- Approval Id
- 91d3102949964173
- Drug Approval Emc Name
- Fenhuma 100 microgram sublingual tablets
- Drug Name
- Fenhuma 100 microgram sublingual tablets
- Company Name
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd
- Company Address
- Building 2, Croxley Park, Watford, WD18 8YA
- Company Website
- //www.glenmarkpharma.com
- Company Telephone
- +44 (0)1923 202 950
- Company Medical Info Direct Line
- 0800 458 0383
- Company Stock Availability
- +44 (0)1923 202 950
- Atc Code
- N02AB03
- Legal Category
- Prescription only medicine
- Authorisation Holder
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited
Laxmi House, 2B Draycott Avenue,
Kenton, Middlesex, HA3 0BU
United Kingdom
- Authorisation Number
- PL 25258/0355
- Authorisation Date
- 18/01/2022
- Instruction Authorisation Holder
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Europe Limited
Laxmi House, 2B Draycott Avenue,
Kenton, Middlesex, HA3 0BU
United Kingdom
- Instruction Authorisation Number
- PL 25258/0355
- Instruction Authorisation Date
- 18/01/2022
- Instruction Composition
- Each sublingual tablet contains 100 micrograms fentanyl (as citrate)
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
- Instruction Dosage Form
- Sublingual tablet
100 microgram sublingual tablet is a 6 mm white round tablet
- Instruction Clinical Particulars
- 4.1 Therapeutic indications
Management of breakthrough pain in adult patients using opioid therapy for chronic cancer pain. Breakthrough pain is a transient exacerbation of otherwise controlled chronic background pain.4.2 Posology and method of administration
Prior to starting treatment with opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a strategy for ending treatment with fentanyl in order to minimise the risk of addiction and drug withdrawal syndrome (see section 4.4).
Fenhuma should only be administered to patients who are considered tolerant to their opioid therapy for persistent cancer pain. Patients can be considered opioid tolerant if they take at least 60 mg of oral morphine daily, at least 25 micrograms of transdermal fentanyl per hour, at least 30 mg of oxycodone daily, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for a week or longer.
\*\*Method of administration:\*\*
Fenhuma sublingual tablets should be administered directly under the tongue at the deepest part. Fenhuma sublingual tablets should not be swallowed, but allowed to completely dissolve in the sublingual cavity without chewing or sucking. Patients should be advised not to eat or drink anything until the sublingual tablet is completely dissolved.
In patients who have a dry mouth water may be used to moisten the buccal mucosa before taking Fenhuma.
\*\*Dose titration:\*\*
The object of dose titration is to identify an optimal maintenance dose for ongoing treatment of breakthrough pain episodes. This optimal dose should provide adequate analgesia with an acceptable level of adverse reactions.
The optimal dose of Fenhuma will be determined by upward titration, on an individual patient basis. Several doses are available for use during the dose titration phase. The initial dose of Fenhuma used should be 100 micrograms, titrating upwards as necessary through the range of available dosage strengths.
Patients should be carefully monitored until an optimal dose is reached.
Fenhuma sublingual tablets are the generic version of the reference product of Fentanyl sublingual tablets and has demonstrated bioequivalence to the reference product. This means that Fenhuma tablets are the same as, and considered interchangeable with, the reference product. Prescribers and patients can expect Fenhuma to produce the same clinical effect as the reference product.
Switching from another fentanyl containing product(s) (i.e. buccal tablets, lozenges, nasal sprays or other pharmaceutical forms) to Fenhuma must not occur at a 1:1 ratio because of different absorption profiles. If patients are switched from another fentanyl containing product, a new dose titration with Fenhuma is required.
The following dose regimen is recommended for titration, although in all cases the physician should take into account the clinical need of the patient, age and concomitant illness.
All patients must start therapy with a single 100 microgram sublingual tablet. If adequate analgesia is not obtained within 15-30 minutes of administration of a single sublingual tablet, a supplemental (second) 100 microgram sublingual tablet may be administered. If adequate analgesia is not obtained within 15-30 minutes of the first dose an increase in dose to the next highest tablet strength should be considered for the next episode of breakthrough pain (Refer to figure below).
Dose escalation should continue in a stepwise manner until adequate analgesia with tolerable adverse reactions is achieved. The dose strength for the supplemental (second) sublingual tablet should be increased from 100 to 200 micrograms at doses of 400 micrograms and higher. This is illustrated in the schedule below. No more than two (2) doses should be administered for a single episode of breakthrough pain during this titration phase.
| | |
| --- | --- |
| Strength (micrograms) of first sublingual tablet per episode of breakthrough pain | Strength (micrograms) of supplemental (second) sublingual tablet to be taken 15-30 minutes after first tablet, if required |
| 100 | 100 |
| 200 | 100 |
| 300 | 100 |
| 400 | 200 |
| 600 | 200 |
| 800 | - |
If adequate analgesia is achieved at the higher dose, but undesirable effects are considered unacceptable, an intermediate dose (using the 100 microgram sublingual tablet where appropriate) may be administered.
During titration, patients can be instructed to use multiples of 100 microgram tablets and/or 200 microgram tablets for any single dose. No more than four (4) tablets should be used at any one time.
The efficacy and safety of doses higher than 800 micrograms have not been evaluated in clinical studies in patients.
In order to minimise the risk of opioid–related adverse reactions and to identify the appropriate dose, it is imperative that patients be monitored closely by health professionals during the titration process.
During titration patients should wait at least 2 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with Fenhuma.
\*\*Maintenance therapy:\*\*
Once an appropriate dose has been established, which may be more than one tablet, patients should be maintained on this dose and should limit consumption to a maximum of four Fenhuma doses per day.
During the maintenance period patients should wait at least 2 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with Fenhuma.
\*\*Dose re-adjustment:\*\*
If the response (analgesia or adverse reactions) to the titrated Fenhuma dose markedly changes, an adjustment of dose may be necessary to ensure that an optimal dose is maintained.
If more than four episodes of breakthrough pain are experienced per day over a period of more than four consecutive days, then the dose of the long acting opioid used for persistent pain should be re-evaluated. If the long acting opioid or dose of long acting opioid is changed the Fenhuma dose should be re-evaluated and re-titrated as necessary to ensure the patient is on an optimal dose.
It is imperative that any dose re-titration of any analgesic is monitored by a health professional.
In absence of adequate pain control, the possibility of hyperalgesia, tolerance and progression of underlying disease should be considered (see section 4.4).
\*\*Treatment duration and goals\*\*
Before initiating treatment with Fenhuma, a treatment strategy including treatment duration and treatment goals, and a plan for end of the treatment, should be agreed together with the patient, in accordance with pain management guidelines. During treatment, there should be frequent contact between the physician and the patient to evaluate the need for continued treatment, consider discontinuation and to adjust dosages if needed. In absence of adequate pain control, the possibility of hyperalgesia, tolerance and progression of underlying disease should be considered (see section 4.4). Fenhuma should not be used longer than necessary.
