRATION. DO NOT CHEM OR SWALLOW TABLET WHOLE.

Watson

28 Buccal Tablets   
Fentanyl Buccal
Tablets   CII
600 mcg*
*equivalent to fentanyl base

*Each tablet contains fentanyl citrate
equivalent to 600 mcg fentanyl base.

Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) until ready to use
[See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

For buccal administration.
Usual Dosage: See Package Insert.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL

FOR BUCCAL ADMINISTRATION. DO NOT CHEM OR SWALLOW TABLET WHOLE.

Watson

28 Buccal Tablets   
Fentanyl Buccal
Tablets   CII
800 mcg*
*equivalent to fentanyl base

*Each tablet contains fentanyl citrate
equivalent to 800 mcg fentanyl base.

Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) until ready to use
[See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]

For buccal administration.
Usual Dosage: See Package Insert.