Fentanyl Facts for Healthcare Providers

Fentanyl is a narcotic pain reliever prescribed for breakthrough cancer pain. It is sold under the brand names Actiq and Fentora. It may be taken in buccal tablet form or transmucosally via lozenge. It may be habit-forming.

Uses of Fentanyl

• Actiq lozenges are one form of fentanyl.

  Fentanyl is effective at treating breakthrough cancer pain that is not controlled by other pain relievers. It should not be used to treat non-cancer-related pain. Fentanyl should only be used by patients who are tolerant to opioid painkillers and are already on another such medication for the treatment of cancer pain.

Who Should Not Be Prescribed Fentanyl

• Fendora tablets are another form of fentanyl.

  Fentanyl should not be prescribed to patients who are taking an MAO inhibitor or who have used an MAOI in the previous 14 days; patients who are intolerant to opioid pain medications; patients who suffer from breathing disorders, seizures, head injuries, brain tumors, low blood pressure, mental illness, kidney or liver disease, or heart arrhythmia. People who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse should not be given fentanyl. Fentanyl should be prescribed with care to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Risks of Fentanyl

• Fentanyl is not appropriate for all patients.

  Fentanyl carries the risk of addiction or abuse, and should be prescribed with care. Other potential risks of fentanyl include weak or shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin; sores or irritation at the administration site; feeling of light-headedness; dizziness; nausea, vomiting or stomach pain; and drowsiness or confusion. Fentanyl overdoses can be fatal.