\*\*Discontinuation of therapy:\*\*
Fenhuma should be discontinued immediately if the patient no longer experiences breakthrough pain episodes. The treatment for the persistent background pain should be kept as prescribed.
If discontinuation of all opioid therapy is required, the patient must be closely followed by the doctor in order to avoid the possibility of abrupt withdrawal effects.
\*\*Use in children and adolescents:\*\*
Fenhuma must not be used in patients less than 18 years of age due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy.
\*\*Use in older people:\*\*
Dose titration needs to be approached with particular care and patients observed carefully for signs of fentanyl toxicity (see section 4.4).
\*\*Use in patients with renal and hepatic impairment:\*\*
Patients with kidney or liver dysfunction should be carefully observed for signs of fentanyl toxicity during the Fenhuma titration phase (see section 4.4).4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Contraindicated in opioid naive patients.
Patients without maintenance opioid therapy as there is an increased risk of respiratory depression.
Severe respiratory depression or severe obstructive lung conditions.
Treatment of acute pain other than breakthrough pain.
Patients being treated with medicinal products containing sodium oxybate.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Because of the risks, including fatal outcome, associated with accidental exposure, misuse, and abuse, patients and their carers must be advised to keep Fenhuma in a safe and secure place, not accessible by others.
Due to the potentially serious undesirable effects that can occur when taking an opioid therapy such as Fenhuma, patients and their carers should be made fully aware of the importance of taking Fenhuma correctly and what action to take should symptoms of overdose occur.
Before Fenhuma therapy is initiated, it is important that the patient's long-acting opioid treatment used to control their persistent pain has been stabilised.
\*\*Tolerance and opioid use disorder (abuse and dependence)\*\*
For all patients, prolonged use of this product may lead to drug dependence (addiction), even at therapeutic doses. A higher dose and longer duration of opioid treatment, can increase the risk of developing OUD. The risks are increased in individuals with current or past history of substance misuse disorder (including alcohol misuse) or mental health disorder (e.g., major depression).
Before initiating treatment with Fenhuma and during the treatment, treatment goals and a discontinuation plan should be agreed with the patient (see section 4.2). Before and during treatment the patient should also be informed about the risks and signs of OUD. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if these signs occur.
Additional support and monitoring may be necessary when prescribing for patients at risk of opioid misuse.
A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions.
Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of pain control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional pain relievers. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient.
Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else.
Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.
The clinical need for analgesic treatment should be reviewed regularly.
\*\*Respiratory Depression\*\*
In common with all opioids, there is a risk of clinically significant respiratory depression associated with the use of Fenhuma. Particular caution should be exercised during dose titration with Fenhuma in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions predisposing them to respiratory depression (e.g. myasthenia gravis) because of the risk of further respiratory depression, which could lead to respiratory failure.
\*\*Increased intracranial pressure\*\*
Fenhuma should only be administered with extreme caution in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the intracranial effects of hyperkapnia, such as those showing evidence of raised intracranial pressure, reduced consciousness, coma or brain tumours. In patients with head injuries, the clinical course may be masked by the use of opioids. In such a case, opioids should be used only if absolutely necessary.
\*\*Hyperal\*\*g\*\*esia\*\*
Hyperalgesia may be diagnosed if the patient on long-term opioid therapy presents with increased pain. This might be qualitatively and anatomically distinct from pain related to disease progression or to breakthrough pain resulting from development of opioid tolerance. Pain associated with hyperalgesia tends to be more diffuse than the pre-existing pain and less defined in quality. Symptoms of hyperalgesia may resolve with a reduction of opioid dose.
\*\*Cardiac disease\*\*
Fentanyl may produce bradycardia. Fentanyl should be used with caution in patients with previous or pre-existing bradyarrhythmias.
\*\*Elderly, cachectic or debilitated population\*\*
Data from intravenous studies with fentanyl suggest that older patients may have reduced clearance, a prolonged half-life and they may be more sensitive to the active substance than younger patients. Older, cachectic, or debilitated patients should be observed carefully for signs of fentanyl toxicity and the dose reduced if necessary.
\*\*Impaired hepatic or renal function\*\*
Fenhuma should be administered with caution to patients with liver or kidney dysfunction, especially during the titration phase. The use of Fenhuma in patients with hepatic or renal impairment may increase the bioavailability of fentanyl and decrease its systemic clearance, which could lead to accumulation and increased and prolonged opioid effects.
\*\*Hypovolaemia and hypotension\*\*
Care should be taken in treating patients with hypovolaemia and hypotension.
\*\*Use in patients with mouth wounds or mucositis\*\*
Fenhuma has not been studied in patients with mouth wounds or mucositis. There may be a risk of increased systemic drug exposure in such patients and therefore extra caution is recommended during dose titration.
\*\*Drug withdrawal syndrome\*\*
Prior to starting treatment with any opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with fentanyl.
Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take weeks to months.
The opioid drug withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms may also develop including irritability, agitation, anxiety, hyperkinesia, tremor, weakness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate or heart rate.
If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
\*\*Serotonin Syndrome\*\*
• Caution is advised when Fenhuma is co-administered with drugs that affect the serotoninergic neurotransmitter systems.
The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome may occur with the concomitant use of serotonergic drugs such as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and with drugs which impair metabolism of serotonin (including Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [MAOIs]). This may occur within the recommended dose.
Serotonin syndrome may include mental-status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular abnormalities (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination, rigidity), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).
If serotonin syndrome is suspected, treatment with Fenhuma should be discontinued.
\*\*Sleep-related breathin\*\*g \*\*disorders\*\*
Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnoea (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 total opioid dosage.
\*\*Risk from concomitant use of sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related dru\*\*g\*\*s\*\*
Concomitant use of Fenhuma and sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs may result in sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Because of these risks, concomitant prescribing with these sedative medicines should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatment options are not possible. If a decision is made to prescribe Fenhuma concomitantly with sedative medicines, the lowest effective dose should be used, and the duration of treatment should be as short as possible.
The patients should be followed closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In this respect, it is strongly recommended to inform patients and their caregivers to be aware of these symptoms (see section 4.5).
\*\*Fenhuma contains sodium\*\*
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Concomitant use of medicinal products containing sodium oxybate and fentanyl is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Treatment with sodium oxybate should be discontinued before start of treatment with Fenhuma\*\*.\*\*
Fentanyl is metabolised by CYP3A4. Active substances that inhibit CYP3A4 activity such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin), azole antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) or certain protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir) may increase the bioavailability of fentanyl by decreasing its systemic clearance, potentially enhancing or prolonging opioid effects. Grapefruit juice is also known to inhibit CYP3A4. Coadministration with agents that induce CYP3A4 activity such as antimycobacterials (e.g. rifampin, rifabutin), anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital) herbal products (e.g. St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may reduce the efficacy of fentanyl. CYP3A4 inducers exert their effect in a time-dependent manner, and may take at least 2 weeks to reach maximal effect after introduction. Conversely, on discontinuation, CYP3A4 induction may take at least 2 weeks to decline. Patients receiving fentanyl who stop therapy with, or decrease the dose of CYP3A4 inducers may be at risk of increased fentanyl activity or toxicity. Fentanyl should therefore be given to patients with caution if administered concomitantly with CYP3A4 inhibitors and/or inducers.
