ABSTRAL (Fentanyl) transmucosal tablet approved by USFDA

The USFDA approved ABSTRAL (fentanyl) transmucosal tablets to manage breakthrough pain for adults with cancer.  Fentanyl immediate-release transmucosal medications are administered on the soft surfaces of the mouth (inside of the cheek, gums, tongue), or the nasal passages or throat where they dissolve and are absorbed.
Abstral is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer, ages 18 years and older, who already use opioid pain medication around the clock and who need and are able to safely use high doses of an additional opioid medicine.  Breakthrough pain is pain that comes on suddenly for short periods of time and is not alleviated by a patient’s normal pain management plan. These patients are considered opioid tolerant because of their current opioid medication use.  Only health care professionals skilled in the use of Schedule II opioids to treat pain should prescribe this drug product
(Source: www.fda.gov)