Abstral Sublingual Tablet

fentanyl citrate

Dosage Form: sublingual tablet
FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION

WARNINGS: POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE and IMPORTANCE OF PROPER PATIENT SELECTION

ABSTRAL contains fentanyl, an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance, with an abuse liability similar to other opioid analgesics. ABSTRAL can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit. Consider the potential for abuse when prescribing or dispensing ABSTRAL in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse or diversion. Schedule II opioid substances which include morphine, oxycodone, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and methadone have the highest potential for abuse and risk of fatal overdose due to respiratory depression.

Serious adverse events, including deaths, in patients treated with other oral transmucosal fentanyl products have been reported. Deaths occurred as a result of improper patient selection (e.g., use in opioid non-tolerant patients) and/or improper dosing. The substitution of ABSTRAL for any other fentanyl product may result in fatal overdose.

ABSTRAL is indicated only for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients 18 years of age and older who are already receiving and who are tolerant to opioid therapy for their underlying persistent cancer pain. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking at least 60 mg of oral morphine/daily, or at least 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl/hour, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg oral hydromorphone daily, at least 25 mg oral oxymorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for a week or longer.

ABSTRAL is contraindicated in opioid non-tolerant patients and is contraindicated in the management of acute or postoperative pain, including headache/migraine, dental pain, or use in the emergency room. Life-threatening respiratory depression could occur at any dose in opioid non-tolerant patients. Deaths have occurred in opioid non-tolerant patients treated with other fentanyl products.

When prescribing, do not convert patients on a mcg per mcg basis from another fentanyl product to ABSTRAL. Patients beginning treatment with ABSTRAL must begin with titration from the 100 mcg dose [See Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

When dispensing, do not substitute an ABSTRAL prescription for other fentanyl products. Differences exist in the pharmacokinetics of ABSTRAL compared to other fentanyl products that could result in clinically important differences in the amount of fentanyl absorbed and could result in fatal overdose.

Special care must be used when dosing ABSTRAL. If the breakthrough pain episode is not relieved patients must wait at least 2 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with ABSTRAL [See Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

ABSTRAL is 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.

Patients and their caregivers must be instructed that ABSTRAL contains a medicine in an amount which can be fatal in children, in individuals for whom it is not prescribed, and in those who are not opioid tolerant. All packs must be kept out of the reach of children [see Patient Counseling Information (17.1), Contraindications (4) and How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.3)].

The concomitant use of ABSTRAL with cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Because of the risk for misuse, abuse, addiction, and overdose, ABSTRAL is available only through a restricted program, required by the Food and Drug Administration, called the ABSTRAL REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy). Under the ABSTRAL REMS, healthcare professionals who prescribe to outpatients, outpatients, pharmacies and distributors must enroll in the program to prescribe, receive, dispense, and distribute ABSTRAL, respectively. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]. Further information is available at www.abstralrems.com or by calling 1-888-227-8725.

Indications and Usage for Abstral Sublingual Tablet

ABSTRAL (fentanyl) sublingual tablets are indicated only for the management of breakthrough pain in cancer patients 18 years of age and older who are already receiving, and who are tolerant to, 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, or at least 25 mcg of transdermal fentanyl/hour, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or at least 25 mg oral oxymorphone daily, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid medication daily for a week or longer.

ABSTRAL is contraindicated for patients who are not already tolerant to opioids because life-threatening respiratory depression and death could result at any dose in patients not on a chronic regimen of opioids. For this reason, ABSTRAL is contraindicated in the management of acute or postoperative pain, including headache/migraine, dental pain, or use in the emergency room.

ABSTRAL is intended to be prescribed only by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable of, and skilled in, the use of Schedule II opioids to treat cancer pain, and to be supplied only through the ABSTRAL REMS program [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Abstral Sublingual Tablet Dosage and Administration

As with all opioids, the safety of patients using such products is dependent on health care professionals prescribing them in strict conformity with their approved labeling with respect to patient selection, dosing, and proper conditions for use. Healthcare professionals who prescribe ABSTRAL for outpatient use, must enroll in the ABSTRAL REMS program [See Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].

