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Treatment Options > Chemotherapy > OncoLink Rx

Fentanyl Buccal Tablet (Fentora^TM)

Carolyn Vachani, RN, MSN, AOCN
Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Last Modified: January 28, 2008

Fentanyl is a potent pain medication and is often used to treat pain related to a cancer diagnosis. Fentora^TM is a rapid acting form of Fentanyl that is used to treat breakthrough pain in people who are already taking long-acting pain medications for constant pain, such as MSContin, Oxycontin, or Fentanyl Patches. Breakthrough pain is typically severe pain that comes on quickly and occurs intermittently (or "flares") despite using long-acting pain medications. When this pain occurs, a fast-acting pain medication is needed to ease the pain flare quickly.

Facts about Fentora^TM

• Patients who use Fentora^TM should be opioid-tolerant, that is they have taken opioids (strong pain medications) for a period of time and their body has gotten used to them.
• Fentora^TM works with OraVescent technology. This causes an effervescent reaction with the saliva, allowing the tablet to dissolve quickly and the drug to be rapidly absorbed into the system. It also allows a higher proportion of the drug to be absorbed, as compared to a pill formulation or Actiq.
• In clinical studies, patients reported pain relief in as little as 15 minutes, compared with 30-45 minutes for a pill form to take effect.
• Fentora^TM is a federally-controlled substance because it is a strong opioid pain medicine that can be abused by people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs.

How to take Fentora^TM

• Fentora^TM is a tablet that is placed either above a rear molar tooth between your cheek and gum or under the tongue. A gentle bubbling sensation will be felt as the tablet dissolves. It should not be chewed.
• It may take 15 to 25 minutes for the pill to completely dissolve. If there is any tablet remaining after 30 minutes, it can be swallowed with a glass of water.
• Your physician will tell you the dose of Fentora^TM that is right for you. If your pain is not relieved in 30 minutes, one additional Fentora^TM (of the same dose) can be taken.
• Fentora^TM comes in a blister pack. Pills should be removed by peeling back the paper to expose the pill. Attempting to press the pill through the blister will damage the pill.