Concomitant use of other CNS depressants, such as other morphine derivatives (analgesics and antitussives), general anaesthetics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin), skeletal muscle relaxants, sedative antidepressants, sedative H1 antihistamines, barbiturates, anxiolytics (i.e. benzodiazepines), hypnotics, antipsychotics, clonidine and related substances may produce increased CNS depressant effects increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, coma and death because of additive CNS depressant effect. The dose and duration of concomitant use should be limited (see section 4.4).
Alcohol potentiates the sedative effects of morphine-based analgesics, therefore concomitant administration of alcoholic beverages or medicinal products containing alcohol with Fenhuma is not recommended.
Fenhuma is not recommended for use in patients who have received monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors within 14 days because severe and unpredictable potentiation by MAO inhibitors has been reported with opioid analgesics.
The concomitant use of partial opioid agonists/antagonists (e.g. buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine) is not recommended. They have high affinity to opioid receptors with relatively low intrinsic activity and therefore partially antagonise the analgesic effect of fentanyl and may induce withdrawal symptoms in opioid dependent patients.
\*\*Serotoninergic Drugs\*\*
Co-administration of fentanyl with a serotoninergic agent, such as a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or a Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitor (SNRI) or a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
The safety of fentanyl in pregnancy has not been established. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity, with impaired fertility in rats (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Regular use during pregnancy may cause drug dependence in the foetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate. Fentanyl should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary.
If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.
Administration during labour may depress respiration in the neonate and an antidote for the child should be readily available.
\*\*Breast-feeding\*\*
Administration to nursing women is not recommended as fentanyl may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed with Fenhuma.
However, opioid analgesics are known to impair the mental or physical ability to perform potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if they become dizzy or drowsy or experience blurred or double vision while taking Fenhuma.
This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:
• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive
• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you
• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine
• However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:
- The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
- You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and
- It was not affecting your ability to drive safely4.8 Undesirable effects
Undesirable effects typical of opioids are to be expected with Fenhuma; they tend to decrease in intensity with continued use. The most serious potential adverse reactions associated with opioid use are respiratory depression (which could lead to respiratory arrest), hypotension and shock.
The clinical trials of Fenhuma were designed to evaluate safety and efficacy in treating patients with breakthrough cancer pain; all patients were taking concomitant opioids, such as sustained-release morphine, sustained-release oxycodone or transdermal fentanyl, for their persistent pain. Therefore, it is not possible to definitively separate the effects of Fenhuma alone.
The most frequently observed adverse reactions with Fenhuma include typical opioid adverse reactions, such as nausea, constipation, somnolence and headache.
\*\*Tabulated Summary of Adverse Reactions with Fenhuma and/or other fentanyl-containing compounds:\*\*
The following adverse reactions have been reported with Fenhuma \*\*and/or other fentanyl-containing compounds\*\* during clinical studies and from post-marketing experience. They are listed below by system organ class and frequency (very common ≥ 1/10; common ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10; uncommon ≥1/1,000 to <1/100; not known (cannot be estimated from available data)). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*System Organ Class\*\* | \*\*Adverse Reaction by Frequency\*\* | | | |
| | \*\*Very common\*\* \*\*≥ 1/10\*\* | \*\*Common\*\* \*\*≥ 1/100 to < 1/10\*\* | \*\*Uncommon\*\* \*\*≥1/1,000 to <1/100\*\* | \*\*Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)\*\* |
| \*\*Immune system disorders\*\* | | | Hypersensitivity | |
| \*\*Metabolism and nutrition disorders\*\* | | | Anorexia Decreased appetite | |
| \*\*Psychiatric disorders\*\* | | | Depression Paranoia Confusional state Disorientation Mental status changes Anxiety Euphoric mood Dysphoria Emotional lability Disturbance in attention Insomnia | Hallucination Drug dependence (see section 4.4) Drug abuse Delirium |
| \*\*Nervous system disorders\*\* | | Dizziness Headache Somnolence | Amnesia Parosmia Dysgeusia Tremor Lethargy Hypoaesthesia Sleep disorder | Convulsion Depressed level of consciousness Loss of consciousness |
| \*\*Eye disorders\*\* | | | Vision blurred | |
| \*\*Cardiac disorders\*\* | | | Tachycardia Bradycardia | |
| \*\*Vascular disorders\*\* | | | Hypotension | |
| \*\*Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders\*\* | | Dyspnoea | Oropharyngeal pain Throat tightness | Respiratory depression |
| \*\*Gastrointestinal disorders\*\* | Nausea | Stomatitis Vomiting Constipation Dry mouth | Mouth ulceration Gingival ulceration Lip ulceration Impaired gastric emptying Abdominal pain Dyspepsia Stomach discomfort Tongue disorder Aphthous stomatitis | Swollen tongue Diarrhoea |
| \*\*Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders\*\* | | Hyperhidrosis | Skin lesion Rash Pruritus allergic Pruritus Night sweats Increased tendency to bruise | Urticaria |
| \*\*Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders\*\* | | | Arthralgia Musculoskeletal stiffness Joint stiffness | |
| \*\*Reproductive system and breast disorders\*\* | | | Erectile dysfunction | |
| \*\*General disorders and administration site conditions\*\* | | Fatigue | Drug withdrawal syndrome Asthenia Malaise | Flushing and hot flush Peripheral oedema Pyrexia Neonatal withdrawal syndrome Drug tolerance |
| \*\*Injury, poisoning and procedural complications\*\* | | | Accidental overdose | Fall |
\*\*Description of selected adverse reactions\*\*
\*\*Tolerance\*\*
Tolerance can develop on repeated use.
\*\*Drug dependence\*\*
Repeated use of Fenhuma can lead to drug dependence, even at therapeutic doses. The risk of drug dependence may vary depending on a patient's individual risk factors, dosage, and duration of opioid treatment (see section 4.4).
\*\*Reporting of suspected adverse reactions\*\*
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme: Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose
\*\*Symptoms and signs\*\*
Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of overdose and to ensure that family and friends are also aware of these signs and to seek immediate medical help if they occur.
The symptoms of fentanyl overdose are an extension of its pharmacological actions, the most serious effect being respiratory depression, which may lead to respiratory arrest. Coma is also known to occur. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has also been observed with fentanyl overdose.
Management of opioid overdose in the immediate term includes removal of any remaining Fenhuma sublingual tablets from the mouth, physical and verbal stimulation of the patient and an assessment of the level of consciousness. A patent airway should be established and maintained. If necessary, an oropharyngeal airway or endotracheal tube should be inserted, oxygen administered and mechanical ventilation initiated, as appropriate. Adequate body temperature and parenteral fluid intake should be maintained.