Dose Titration

The objective of dose titration is to identify an effective and tolerable maintenance dose for ongoing management of breakthrough cancer pain episodes. The effective and tolerable dose of ABSTRAL will be determined by dose titration in individual patients.

Carefully supervise patients until a dose that provides adequate analgesia with tolerable side effects is reached for breakthrough pain control.

Starting Dose: Individually titrate ABSTRAL to a dose that provides adequate analgesia with tolerable side effects. Begin titration of all patients with an initial dose of ABSTRAL of 100 mcg. Due to differences in the pharmacokinetic properties and individual variability, even patients switching from other fentanyl containing products to ABSTRAL must start with the 100 mcg dose. ABSTRAL is not equivalent on a mcg per mcg basis with all other fentanyl products, therefore, do not switch patients on a mcg per mcg basis from any other fentanyl product. ABSTRAL is NOT a generic version of any other fentanyl product.

Start all patients with a single 100 mcg tablet.

• If adequate analgesia is obtained within 30 minutes of administration of the 100 mcg tablet, continue to treat subsequent episodes of breakthrough pain with this dose.


• If adequate analgesia is not obtained after ABSTRAL, the patient may use a second ABSTRAL dose (after 30 minutes) as directed by their health care provider. No more than two doses of ABSTRAL may be used to treat an episode of breakthrough pain.


• Patients must wait at least 2 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with ABSTRAL.

Titration Steps: If adequate analgesia was not obtained with the first 100 mcg dose, continue dose escalation in a stepwise manner over consecutive breakthrough episodes until adequate analgesia with tolerable side effects is achieved. Increase the dose by 100 mcg multiples up to 400 mcg as needed. If adequate analgesia is not obtained with a 400 mcg dose, the next titration step is 600 mcg. If adequate analgesia is not obtained with a 600 mcg dose, the next titration step is 800 mcg. During titration, patients can be instructed to use multiples of 100 mcg tablets and/or 200 mcg tablets for any single dose. Instruct patients not to use more than 4 tablets at one time. If adequate analgesia is not obtained 30 minutes after the use of ABSTRAL, the patient may repeat the same dose of ABSTRAL. No more than two doses of ABSTRAL may be used to treat an episode of breakthrough pain. Rescue medication as directed by the health care provider can be used if adequate analgesia is not achieved after use of ABSTRAL.

The efficacy and safety of doses higher than 800 mcg have not been evaluated in clinical studies in patients.

In order to minimize the risk of ABSTRAL-related adverse reactions and to identify the appropriate dose, it is imperative that patients be supervised closely by health professionals during the titration process.

Maintenance Therapy

Once an appropriate dose for pain management has been established, instruct patients to use only one ABSTRAL tablet of the appropriate strength per dose. Maintain patients on this dose.

If adequate analgesia is not obtained after use of ABSTRAL, the patient may use a second ABSTRAL dose (after 30 minutes) as directed by their health care provider. No more than two doses of ABSTRAL may be used to treat an episode of breakthrough pain.

Patients must wait at least 2 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with ABSTRAL.

Dose Re-adjustment

If the response (analgesia or adverse reactions) to the titrated ABSTRAL dose markedly changes, an adjustment of dose may be necessary to ensure that an appropriate dose is maintained.

If more than four episodes of breakthrough pain are experienced per day, re-evaluate the dose of the long-acting opioid used for persistent underlying cancer pain. If the long-acting opioid or dose of long-acting opioid is changed, re-evaluate and re-titrate the ABSTRAL dose as necessary to ensure the patient is on an appropriate dose.

Limit the use of ABSTRAL to treat four or fewer episodes of breakthrough pain per day.

It is imperative that any dose re-titration is monitored carefully by a healthcare professional.

Administration of ABSTRAL

Place ABSTRAL tablets on the floor of the mouth directly under the tongue immediately after removal from the blister unit. Do not chew, suck, or swallow ABSTRAL tablets. Allow ABSTRAL tablets to completely dissolve in the sublingual cavity. Advise patients not to eat or drink anything until the tablet is completely dissolved.

In patients who have a dry mouth, water may be used to moisten the buccal mucosa before taking ABSTRAL.

