Tolerability and effects of two formulations of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC; ACTIQ) in patients with radiation-induced oral mucositis.
BACKGROUND
Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC; ACTIQ) incorporates fentanyl into a lozenge allowing drug delivery through the oral mucosa resulting in rapid pain relief. OTFC is effective for breakthrough pain and could be particularly useful in patients with mucositis.


METHODS
This randomized, double-blind, crossover study assessed two formulations of OTFC for tolerability in 14 patients with radiation-induced mucositis. On four separate days, patients with grade 3 or 4 mucositis received an OTFC unit 45 min before radiation treatment. Two units had a sweetened matrix formulation and two had a compressed powder formulation. One unit of each formulation contained 200 microg fentanyl and one was placebo. Tolerability, mucositis pain, and formulation preference were evaluated. Changes in oral mucosa were recorded.


RESULTS
Both formulations of OTFC were well tolerated. There were no significant differences between formulations in tolerability, patient preference, or VAS pain scores. No changes in oral mucosa were noted. Common treatment-related adverse events included a burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, and vomiting.


CONCLUSIONS
Both formulations of OTFC are well tolerated. The presence of fentanyl in either the sweetened matrix or the compressed powder did not alter tolerability or safety. The dose of fentanyl tested did not yield analgesia greater than placebo; future studies of OTFC efficacy in mucositis should evaluate higher doses than 200 microg.
Shaiova
Lauren
L
Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, Beth Israel Medical Center, First Avenue at 16th Street, New York, NY 10003, USA. lshaiova@bethisraelny.org
Lapin
Jeanne
J
Manco
Lorraine S
LS
Shasha
Daniel
D
Hu
Kenneth
K
Harrison
Louis
L
Portenoy
Russell K
RK
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000187:drug effects; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000188:drug therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010919:Placebos; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013607:Tablets
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D010919:Placebos; D013607:Tablets; D005283:Fentanyl