For the treatment of accidental overdose in opioid-naïve individuals, naloxone or other opioid antagonists should be used as clinically indicated and in accordance with their Summary of Product Characteristics. Repeated administration of the opioid antagonist may be necessary if the duration of respiratory depression is prolonged.
Care should be taken when using naloxone or other opioid antagonists to treat overdose in opioid-maintained patients, due to the risk of precipitating an acute withdrawal syndrome.
If severe or persistent hypotension occurs, hypovolaemia should be considered, and the condition should be managed with appropriate parenteral fluid therapy.
Muscle rigidity interfering with respiration has been reported with fentanyl and other opioids. In this situation, endotracheal intubation, assisted ventilation and administration of opioid antagonists as well as muscle relaxants may be requested.
Cases of Cheyne Stokes respiration have been observed in case of fentanyl overdose, particularly in patients with history of heart failure.
- Instruction Pharmacology
- 5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Analgesics; Opioids; Phenylpiperidine derivatives.
ATC code: N02AB03
Fentanyl is a potent µ-opioid analgesic with rapid onset of analgesia and short duration of action. Fentanyl is approximately 100-fold more potent than morphine as an analgesic. Secondary effects of fentanyl on central nervous system (CNS), respiratory and gastro-intestinal function are typical of opioid analgesics and are considered to be class effects. These can include respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypothermia, constipation, miosis, physical dependence and euphoria.
Opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or –gonadal axes. Some changes that can be seen include an increase in serum prolactin, and decreases in plasma cortisol and testosterone. Clinical signs and symptoms may be manifest from these hormonal changes.
The analgesic effects of fentanyl are related to the blood level of the active substance; in opioid-naïve patients, minimum effective analgesic serum concentrations of fentanyl range from 0.3-1.2 ng/ml, while blood levels of 10-20 ng/ml produce surgical anaesthesia and profound respiratory depression.
In patients with chronic cancer pain on stable maintenance doses of opioids, statistically significant improvement in pain intensity difference was seen with Fenhuma versus placebo from 10 minutes after administration onwards (see figure 1 below), with a significantly lower need for rescue analgesic therapy.
\*\*\*Figure 1 Mean Pain Intensity Difference from baseline (± SE) for Fenhuma Compared with Placebo (measured by a 0-10 Likert scale)\*\*\*
The safety and efficacy of Fenhuma have been evaluated in patients taking the drug at the onset of the breakthrough pain episode. Pre-emptive use of Fenhuma for predictable pain episodes was not investigated in the clinical trials.
Fentanyl, in common with all µ-opioid receptor agonists, produces dose dependent respiratory depression. This risk is higher in opioid-naïve subjects than in patients experiencing severe pain or receiving chronic opioid therapy. Long-term treatment with opioids typically leads to development of tolerance to their secondary effects.
While opioids generally increase the tone of urinary tract smooth muscle, the net effect tends to be variable, in some cases producing urinary urgency, in others, difficulty in urination.
Opioids increase the tone and decrease the propulsive contractions of the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract leading to a prolongation in gastrointestinal transit time, which may be responsible for the constipating effect of fentanyl.5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Fentanyl is a highly lipophilic drug absorbed very rapidly through the oral mucosa and more slowly through the gastrointestinal tract. Orally administered fentanyl undergoes pronounced hepatic and intestinal first pass effects.
Fenhuma is a quick dissolving sublingual tablet formulation. Rapid absorption of fentanyl occurs over about 30 minutes following administration of Fenhuma. The absolute bioavailability of Fenhuma has been calculated to be 54 %. Mean maximal plasma concentrations of fentanyl range from 0.2 to 1.3 ng/ml (after administration of 100 to 800 µg Fenhuma) and are reached within 22.5 to 240 minutes.
About 80-85% of fentanyl is bound by plasma proteins, mainly α1-glycoprotein and to a lesser extent albumin and lipoprotein. The volume of distribution of fentanyl at steady state is about 3-6 l/kg.
Fentanyl is metabolised primarily via CYP3A4 to a number of pharmacologically inactive metabolites, including norfentanyl. Within 72 hours of intravenous fentanyl administration around 75% of the dose is excreted into the urine, mostly as metabolites, with less than 10% as unchanged drug. About 9% of the dose is recovered in the faeces, primarily as metabolites. Total plasma clearance of fentanyl is about 0.5 l/h/kg.
After Fenhuma administration, the main elimination half-life of fentanyl is about 7 hours (range 3-12.5 hours) and the terminal half-life is about 20 hours (range 11.5-25 hours).
The pharmacokinetics of Fenhuma have been shown to be dose proportional over the dose range of 100 to 800 µg. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that multiple tablets are bioequivalent to single tablets of the equivalent dose.
\*\*Renal/hepatic impairment\*\*
Impaired hepatic or renal function could cause increased serum concentrations. Older, cachectic or generally impaired patients may have a lower fentanyl clearance, which could cause a longer terminal half-life for the compound (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).5.3 Preclinical safety data
Safety pharmacology and repeated dose toxicity data reveal no special hazard for humans that is not already covered by other sections of this SPC. Animal studies have shown reduced fertility and increased mortality in rat foetuses.
Teratogenic effects have, however, not been demonstrated.
Mutagenicity testing in bacteria and in rodents yielded negative results. Like other opioids fentanyl showed mutagenic effects in vitro in mammalian cells. A mutagenic risk with therapeutic use seems unlikely since effects were induced only at very high concentrations.
Carcinogenicity studies (26-week dermal alternative bioassay in Tg.AC transgenic mice; two-year subcutaneous carcinogenicity study in rats) with fentanyl did not reveal any findings indicative of oncogenic potential. Evaluation of brain slides from the carcinogenicity study in rats revealed brain lesions in animals administered high doses of fentanyl citrate. The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.
- Instruction Pharmaceutical Particulars
- 6.1 List of excipients
Mannitol (E421)
Silicified microcrystalline cellulose
Croscarmellose sodium
Magnesium stearate6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life
36 months6.4 Special precautions for storage
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions6.5 Nature and contents of container
Fenhuma sublingual tablets are packaged in child-resistant aluminium perforated or non-perforated blisters (PA/Al/PVC) thermosealed to a foil (Al/PET), contained in a cardboard outer carton.
Fenhuma is available in cartons of 10, 10 x 1, 30 and 30 x 1 tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Waste material should be disposed of safely. Patients/carers should be encouraged to return any unused product to the Pharmacy, where it should be disposed of in accordance with national and local requirements.
- Instruction Content
- ## Composition
Each sublingual tablet contains 100 micrograms fentanyl (as citrate)
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
## Pharmaceutical Form
Sublingual tablet
100 microgram sublingual tablet is a 6 mm white round tablet
## Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Management of breakthrough pain in adult patients using opioid therapy for chronic cancer pain. Breakthrough pain is a transient exacerbation of otherwise controlled chronic background pain.4.2 Posology and method of administration
Prior to starting treatment with opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a strategy for ending treatment with fentanyl in order to minimise the risk of addiction and drug withdrawal syndrome (see section 4.4).
