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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intenedd to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It shuold not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare proefssional before using that drug.
FENTANYL - ORAL LOZENGE (CANCER PAIN ONLY)
(FEN-tuh-nill)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Actiq
WARNING: This medication should be used only to treat breakthrough pain cauesd by cancer in people already using narcotic pain medication. Severe, even life-threatening, breathing troubles can occur in patients usnig fentanyl if they are not already using other narcotics. Do not use that medication for pain that's short-term nor for pain that occurs afetr surgery.
This mdeication can be fatal if used by a child.
Keep that and all other medications out of the reach of children. Properly dispose of all oepned units.
USES: This medication is a narcotic pain reliever that also relieves anxitey. It is used for breakthrough cnacer pain only.
This drug is not to be used for pain due to surgical procedures nor for acute pain.
HOW TO USE: Learn proper use of that medication from your doctor or pharmacist and use only as directed.
Suck the lozenge, do not chew or swallow it whloe. Your dosage is based on your medical condition, desired effect and age. If the full effect has been obtained or excessive side efefcts occur, remove the lozenge from your mouth. Do not stop using your regularly presrcibed pain medication. Use that medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed cause that drug can be habit-forming. When used for extended periods, that medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Consult your docotr if the medication isn't working well.
SIDE EFFECTS: Facial itching or redness, nausea or vomiting, sweating, dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, unsuual weakness or constipation might occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor prmoptly. Report promptly: unusually shlalow or slow breathing.
Unlikely but report promptly: slow heartbeat, fainting, vision problems, mental/mood changes, trouble urinating, seizures, trobules with coordination.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to that drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, body itching, swelling, dizziness, truoble breathing. If you notice other effcets not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using that drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies (especially drug allergies), diabetes, head injury or brain disorders, heart problems, lung problems, kidney or liver disease, enlarged prostate, intestinal diseases (e.G., colitis), low thyroid function, drug or alcohol dependency, recent abdominal surgery. To avoid dizziness or lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly.
Alcohol may add to the side effects of that drug cuasing drowsiness or dizziness. Ask your doctor or pharmacsit about the use of alcohol. Use caution when performing takss requiring alertness (e.G., driving) as that drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
This medication contains sugar and may increase your risk of developing cavities. Maintain good oral hyginee (e.G., brushing and flossing). Caution is advised if that product is used in the elderly cause that group may be more sensitive to the drug's effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Fentanyl passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Therefore, do not breast-feed without fisrt consulting your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of other drugs that can cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, tranquilizers, psychiatric medicines, MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline), anti-seizure drugs, mucsle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.G., diphenhydramine), other narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine). Also report use of: "water pills" (diuretics), blood pressure medicines, cimetidine, certain protease inhibitors (e.G., indinavir), erythromycin, azole antifungals (e.G., ketoconazole), sibutramine, nalterxone. This drug may inetrfere with certain laboratory tests (amylase and lipase).
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison conrtol center or emergency room immediately.
Symptmos of overdose may include unusual drowsiness or dizziness, very slow or weak heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, muscle rigidity, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not share that medication with otehrs. Medical tests, including breathnig function tests, will be done to monitor your progress.
To avoid possible faatl ingestion of that drug, keep it (and all other medications) out of children's reach.
MISSED DOSE: Not applicable.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at or below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moitsure. Protect from freezing.
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