Discontinuation of Therapy

For patients no longer requiring opioid therapy, consider discontinuing ABSTRAL 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, ABSTRAL therapy can usually be discontinued immediately.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

ABSTRAL is formulated as a sublingual tablet and is available in six strengths, distinguishable by the shape of the tablet and by de-bossing on the tablet surface. All tablets are white:

100 microgram tablet is a round tablet marked with the number "1"

200 microgram tablet is an oval-shaped tablet marked with the number "2"

300 microgram tablet is a triangle-shaped tablet marked with the number "3"

400 microgram tablet is a diamond-shaped tablet marked with the number "4"

600 microgram tablet is a "D"-shaped tablet marked with the number "6"

800 microgram tablet is a capsule-shaped tablet marked with the number "8"

[see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.4)].

Contraindications

ABSTRAL is contraindicated in the management of pain in opioid non-tolerant patients, because life-threatening hypoventilation could occur at any dose in patients not already taking around-the-clock opioid therapy. Patients considered opioid tolerant are those who are taking at least 60 mg oral morphine/day, or at least 25 mcg transdermal fentanyl/hour, 30 mg oral oxycodone/day, 8 mg oral hydromorphone/day, 25 mg oral oxymorphone/day, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for a week or longer.

ABSTRAL is contraindicated in the management of acute or postoperative pain, including headache/migraine, dental pain, or use in the emergency room.

ABSTRAL is contraindicated in patients with known intolerance or hypersensitivity to any of its components or the drug fentanyl. Anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity have been reported in association with the use of other oral transmucosal fentanyl products.

Warnings and Precautions

See Boxed Warning - WARNINGS: IMPORTANCE OF PROPER PATIENT SELECTION and POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE

ABSTRAL and Other Fentanyl Products

ABSTRAL is NOT equivalent to all other fentanyl products used to treat breakthrough pain on a mcg per mcg basis. There are differences in the pharmacokinetics of ABSTRAL relative to other fentanyl products which could potentially result in clinically important differences in the amount of fentanyl absorbed and could result in a fatal overdose.

When prescribing ABSTRAL to a patient, DO NOT convert from other fentanyl products. Directions for safely converting patients to ABSTRAL from other fentanyl products are not currently available. (Note: This includes oral, transdermal, or parenteral formulations of fentanyl). Therefore, for opioid-tolerant patients starting treatment for breakthrough pain, the initial dose of ABSTRAL is 100 mcg. Individually titrate each patient's dose to provide adequate analgesia while minimizing side effects. [See Dosage and Administration (2.1)]

When dispensing ABSTRAL to a patient, DO NOT substitute it for any other fentanyl product prescription.

Hypoventilation (Respiratory Depression)

Serious or fatal respiratory depression can occur even at recommended doses in patients using ABSTRAL. Respiratory depression is more likely to occur in patients with underlying respiratory disorders and elderly or debilitated patients, usually following large initial doses, including ABSTRAL, 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.

Patient/Caregiver Instructions

Patients and their caregivers must be instructed that ABSTRAL contains a medicine in an amount which can be fatal to a child. Even though ABSTRAL is provided in child-resistant packaging, patients and their caregivers must be instructed to keep tablets out of the reach of children. [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.2, 16.3), and Patient Counseling Information (17.1, 17.2)].

Taking ABSTRAL could be fatal in individuals for whom it is not prescribed and for those who are not opioid-tolerant.

Physicians 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.

Additive CNS Depressant Effects

The concomitant use of ABSTRAL with other CNS depressants, including other opioids, sedatives or hypnotics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers, skeletal muscle relaxants, sedating antihistamines, and alcoholic beverages may produce increased depressant effects (e.g., hypoventilation, hypotension, and profound sedation). Concomitant use with potent inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 isoform (e.g., erythromycin, ketoconazole, and certain protease inhibitors) may increase fentanyl levels, resulting in increased depressant effects [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Patients on concomitant CNS depressants must be monitored for a change in opioid effects and the dose of ABSTRAL adjusted, if warranted.

Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines

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). Warn patients taking ABSTRAL of these dangers and counsel them accordingly.

Chronic Pulmonary Disease

Because potent opioids can cause hypoventilation, titrate ABSTRAL with caution in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or pre-existing medical conditions predisposing them to hypoventilation. In such patients, even normal therapeutic doses of ABSTRAL may further decrease respiratory drive to the point of respiratory failure.

