[Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate for the treatment of breakthrough pain. Results of a non-interventional study (NIS)].
BACKGROUND
In a non-interventional study the efficacy and tolerability of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) was studied in patients with opioid-treated cancer pain suffering from breakthrough pain.


METHODS
The prospective multicenter observational trial included 406 patients. For 3-4 months, efficacy of OTFC treatment for breakthrough pain was documented using a numerical analog pain intensity scale (NAS). Further, OTFC therapy was rated and adverse events were recorded.


RESULTS
With application of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate median pain intensity fell from NAS 8 points at the beginning to NAS 2 points at the end of the study. The median effective dosage was 400 g. Tolerability was rated as good or very good by 87.5% of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate is a safe and effective treatment for breakthrough pain in chronic cancer-related pain.
Zarth
R
R
Abteilung für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, Zollernalb-Klinikum, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus der Universität Tübingen, Tübinger Str. 20/3 , 72336 Balingen, Deutschland. ralf.zarth@zollernalb-klinikum.de
Ehmer
M
M
Sittig
H-B
HB
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl