english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2012 > In the January issue of Prescrire International: fentanyl nasal (Pecfent°), still no tangible advantage

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In the January issue of Prescrire International:
fentanyl nasal (Pecfent°), still no tangible advantage

FREE DOWNLOAD Fentanyl intranasal proved no better than immediate-release oral morphine in a trial including 84 patients, but caused more frequent adverse effects. There is a risk of overdose due to confusion between the different forms and doses of fentanyl.
Full text available for free download.

Summary

  • Buccal fentanyl is an alternative to immediate-release oral morphine, for cancer patients with breakthrough pain despite appropriate opioid therapy.
     
  • There is no evidence that intranasal fentanyl (Instanyl°) is more effective or better tolerated than buccal fentanyl. Mid 2011, the packaging posed a risk for both patients and caregivers.
     
  • A second form of fentanyl nasal spray (Pecfent°, Archimedes) has been announced.
     
  • This article examines whether this second intranasal fentanyl product provides more rapid or more effective relief than immediate-release oral morphine or buccal fentanyl for cancer patients with breakthrough pain, and whether the packaging of Pecfent° is better designed than that of Instanyl°. 

Full text available for free download.

 ©Prescrire 1 January 2012

"fentanyl nasal. Still no tangible advantage of intranasal administration" Prescrire Int 2012; 21 (123): 8. (Pdf, free)
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