Head Injuries and Increased Intracranial Pressure

Administer ABSTRAL 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; use only if clinically warranted.

Cardiac Disease

Intravenous administration of fentanyl may produce bradycardia. Therefore, use ABSTRAL with caution in patients with bradyarrhythmias.

MAO Inhibitors

ABSTRAL is not recommended for use in patients who have received MAO inhibitors within the past 14 days. Severe and unpredictable potentiation by MAO inhibitors has been reported with opioid analgesics.

ABSTRAL REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) Program

Because of the risk for misuse, abuse, addiction, and overdose, ABSTRAL is available only through a restricted program called the ABSTRAL REMS. Healthcare professionals who prescribe to outpatients, outpatients, pharmacies and distributors must be enrolled in and comply with the ABSTRAL REMS program to prescribe, receive, dispense, and distribute ABSTRAL, respectively.

An overview of the requirements for prescribers, pharmacies, patients and distributors is included below.

• Healthcare professionals, who prescribe ABSTRAL for outpatient use, must review the prescriber educational materials, enroll in the Program, and commit to comply with the REMS requirements.


• To receive ABSTRAL, outpatients must understand the risks and benefits of the drug and sign a Patient-Prescriber Agreement with their healthcare provider; outpatients will be enrolled by the pharmacy at the time their first prescription is filled.


• Outpatient pharmacies, that dispense ABSTRAL for outpatient use, must enroll in the Program, train their pharmacy staff on the REMS requirements, and agree to comply with the REMS requirements.


• Inpatient pharmacies, that dispense ABSTRAL for inpatient use, must enroll in the Program, train their pharmacy staff on the REMS requirements, and agree to comply with the REMS requirements.


• Wholesalers and distributors, that distribute ABSTRAL must enroll in the Program, and commit to distributing only to authorized enrolled pharmacies.

To learn more about the specific REMS requirements and to enroll in the ABSTRAL REMS program call 1-888-227-8725 or visit www.abstralrems.com.

Adverse Reactions

Clinical Studies Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse event 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 ABSTRAL has been evaluated in 311 opioid-tolerant cancer patients with breakthrough pain. Two hundred and seventy (270) of these patients were treated in multiple-dose studies. The duration of therapy for patients in multiple-dose studies ranged from 1-405 days with an average duration of 131 days and with 44 patients treated for at least 12 months.

The most commonly observed adverse reactions with ABSTRAL include typical opioid adverse reactions, such as nausea, constipation, somnolence and headache. Expect opioid side effects and manage them accordingly.

The clinical trials of ABSTRAL 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 reaction data presented in Table 1 reflect the actual percentage of patients experiencing reactions among patients who received ABSTRAL for breakthrough pain along with concomitant opioid use for persistent pain. There has been no attempt to correct for concomitant use of other opioids, duration of ABSTRAL therapy or cancer-related symptoms.

Table 1 lists adverse reactions with an overall frequency of 5% or greater within the total population that occurred during titration by maximum dose received. The ability to assign ABSTRAL a dose-response relationship to these adverse reactions is limited by the titration schemes used in these studies.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions Which Occurred During Titration at a Frequency of ≥ 5%

System Organ Class     Preferred term N (%)	100 mcg (n=22)	200 mcg (n=23)	300 mcg (n=55)	400 mcg (n=38)	600 mcg (n=52)	800 mcg (n=80)	Total (n=270)
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea	1 (4.5)	4 (17.4)	5 (9.1)	1 (2.6)	2 (3.8)	2 (2.5)	15 (5.6)
Nervous system disorders
Somnolence	0	2 (8.7)	4 (7.3)	2 (5.3)	2 (3.8)	2 (2.5)	12 (4.4)
Dizziness	0	0	3 (5.5)	2 (5.3)	0	1 (1.3)	6 (2.2)
Headache	0	0	0	1 (2.6)	3 (5.8)	1 (1.3)	5 (1.9)

Table 2 lists, by successful dose, adverse reactions with an overall frequency of ≥ 5% within the total population that occurred after a successful dose had been determined.

