Abstral
Abstral is a medicine for adults who are already taking strong opioid painkillers for ongoing cancer pain and need extra treatment for sudden, short-term pain (breakthrough pain).
Form
resoribletti
Strength
400 mikrog
Active Ingredient
Fentanyl citrate
Manufacturer
Grünenthal GmbH
How to Use
Dosage
Your doctor will find the right dose for your breakthrough pain, and you might try different strengths to find what works best.
Method
Place the tablet deep under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Do not suck, chew, or swallow it. Do not eat or drink until the tablet is fully dissolved.
Important
Once your doctor has found the right dose, do not take it more than four times a day.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Nausea
- •Dizziness
- •Headache
- •Excessive sleepiness
- •Shortness of breath
- •Mouth irritation or inflammation
- •Vomiting
- •Constipation
- •Dry mouth
- •Sweating
- •Fatigue or weakness
RARE
- •Allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching)
- •Tremors or shaking
- •Vision changes or blurred vision
- •Fast or slow heart rate, low blood pressure
- •Memory loss
- •Depression, anxiety, confusion, or changes in mood
- •Stomach pain or problems with digestion
- •Mouth sores, tongue problems, or pain in the mouth or throat
- •Loss of appetite, or altered sense of taste or smell
- •Trouble sleeping or paying attention
- •Skin rash, itching, night sweats, or easily bruised skin
- •Muscle or joint pain and stiffness
- •Withdrawal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, chills, shaking, sweating)
- •Swollen tongue
- •Falls
- •Redness or feeling warm
- •Seizures
- •Swelling in arms or legs
- •Seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
- •Fever
- •Reduced alertness, confusion, or nightmares
- •Drug tolerance, dependence, or abuse
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to fentanyl or any other ingredients in this medicine.
- Do not use if you have severe breathing problems.
- Do not use Abstral if you are not already regularly taking prescribed strong opioid painkillers for long-term pain, as it can cause dangerous breathing issues.
- Do not use for short-term pain or any pain other than breakthrough cancer pain.
- Do not use if you are being treated with medicines containing sodium oxybate.
Show 5 more warnings
- Keep this medicine safely locked away, out of sight and reach of children. An accidental dose can be life-threatening.
- Seek immediate medical help if you feel unusually or extremely drowsy, or if your breathing becomes slow or shallow.
- Avoid alcohol and grapefruit juice while taking Abstral, as they can increase its side effects.
- Do not use during pregnancy unless your doctor specifically says so. Do not breastfeed while taking Abstral; you can restart at least five days after your last dose.
- Abstral can affect your ability to drive or use machines. If you feel dizzy, tired, or have blurred vision, do not drive or operate machinery.