Fenhuma should only be administered to patients who are considered tolerant to their opioid therapy for persistent cancer pain. Patients can be considered opioid tolerant if they take at least 60 mg of oral morphine daily, at least 25 micrograms of transdermal fentanyl per hour, at least 30 mg of oxycodone daily, at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid for a week or longer.
\*\*Method of administration:\*\*
Fenhuma sublingual tablets should be administered directly under the tongue at the deepest part. Fenhuma sublingual tablets should not be swallowed, but allowed to completely dissolve in the sublingual cavity without chewing or sucking. Patients should be advised not to eat or drink anything until the sublingual tablet is completely dissolved.
In patients who have a dry mouth water may be used to moisten the buccal mucosa before taking Fenhuma.
\*\*Dose titration:\*\*
The object of dose titration is to identify an optimal maintenance dose for ongoing treatment of breakthrough pain episodes. This optimal dose should provide adequate analgesia with an acceptable level of adverse reactions.
The optimal dose of Fenhuma will be determined by upward titration, on an individual patient basis. Several doses are available for use during the dose titration phase. The initial dose of Fenhuma used should be 100 micrograms, titrating upwards as necessary through the range of available dosage strengths.
Patients should be carefully monitored until an optimal dose is reached.
Fenhuma sublingual tablets are the generic version of the reference product of Fentanyl sublingual tablets and has demonstrated bioequivalence to the reference product. This means that Fenhuma tablets are the same as, and considered interchangeable with, the reference product. Prescribers and patients can expect Fenhuma to produce the same clinical effect as the reference product.
Switching from another fentanyl containing product(s) (i.e. buccal tablets, lozenges, nasal sprays or other pharmaceutical forms) to Fenhuma must not occur at a 1:1 ratio because of different absorption profiles. If patients are switched from another fentanyl containing product, a new dose titration with Fenhuma is required.
The following dose regimen is recommended for titration, although in all cases the physician should take into account the clinical need of the patient, age and concomitant illness.
All patients must start therapy with a single 100 microgram sublingual tablet. If adequate analgesia is not obtained within 15-30 minutes of administration of a single sublingual tablet, a supplemental (second) 100 microgram sublingual tablet may be administered. If adequate analgesia is not obtained within 15-30 minutes of the first dose an increase in dose to the next highest tablet strength should be considered for the next episode of breakthrough pain (Refer to figure below).
Dose escalation should continue in a stepwise manner until adequate analgesia with tolerable adverse reactions is achieved. The dose strength for the supplemental (second) sublingual tablet should be increased from 100 to 200 micrograms at doses of 400 micrograms and higher. This is illustrated in the schedule below. No more than two (2) doses should be administered for a single episode of breakthrough pain during this titration phase.
| | |
| --- | --- |
| Strength (micrograms) of first sublingual tablet per episode of breakthrough pain | Strength (micrograms) of supplemental (second) sublingual tablet to be taken 15-30 minutes after first tablet, if required |
| 100 | 100 |
| 200 | 100 |
| 300 | 100 |
| 400 | 200 |
| 600 | 200 |
| 800 | - |
If adequate analgesia is achieved at the higher dose, but undesirable effects are considered unacceptable, an intermediate dose (using the 100 microgram sublingual tablet where appropriate) may be administered.
During titration, patients can be instructed to use multiples of 100 microgram tablets and/or 200 microgram tablets for any single dose. No more than four (4) tablets should be used at any one time.
The efficacy and safety of doses higher than 800 micrograms have not been evaluated in clinical studies in patients.
In order to minimise the risk of opioid–related adverse reactions and to identify the appropriate dose, it is imperative that patients be monitored closely by health professionals during the titration process.
During titration patients should wait at least 2 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with Fenhuma.
\*\*Maintenance therapy:\*\*
Once an appropriate dose has been established, which may be more than one tablet, patients should be maintained on this dose and should limit consumption to a maximum of four Fenhuma doses per day.
During the maintenance period patients should wait at least 2 hours before treating another episode of breakthrough pain with Fenhuma.
\*\*Dose re-adjustment:\*\*
If the response (analgesia or adverse reactions) to the titrated Fenhuma dose markedly changes, an adjustment of dose may be necessary to ensure that an optimal dose is maintained.
If more than four episodes of breakthrough pain are experienced per day over a period of more than four consecutive days, then the dose of the long acting opioid used for persistent pain should be re-evaluated. If the long acting opioid or dose of long acting opioid is changed the Fenhuma dose should be re-evaluated and re-titrated as necessary to ensure the patient is on an optimal dose.
It is imperative that any dose re-titration of any analgesic is monitored by a health professional.
In absence of adequate pain control, the possibility of hyperalgesia, tolerance and progression of underlying disease should be considered (see section 4.4).
\*\*Treatment duration and goals\*\*
Before initiating treatment with Fenhuma, a treatment strategy including treatment duration and treatment goals, and a plan for end of the treatment, should be agreed together with the patient, in accordance with pain management guidelines. During treatment, there should be frequent contact between the physician and the patient to evaluate the need for continued treatment, consider discontinuation and to adjust dosages if needed. In absence of adequate pain control, the possibility of hyperalgesia, tolerance and progression of underlying disease should be considered (see section 4.4). Fenhuma should not be used longer than necessary.
\*\*Discontinuation of therapy:\*\*
Fenhuma should be discontinued immediately if the patient no longer experiences breakthrough pain episodes. The treatment for the persistent background pain should be kept as prescribed.
If discontinuation of all opioid therapy is required, the patient must be closely followed by the doctor in order to avoid the possibility of abrupt withdrawal effects.
\*\*Use in children and adolescents:\*\*
Fenhuma must not be used in patients less than 18 years of age due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy.
\*\*Use in older people:\*\*
Dose titration needs to be approached with particular care and patients observed carefully for signs of fentanyl toxicity (see section 4.4).
\*\*Use in patients with renal and hepatic impairment:\*\*
Patients with kidney or liver dysfunction should be carefully observed for signs of fentanyl toxicity during the Fenhuma titration phase (see section 4.4).4.3 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Contraindicated in opioid naive patients.
Patients without maintenance opioid therapy as there is an increased risk of respiratory depression.
Severe respiratory depression or severe obstructive lung conditions.
Treatment of acute pain other than breakthrough pain.
Patients being treated with medicinal products containing sodium oxybate.4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
Because of the risks, including fatal outcome, associated with accidental exposure, misuse, and abuse, patients and their carers must be advised to keep Fenhuma in a safe and secure place, not accessible by others.
Due to the potentially serious undesirable effects that can occur when taking an opioid therapy such as Fenhuma, patients and their carers should be made fully aware of the importance of taking Fenhuma correctly and what action to take should symptoms of overdose occur.
