Abstral
Abstral is a strong pain medicine used for sudden breakthrough pain in adults who already take regular pain medication for cancer pain.
Form
resoribletti
Strength
300 mikrog
Active Ingredient
Fentanyl citrate
Manufacturer
Grünenthal GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will decide your correct dose. Do not change your dose yourself. If one dose isn't enough, your doctor may ask you to take an extra dose.
Method
Place the tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Do not suck, chew, or swallow it. Do not eat or drink until the tablet has fully dissolved. If your mouth is dry, moisten it with water and spit it out before taking the medicine.
Important
You can take Abstral up to four times a day. Wait at least two hours before taking another dose.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea
- •Dizziness, Headache, Sleepiness
- •Shortness of breath
- •Mouth inflammation, Vomiting, Constipation, Dry mouth
- •Sweating, Tiredness, Lack of energy
RARE
- •Allergic reaction
- •Shaking, Blurred vision, Fast or slow heartbeat, Low blood pressure, Memory loss
- •Feeling sad, Anxious, Confused, or overly happy; Mood changes
- •Stomach ache, Indigestion, Feeling too full
- •Mouth sores, Tongue problems, Sore throat
- •Loss of appetite, Changes in taste or smell
- •Trouble sleeping, Difficulty concentrating, Weakness
- •Skin rash or itching, Night sweats, Easy bruising
- •Joint or muscle pain or stiffness
- •Withdrawal symptoms (like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, chills, shaking, sweating), Trouble with erections, Feeling unwell
- •Swollen tongue, Very difficult breathing, Falls, Redness of the face, Diarrhea, Seizures, Swelling in arms or legs, Seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations), Fever, Reduced awareness, Passing out, Itchy rash, Delirium (confusion, restlessness, fear, bad dreams)
- •The medicine not working as well over time (tolerance), Needing the medicine (dependence), Misusing the medicine
Important Warnings
- Do not take Abstral if you are allergic to fentanyl or other ingredients, or if you have severe breathing problems.
- Do not use Abstral if you are not already taking other strong opioid pain medicines regularly for cancer pain. Otherwise, you could have dangerous breathing problems.
- Seek immediate medical help if you feel very sleepy, or if your breathing becomes slow or shallow. These can be signs of an overdose.
- Abstral can make you drowsy or affect your ability to drive or use machines. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel dizzy, tired, or have blurred vision.
- Do not drink alcohol or grapefruit juice while taking Abstral, as they can increase the medicine's side effects.
Show 4 more warnings
- Do not use Abstral if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless specifically told by your doctor. It can harm your baby.
- If you are taking other medicines that make you sleepy (e.g., sedatives), talk to your doctor. Combining them can lead to dangerous breathing problems and coma.
- Long-term use of Abstral can lead to dependence and a risk of overdose.
- Keep Abstral out of sight and reach of children. It can be life-threatening if a child accidentally takes it.