Table 2: Adverse Reactions Which Occurred During Maintenance Therapy at a Frequency of ≥ 5%

System Organ Class     Preferred term N (%)	100 mcg (n=7)	200 mcg (n=12)	300 mcg (n=22)	400 mcg (n=20)	600 mcg (n=35)	800 mcg (n=72)	Total (n=168)
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea	1 (14.3)	0	2 (9.1)	0	1 (2.9)	6 (8.3)	10 (6.0)
Stomatitis	0	1 (8.3)	1 (4.5)	0	0	1 (1.4)	3 (1.8)
Constipation	0	0	1 (4.5)	2 (10.0)	1 (2.9)	4 (5.6)	8 (4.8)
Dry mouth	0	0	0	1 (5.0)	2 (5.7)	0	3 (1.8)
Nervous system disorders
Headache	0	0	0	2 (10.0)	1 (2.9)	2 (2.8)	5 (3.0)
Dysgeusia	1 (14.3)	0	0	0	0	1 (1.4)	2 (1.2)
General disorders and administration site conditions
Fatigue	0	0	0	1 (5.0)	2 (5.7)	0	3 (1.8)
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Accidental overdose	1 (14.3)	0	0	0	0	0	1 (0.6)
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnoea	0	1 (8.3)	0	0	0	0	1 (0.6)
Skin and subcutaneous disorders
Hyperhidrosis	1 (14.3)	0	0	0	0	1 (1.4)	2 (1.2)

The frequencies listed below represent adverse reactions that occurred in ≥ 1% of patients from two clinical trials who experienced that reaction while receiving ABSTRAL. Reactions are classified by system organ class.

Adverse Reactions (≥ 1%)

Cardiac disorders: bradycardia, tachycardia.

Eye disorders: vision blurred.

Gastrointestinal disorders: abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, aphthous stomatitis, constipation, dry mouth, dyspepsia, gingival ulceration, impaired gastric emptying, lip ulceration, mouth ulceration, nausea, stomach discomfort, stomatitis, tongue disorder, vomiting.

General disorders and administration site conditions: asthenia, drug withdrawal syndrome, fatigue, malaise.

Immune system disorders: drug hypersensitivity.

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: accidental overdose.

Metabolism and nutrition disorders: anorexia, decreased appetite.

Nervous system disorders: amnesia, disturbance in attention, dizziness, dysgeusia, headache, hypoesthesia, lethargy, parosmia, somnolence, tremor.

Psychiatric disorders: affect lability, anxiety, confusional state, depression, disorientation, dysphoria, euphoric mood, insomnia, mental status changes, paranoia, sleep disorder.

Reproductive system and breast disorders: erectile dysfunction.

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorder: dyspnea, oropharyngeal pain, throat tightness.

Skin and subcutaneous disorders: hyperhidrosis, night sweats, pruritus, rash, skin lesion.

Vascular disorders: hypotension.

Drug Interactions

Fentanyl is metabolized mainly via the human cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4); therefore potential interactions may occur when ABSTRAL is given concurrently with agents that affect CYP3A4 activity.

The concomitant use of ABSTRAL with CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, saquinavir, telithromycin, aprepitant, diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, grapefruit juice, verapamil, or cimetidine) may result in a potentially dangerous increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse drug effects and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. Patients receiving ABSTRAL who begin therapy with, or increase the dose of, CYP3A4 inhibitors need to be carefully monitored for signs of opioid toxicity over an extended period of time. Increase dosage conservatively.

The concomitant use of ABSTRAL with CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., barbiturates, carbamazepine, efavirenz, glucocorticoids, modafinil, nevirapine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, pioglitazone, rifabutin, rifampin, St. John's wort, or troglitazone) may result in a decrease in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could decrease the efficacy of ABSTRAL. Patients receiving ABSTRAL who stop therapy with, or decrease the dose of, CYP3A4 inducers need to be monitored for signs of increased ABSTRAL activity and the dose of ABSTRAL must be adjusted accordingly.

USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS

Pregnancy - Category C

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.

Use ABSTRAL 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 in newborn infants characteristic of neonatal abstinence syndrome.

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.