Before Fenhuma therapy is initiated, it is important that the patient's long-acting opioid treatment used to control their persistent pain has been stabilised.
\*\*Tolerance and opioid use disorder (abuse and dependence)\*\*
For all patients, prolonged use of this product may lead to drug dependence (addiction), even at therapeutic doses. A higher dose and longer duration of opioid treatment, can increase the risk of developing OUD. The risks are increased in individuals with current or past history of substance misuse disorder (including alcohol misuse) or mental health disorder (e.g., major depression).
Before initiating treatment with Fenhuma and during the treatment, treatment goals and a discontinuation plan should be agreed with the patient (see section 4.2). Before and during treatment the patient should also be informed about the risks and signs of OUD. Patients should be advised to contact their physician if these signs occur.
Additional support and monitoring may be necessary when prescribing for patients at risk of opioid misuse.
A comprehensive patient history should be taken to document concomitant medications, including over-the-counter medicines and medicines obtained on-line, and past and present medical and psychiatric conditions.
Patients may find that treatment is less effective with chronic use and express a need to increase the dose to obtain the same level of pain control as initially experienced. Patients may also supplement their treatment with additional pain relievers. These could be signs that the patient is developing tolerance. The risks of developing tolerance should be explained to the patient.
Overuse or misuse may result in overdose and/or death. It is important that patients only use medicines that are prescribed for them at the dose they have been prescribed and do not give this medicine to anyone else.
Patients should be closely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.
The clinical need for analgesic treatment should be reviewed regularly.
\*\*Respiratory Depression\*\*
In common with all opioids, there is a risk of clinically significant respiratory depression associated with the use of Fenhuma. Particular caution should be exercised during dose titration with Fenhuma in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other medical conditions predisposing them to respiratory depression (e.g. myasthenia gravis) because of the risk of further respiratory depression, which could lead to respiratory failure.
\*\*Increased intracranial pressure\*\*
Fenhuma should only be administered with extreme caution in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the intracranial effects of hyperkapnia, such as those showing evidence of raised intracranial pressure, reduced consciousness, coma or brain tumours. In patients with head injuries, the clinical course may be masked by the use of opioids. In such a case, opioids should be used only if absolutely necessary.
\*\*Hyperal\*\*g\*\*esia\*\*
Hyperalgesia may be diagnosed if the patient on long-term opioid therapy presents with increased pain. This might be qualitatively and anatomically distinct from pain related to disease progression or to breakthrough pain resulting from development of opioid tolerance. Pain associated with hyperalgesia tends to be more diffuse than the pre-existing pain and less defined in quality. Symptoms of hyperalgesia may resolve with a reduction of opioid dose.
\*\*Cardiac disease\*\*
Fentanyl may produce bradycardia. Fentanyl should be used with caution in patients with previous or pre-existing bradyarrhythmias.
\*\*Elderly, cachectic or debilitated population\*\*
Data from intravenous studies with fentanyl suggest that older patients may have reduced clearance, a prolonged half-life and they may be more sensitive to the active substance than younger patients. Older, cachectic, or debilitated patients should be observed carefully for signs of fentanyl toxicity and the dose reduced if necessary.
\*\*Impaired hepatic or renal function\*\*
Fenhuma should be administered with caution to patients with liver or kidney dysfunction, especially during the titration phase. The use of Fenhuma in patients with hepatic or renal impairment may increase the bioavailability of fentanyl and decrease its systemic clearance, which could lead to accumulation and increased and prolonged opioid effects.
\*\*Hypovolaemia and hypotension\*\*
Care should be taken in treating patients with hypovolaemia and hypotension.
\*\*Use in patients with mouth wounds or mucositis\*\*
Fenhuma has not been studied in patients with mouth wounds or mucositis. There may be a risk of increased systemic drug exposure in such patients and therefore extra caution is recommended during dose titration.
\*\*Drug withdrawal syndrome\*\*
Prior to starting treatment with any opioids, a discussion should be held with patients to put in place a withdrawal strategy for ending treatment with fentanyl.
Drug withdrawal syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation of therapy or dose reduction. When a patient no longer requires therapy, it is advisable to taper the dose gradually to minimise symptoms of withdrawal. Tapering from a high dose may take weeks to months.
The opioid drug withdrawal syndrome is characterised by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, mydriasis and palpitations. Other symptoms may also develop including irritability, agitation, anxiety, hyperkinesia, tremor, weakness, insomnia, anorexia, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, increased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate or heart rate.
If women take this drug during pregnancy, there is a risk that their newborn infants will experience neonatal withdrawal syndrome.
\*\*Serotonin Syndrome\*\*
• Caution is advised when Fenhuma is co-administered with drugs that affect the serotoninergic neurotransmitter systems.
The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome may occur with the concomitant use of serotonergic drugs such as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and with drugs which impair metabolism of serotonin (including Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [MAOIs]). This may occur within the recommended dose.
Serotonin syndrome may include mental-status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular abnormalities (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination, rigidity), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).
If serotonin syndrome is suspected, treatment with Fenhuma should be discontinued.
\*\*Sleep-related breathin\*\*g \*\*disorders\*\*
Opioids can cause sleep-related breathing disorders including central sleep apnoea (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 total opioid dosage.
\*\*Risk from concomitant use of sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related dru\*\*g\*\*s\*\*
Concomitant use of Fenhuma and sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related drugs may result in sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death. Because of these risks, concomitant prescribing with these sedative medicines should be reserved for patients for whom alternative treatment options are not possible. If a decision is made to prescribe Fenhuma concomitantly with sedative medicines, the lowest effective dose should be used, and the duration of treatment should be as short as possible.
The patients should be followed closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. In this respect, it is strongly recommended to inform patients and their caregivers to be aware of these symptoms (see section 4.5).
\*\*Fenhuma contains sodium\*\*
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per tablet, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Concomitant use of medicinal products containing sodium oxybate and fentanyl is contraindicated (see section 4.3). Treatment with sodium oxybate should be discontinued before start of treatment with Fenhuma\*\*.\*\*
Fentanyl is metabolised by CYP3A4. Active substances that inhibit CYP3A4 activity such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin), azole antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) or certain protease inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir) may increase the bioavailability of fentanyl by decreasing its systemic clearance, potentially enhancing or prolonging opioid effects. Grapefruit juice is also known to inhibit CYP3A4. Coadministration with agents that induce CYP3A4 activity such as antimycobacterials (e.g. rifampin, rifabutin), anticonvulsants (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, and phenobarbital) herbal products (e.g. St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)) may reduce the efficacy of fentanyl. CYP3A4 inducers exert their effect in a time-dependent manner, and may take at least 2 weeks to reach maximal effect after introduction. Conversely, on discontinuation, CYP3A4 induction may take at least 2 weeks to decline. Patients receiving fentanyl who stop therapy with, or decrease the dose of CYP3A4 inducers may be at risk of increased fentanyl activity or toxicity. Fentanyl should therefore be given to patients with caution if administered concomitantly with CYP3A4 inhibitors and/or inducers.
