FENTORA (Page 3 of 14)

2.7 Discontinuation of FENTORA

For patients no longer requiring opioid therapy, consider discontinuing FENTORA along with a gradual downward tapering (titration) of other opioids to minimize possible withdrawal effects. In patients who continue to take their chronic opioid therapy for persistent pain but no longer require treatment for breakthrough pain, FENTORA therapy can usually be discontinued immediately [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9.3)].

2.8 Disposal of FENTORA

To dispose of unused FENTORA, remove FENTORA tablets from blister packages and flush down the toilet. Do not flush FENTORA blister packages or cartons down the toilet. If you need additional assistance with disposal of FENTORA, call Teva Pharmaceuticals at 1-888-483-8279.

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

FENTORA tablets are flat-faced, round, beveled-edge in shape; are white in color; and are available in 100 mcg, 200 mcg, 400 mcg, 600 mcg, and 800 mcg strengths as fentanyl base. Each tablet strength is marked with a unique identifier [see How Supplied/Storage and Handling (16)].

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

FENTORA is contraindicated in:

  • Opioid non-tolerant patients: Life-threatening respiratory depression and death could occur at any dose in opioid non-tolerant patients [see Indications and Usage (1), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
  • Significant respiratory depression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
  • Acute or postoperative pain including headache/migraine and dental pain, or acute pain in the emergency department [see Indications and Usage (1)].
  • Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)].
  • Known or suspected gastrointestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.15)].
  • Known hypersensitivity to fentanyl or components of FENTORA (e.g., anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity) [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)].

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

5.1 Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

FENTORA contains fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. As an opioid, FENTORA exposes users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse [see Drug Abuse and Dependence (9)].

Although the risk of addiction in any individual is unknown, it can occur in patients appropriately prescribed FENTORA. Addiction can occur at recommended dosages and if the drug is misused or abused.

Assess each patient’s risk for opioid addiction, abuse, or misuse prior to prescribing FENTORA, and reassess all patients receiving FENTORA for the development of these behaviors and conditions. Risks are increased in patients with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g., major depression). The potential for these risks should not, however, prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Patients at increased risk may be prescribed opioids such as FENTORA, but use in such patients necessitates intensive counseling about the risks and proper use of FENTORA along with frequent reevaluation for signs of addiction, abuse, and misuse. Consider prescribing naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Opioids are sought for nonmedical use and are subject to diversion from legitimate prescribed use. Consider these risks when prescribing or dispensing FENTORA. Strategies to reduce these risks include prescribing the drug in the smallest appropriate quantity and advising the patient on careful storage of the drug during the course of treatment and proper disposal of unused drug. Contact local state professional licensing board or state-controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

5.2 Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Management of respiratory depression may include close observation, supportive measures, and use of opioid antagonists, depending on the patient’s clinical status [see Overdosage (10)]. Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids.

While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of FENTORA, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dosage increase.

To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of FENTORA are essential [see Dosage and Administration (2)]. Overestimating the FENTORA dosage can result in a fatal overdose with the first dose. The substitution of FENTORA for any other fentanyl product may result in fatal overdose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

FENTORA could be fatal to individuals for whom it is not prescribed and for those who are not opioid-tolerant.

Accidental ingestion of even one dose of FENTORA, especially by children, can result in respiratory depression and death due to an overdose of fentanyl [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3)].

Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression and emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help right away in the event of a known or suspected overdose.

Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnea (CSA) and sleep-related hypoxemia. Opioid use increases the risk of CSA in a dose-dependent fashion. In patients who present with CSA, consider decreasing the opioid dosage using best practices for opioid taper [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].

Patient Access to Naloxone for the Emergency Treatment of Opioid Overdose

Discuss the availability of naloxone for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose with the patient and caregiver and assess the potential need for access to naloxone, both when initiating and renewing treatment with FENTORA. Inform patients and caregivers about the various ways to obtain naloxone as permitted by individual state naloxone dispensing and prescribing requirements or guidelines (e.g., by prescription, directly from a pharmacist, or as part of a community-based program). Educate patients and caregivers on how to recognize respiratory depression and emphasize the importance of calling 911 or getting emergency medical help, even if naloxone is administered.

Consider prescribing naloxone, based on the patient’s risk factors for overdose, such as concomitant use of CNS depressants, a history of opioid use disorder, or prior opioid overdose. The presence of risk factors for overdose should not prevent the proper management of pain in any given patient. Also consider prescribing naloxone if the patient has household members (including children) or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or overdose. If naloxone is prescribed, educate patients and caregivers on how to treat with naloxone [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.4), Overdosage (10)].

5.3 Increased Risk of Overdose in Children Due to Accidental Ingestion or Exposure

Death has been reported in children who have accidentally ingested transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl products.

Patients and their caregivers must be informed that FENTORA contains a medicine in an amount which can be fatal to a child. Healthcare providers and dispensing pharmacists must specifically question patients or caregivers about the presence of children in the home (on a full time or visiting basis) and counsel them regarding the dangers to children from inadvertent exposure.

Patients and their caregivers must be instructed to keep both used and unused dosage units out of the reach of children. While all units should be disposed of immediately after use, partially consumed units represent a special risk to children. In the event that a unit is not completely consumed it must be properly disposed as soon as possible.

Detailed instructions for the proper storage, administration, disposal, and important instructions for managing an overdose of FENTORA are provided in the FENTORA Medication Guide. Encourage patients to read this information in its entirety and give them an opportunity to have their questions answered.

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