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

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 6-times the human dose of 800 mcg per pain episode on a mcg/m2 basis). Intravenous administration of fentanyl (10 mcg/kg or 30 mcg/kg) to pregnant female rats from gestation day 6 to 18, was embryo- or feto-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 crosses the placenta. Therefore do not use ABSTRAL during labor and delivery (including caesarean section) since it may cause respiratory depression in the fetus or in the newborn infant.

Nursing Mothers

Fentanyl is excreted in human milk; therefore, do not use ABSTRAL in women who are nursing 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 ABSTRAL.

Pediatric Use

The safety and efficacy of ABSTRAL have not been established in patients below 18 years of age.

Geriatric Use

Of the 270 opioid tolerant patients with breakthrough cancer pain in the Phase 3 clinical studies of Abstral, 58 (21%) were 65 years of age and older. There was no difference in the median titrated dose in patients aged 65 years and older compared to those <65 years. No clinically meaningful difference was noted in the safety profile of the group 65 years of age and older as compared to younger patients in ABSTRAL clinical trials.

Elderly patients have been shown to be more sensitive to the effects of fentanyl when administered intravenously, compared with the younger adult population. Therefore, exercise caution when individually titrating ABSTRAL in elderly patients to provide adequate efficacy while minimizing risk.

Patients with Renal and Hepatic Impairment

Insufficient information exists to make recommendations regarding the use of ABSTRAL in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function. Fentanyl is metabolized primarily via human cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system and the inactive metabolite is mostly eliminated in urine. If the drug is used in these patients, use the drug with caution because of the reduced hepatic metabolism and renal excretion capacity in such patients.

Gender

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

Drug Abuse and Dependence

Controlled Substance

ABSTRAL contains fentanyl, a Schedule II substance. Schedule II opioid substances such as fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone have a high potential for abuse and addiction. ABSTRAL is also subject to misuse and criminal diversion.

Abuse and Addiction

Manage the handling of ABSTRAL to minimize the risk of misuse, including the restriction of access and accounting procedures as appropriate to the clinical setting and as required by law [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16.2, 16.3)].

Concerns about abuse, addiction, and diversion must not prevent the proper management of pain. However, all patients treated with opioids require careful monitoring for signs of abuse and addiction, because 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.

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

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

Contact your State Professional Licensing Board, or State Controlled Substances Authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

Dependence

Physical dependence is not ordinarily a concern in the treatment of patients with chronic cancer pain, and fear of tolerance and physical dependence must not deter using opiate doses that adequately relieve the pain.

Opioid analgesics may cause physical dependence that can result 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.

Overdosage

Clinical Presentation

The manifestations of ABSTRAL 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 (12.2)].

Immediate Management

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

Treatment of Overdosage (Accidental Ingestion) in the Opioid NON-Tolerant Person

Provide ventilatory support, obtain intravenous access, and administer naloxone or other opioid antagonists 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.

Treatment of Overdosage in Opioid-Tolerant Patients

Provide ventilatory support and obtain intravenous access as clinically indicated. Judicious use of naloxone or another opioid antagonist may be warranted in some instances, but at the risk of precipitating an acute withdrawal syndrome.

General Considerations for Overdose

Management of severe ABSTRAL overdose includes: securing a patent airway, assisting or controlling ventilation and establishing intravenous access. In the presence of hypoventilation or apnea, assist or control ventilation, and administer oxygen as indicated.

Carefully observe and appropriately manage patients with overdose until their clinical condition is well controlled.

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

Abstral Sublingual Tablet Description

ABSTRAL (fentanyl) sublingual tablet is a solid formulation of fentanyl citrate, a potent opioid analgesic intended for oral sublingual administration. ABSTRAL is formulated as a white tablet available in six strengths, distinguishable by the shape of the tablet and by de-bossing on the tablet surface.

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 mcg strength tablet contains 100 mcg of fentanyl free base.

Inactive Ingredients: Croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, mannitol, and silicified microcrystalline cellulose.

Abstral Sublingual Tablet - Clinical Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

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.

Pharmacodynamics

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

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, individually titrate the dose of ABSTRAL to achieve the desired effect [see Dosage and Administration (2)].

Central Nervous System

The precise mechanism of the analgesic action is unknown although fentanyl is known to be a μ-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 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 i