Concomitant use of other CNS depressants, such as other morphine derivatives (analgesics and antitussives), general anaesthetics, gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin), skeletal muscle relaxants, sedative antidepressants, sedative H1 antihistamines, barbiturates, anxiolytics (i.e. benzodiazepines), hypnotics, antipsychotics, clonidine and related substances may produce increased CNS depressant effects increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, coma and death because of additive CNS depressant effect. The dose and duration of concomitant use should be limited (see section 4.4).
Alcohol potentiates the sedative effects of morphine-based analgesics, therefore concomitant administration of alcoholic beverages or medicinal products containing alcohol with Fenhuma is not recommended.
Fenhuma is not recommended for use in patients who have received monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors within 14 days because severe and unpredictable potentiation by MAO inhibitors has been reported with opioid analgesics.
The concomitant use of partial opioid agonists/antagonists (e.g. buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine) is not recommended. They have high affinity to opioid receptors with relatively low intrinsic activity and therefore partially antagonise the analgesic effect of fentanyl and may induce withdrawal symptoms in opioid dependent patients.
\*\*Serotoninergic Drugs\*\*
Co-administration of fentanyl with a serotoninergic agent, such as a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or a Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitor (SNRI) or a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
The safety of fentanyl in pregnancy has not been established. Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity, with impaired fertility in rats (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown. Regular use during pregnancy may cause drug dependence in the foetus, leading to withdrawal symptoms in the neonate. Fentanyl should only be used during pregnancy when clearly necessary.
If opioid use is required for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available.
Administration during labour may depress respiration in the neonate and an antidote for the child should be readily available.
\*\*Breast-feeding\*\*
Administration to nursing women is not recommended as fentanyl may be secreted in breast milk and may cause respiratory depression in the infant.4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
No studies on the effects on the ability to drive and use machines have been performed with Fenhuma.
However, opioid analgesics are known to impair the mental or physical ability to perform potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinery. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if they become dizzy or drowsy or experience blurred or double vision while taking Fenhuma.
This medicine can impair cognitive function and can affect a patient's ability to drive safely. This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When prescribing this medicine, patients should be told:
• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive
• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you
• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine
• However, you would not be committing an offence (called 'statutory defence') if:
- The medicine has been prescribed to treat a medical or dental problem and
- You have taken it according to the instructions given by the prescriber and in the information provided with the medicine and
- It was not affecting your ability to drive safely4.8 Undesirable effects
Undesirable effects typical of opioids are to be expected with Fenhuma; they tend to decrease in intensity with continued use. The most serious potential adverse reactions associated with opioid use are respiratory depression (which could lead to respiratory arrest), hypotension and shock.
The clinical trials of Fenhuma were designed to evaluate safety and efficacy in treating patients with breakthrough cancer pain; all patients were taking concomitant opioids, such as sustained-release morphine, sustained-release oxycodone or transdermal fentanyl, for their persistent pain. Therefore, it is not possible to definitively separate the effects of Fenhuma alone.
The most frequently observed adverse reactions with Fenhuma include typical opioid adverse reactions, such as nausea, constipation, somnolence and headache.
\*\*Tabulated Summary of Adverse Reactions with Fenhuma and/or other fentanyl-containing compounds:\*\*
The following adverse reactions have been reported with Fenhuma \*\*and/or other fentanyl-containing compounds\*\* during clinical studies and from post-marketing experience. They are listed below by system organ class and frequency (very common ≥ 1/10; common ≥ 1/100 to < 1/10; uncommon ≥1/1,000 to <1/100; not known (cannot be estimated from available data)). Within each frequency grouping, undesirable effects are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
| | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| \*\*System Organ Class\*\* | \*\*Adverse Reaction by Frequency\*\* | | | |
| | \*\*Very common\*\* \*\*≥ 1/10\*\* | \*\*Common\*\* \*\*≥ 1/100 to < 1/10\*\* | \*\*Uncommon\*\* \*\*≥1/1,000 to <1/100\*\* | \*\*Not known (cannot be estimated from available data)\*\* |
| \*\*Immune system disorders\*\* | | | Hypersensitivity | |
| \*\*Metabolism and nutrition disorders\*\* | | | Anorexia Decreased appetite | |
| \*\*Psychiatric disorders\*\* | | | Depression Paranoia Confusional state Disorientation Mental status changes Anxiety Euphoric mood Dysphoria Emotional lability Disturbance in attention Insomnia | Hallucination Drug dependence (see section 4.4) Drug abuse Delirium |
| \*\*Nervous system disorders\*\* | | Dizziness Headache Somnolence | Amnesia Parosmia Dysgeusia Tremor Lethargy Hypoaesthesia Sleep disorder | Convulsion Depressed level of consciousness Loss of consciousness |
| \*\*Eye disorders\*\* | | | Vision blurred | |
| \*\*Cardiac disorders\*\* | | | Tachycardia Bradycardia | |
| \*\*Vascular disorders\*\* | | | Hypotension | |
| \*\*Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders\*\* | | Dyspnoea | Oropharyngeal pain Throat tightness | Respiratory depression |
| \*\*Gastrointestinal disorders\*\* | Nausea | Stomatitis Vomiting Constipation Dry mouth | Mouth ulceration Gingival ulceration Lip ulceration Impaired gastric emptying Abdominal pain Dyspepsia Stomach discomfort Tongue disorder Aphthous stomatitis | Swollen tongue Diarrhoea |
| \*\*Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders\*\* | | Hyperhidrosis | Skin lesion Rash Pruritus allergic Pruritus Night sweats Increased tendency to bruise | Urticaria |
| \*\*Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders\*\* | | | Arthralgia Musculoskeletal stiffness Joint stiffness | |
| \*\*Reproductive system and breast disorders\*\* | | | Erectile dysfunction | |
| \*\*General disorders and administration site conditions\*\* | | Fatigue | Drug withdrawal syndrome Asthenia Malaise | Flushing and hot flush Peripheral oedema Pyrexia Neonatal withdrawal syndrome Drug tolerance |
| \*\*Injury, poisoning and procedural complications\*\* | | | Accidental overdose | Fall |
\*\*Description of selected adverse reactions\*\*
\*\*Tolerance\*\*
Tolerance can develop on repeated use.
\*\*Drug dependence\*\*
Repeated use of Fenhuma can lead to drug dependence, even at therapeutic doses. The risk of drug dependence may vary depending on a patient's individual risk factors, dosage, and duration of opioid treatment (see section 4.4).
\*\*Reporting of suspected adverse reactions\*\*
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme: Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.4.9 Overdose
\*\*Symptoms and signs\*\*
Patients should be informed of the signs and symptoms of overdose and to ensure that family and friends are also aware of these signs and to seek immediate medical help if they occur.
The symptoms of fentanyl overdose are an extension of its pharmacological actions, the most serious effect being respiratory depression, which may lead to respiratory arrest. Coma is also known to occur. Toxic leukoencephalopathy has also been observed with fentanyl overdose.
