Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Lazanda

Descriptions


Fentanyl nasal spray is used to treat severe pain in cancer patients. It is used for breakthrough cancer pain, which are flares of pain that “break through” after a routine pain medicine has been used. Fentanyl belongs to the group of medicines called opioid analgesics. It is only used in patients who are already taking opioid analgesics.

Fentanyl acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Some of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS. When an opioid is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). However, under the close supervision of a healthcare provider, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using opioids to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is less likely to occur when opioids are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal symptoms if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal symptoms can usually be prevented by reducing the dose gradually over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely. Your doctor will take this into consideration when deciding on the amount of nasal fentanyl you should receive.

This medicine is available only under a restricted distribution program called TIRF (Transmucosal Immediate Release Fentanyl) REMS Program.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Spray