Effectiveness of fentanyl buccal tablet for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain. Review on pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical use in special situations.

  • Maite Murillo Gonzalez Servicio de Oncología Radioterápica, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid.
  • Dulce Rodríguez Mesa Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos, Hospital Sant Joan de Reus, Tarragona.
  • Yolanda Escobar Álvarez Servicio de Oncología Médica. Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid.
  • Jordi Moya Riera Unidad del Dolor, Hospital Mateu Orfila, Menorca.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_PSIC.2014.v11.n1.44923
Keywords: Breakthrough cancer pain, safety, effectiveness, fentanyl buccal tablet.

Abstract

Several studies have shown that the prevalence of breakthrough pain in cancer patients is high and it is a problem not fully solved. Treatment of breakthrough cancer pain requires a drug with specific characteristics and probably the most useful drug is fentanyl, that is available in several formulations. This paper presents a review of published clinical trials on fentanyl buccal tablet to assess the evidence available regarding its effectiveness in the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain, issues related to its pharmacokinetics, safety and its use in special conditions such as mucositis. Evidence shows that fentanyl buccal tablet is effective for relieving pain in the treatment of episodes in breakthrough pain, including patients with mucositis. The bioequivalence of buccal (between the gum and cheek) and sublingual (under the tongue) administration has been also reviewed.

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Published
2014-06-06
How to Cite
Murillo Gonzalez M., Rodríguez Mesa D., Escobar Álvarez Y. y Moya Riera J. (2014). Effectiveness of fentanyl buccal tablet for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain. Review on pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical use in special situations. Psicooncología, 11(1), 141-149. https://doi.org/10.5209/rev_PSIC.2014.v11.n1.44923
Issue
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2014)
Section
Articles

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