Management of opioid overdose in the immediate term includes removal of any remaining Fenhuma sublingual tablets from the mouth, physical and verbal stimulation of the patient and an assessment of the level of consciousness. A patent airway should be established and maintained. If necessary, an oropharyngeal airway or endotracheal tube should be inserted, oxygen administered and mechanical ventilation initiated, as appropriate. Adequate body temperature and parenteral fluid intake should be maintained.
For the treatment of accidental overdose in opioid-naïve individuals, naloxone or other opioid antagonists should be used as clinically indicated and in accordance with their Summary of Product Characteristics. Repeated administration of the opioid antagonist may be necessary if the duration of respiratory depression is prolonged.
Care should be taken when using naloxone or other opioid antagonists to treat overdose in opioid-maintained patients, due to the risk of precipitating an acute withdrawal syndrome.
If severe or persistent hypotension occurs, hypovolaemia should be considered, and the condition should be managed with appropriate parenteral fluid therapy.
Muscle rigidity interfering with respiration has been reported with fentanyl and other opioids. In this situation, endotracheal intubation, assisted ventilation and administration of opioid antagonists as well as muscle relaxants may be requested.
Cases of Cheyne Stokes respiration have been observed in case of fentanyl overdose, particularly in patients with history of heart failure.
## Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Analgesics; Opioids; Phenylpiperidine derivatives.
ATC code: N02AB03
Fentanyl is a potent µ-opioid analgesic with rapid onset of analgesia and short duration of action. Fentanyl is approximately 100-fold more potent than morphine as an analgesic. Secondary effects of fentanyl on central nervous system (CNS), respiratory and gastro-intestinal function are typical of opioid analgesics and are considered to be class effects. These can include respiratory depression, bradycardia, hypothermia, constipation, miosis, physical dependence and euphoria.
Opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal or –gonadal axes. Some changes that can be seen include an increase in serum prolactin, and decreases in plasma cortisol and testosterone. Clinical signs and symptoms may be manifest from these hormonal changes.
The analgesic effects of fentanyl are related to the blood level of the active substance; in opioid-naïve patients, minimum effective analgesic serum concentrations of fentanyl range from 0.3-1.2 ng/ml, while blood levels of 10-20 ng/ml produce surgical anaesthesia and profound respiratory depression.
In patients with chronic cancer pain on stable maintenance doses of opioids, statistically significant improvement in pain intensity difference was seen with Fenhuma versus placebo from 10 minutes after administration onwards (see figure 1 below), with a significantly lower need for rescue analgesic therapy.
\*\*\*Figure 1 Mean Pain Intensity Difference from baseline (± SE) for Fenhuma Compared with Placebo (measured by a 0-10 Likert scale)\*\*\*
The safety and efficacy of Fenhuma have been evaluated in patients taking the drug at the onset of the breakthrough pain episode. Pre-emptive use of Fenhuma for predictable pain episodes was not investigated in the clinical trials.
Fentanyl, in common with all µ-opioid receptor agonists, produces dose dependent respiratory depression. This risk is higher in opioid-naïve subjects than in patients experiencing severe pain or receiving chronic opioid therapy. Long-term treatment with opioids typically leads to development of tolerance to their secondary effects.
While opioids generally increase the tone of urinary tract smooth muscle, the net effect tends to be variable, in some cases producing urinary urgency, in others, difficulty in urination.
Opioids increase the tone and decrease the propulsive contractions of the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract leading to a prolongation in gastrointestinal transit time, which may be responsible for the constipating effect of fentanyl.5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Fentanyl is a highly lipophilic drug absorbed very rapidly through the oral mucosa and more slowly through the gastrointestinal tract. Orally administered fentanyl undergoes pronounced hepatic and intestinal first pass effects.
Fenhuma is a quick dissolving sublingual tablet formulation. Rapid absorption of fentanyl occurs over about 30 minutes following administration of Fenhuma. The absolute bioavailability of Fenhuma has been calculated to be 54 %. Mean maximal plasma concentrations of fentanyl range from 0.2 to 1.3 ng/ml (after administration of 100 to 800 µg Fenhuma) and are reached within 22.5 to 240 minutes.
About 80-85% of fentanyl is bound by plasma proteins, mainly α1-glycoprotein and to a lesser extent albumin and lipoprotein. The volume of distribution of fentanyl at steady state is about 3-6 l/kg.
Fentanyl is metabolised primarily via CYP3A4 to a number of pharmacologically inactive metabolites, including norfentanyl. Within 72 hours of intravenous fentanyl administration around 75% of the dose is excreted into the urine, mostly as metabolites, with less than 10% as unchanged drug. About 9% of the dose is recovered in the faeces, primarily as metabolites. Total plasma clearance of fentanyl is about 0.5 l/h/kg.
After Fenhuma administration, the main elimination half-life of fentanyl is about 7 hours (range 3-12.5 hours) and the terminal half-life is about 20 hours (range 11.5-25 hours).
The pharmacokinetics of Fenhuma have been shown to be dose proportional over the dose range of 100 to 800 µg. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that multiple tablets are bioequivalent to single tablets of the equivalent dose.
\*\*Renal/hepatic impairment\*\*
Impaired hepatic or renal function could cause increased serum concentrations. Older, cachectic or generally impaired patients may have a lower fentanyl clearance, which could cause a longer terminal half-life for the compound (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).5.3 Preclinical safety data
Safety pharmacology and repeated dose toxicity data reveal no special hazard for humans that is not already covered by other sections of this SPC. Animal studies have shown reduced fertility and increased mortality in rat foetuses.
Teratogenic effects have, however, not been demonstrated.
Mutagenicity testing in bacteria and in rodents yielded negative results. Like other opioids fentanyl showed mutagenic effects in vitro in mammalian cells. A mutagenic risk with therapeutic use seems unlikely since effects were induced only at very high concentrations.
Carcinogenicity studies (26-week dermal alternative bioassay in Tg.AC transgenic mice; two-year subcutaneous carcinogenicity study in rats) with fentanyl did not reveal any findings indicative of oncogenic potential. Evaluation of brain slides from the carcinogenicity study in rats revealed brain lesions in animals administered high doses of fentanyl citrate. The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown.
## Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List of excipients
Mannitol (E421)
Silicified microcrystalline cellulose
Croscarmellose sodium
Magnesium stearate6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.6.3 Shelf life
36 months6.4 Special precautions for storage
This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions6.5 Nature and contents of container
Fenhuma sublingual tablets are packaged in child-resistant aluminium perforated or non-perforated blisters (PA/Al/PVC) thermosealed to a foil (Al/PET), contained in a cardboard outer carton.
Fenhuma is available in cartons of 10, 10 x 1, 30 and 30 x 1 tablets.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling
Waste material should be disposed of safely. Patients/carers should be encouraged to return any unused product to the Pharmacy, where it should be disposed of in accordance with national and local requirements.
