Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills

Abstral is the pill form of the pure opioid agonist fentanyl. It has been approved by the FDA to be used in the management of cancer pain in individuals who are 18 years and above. The patients should already be getting opioid treatment and should be opioid tolerant. Read on to learn more.

What are Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills?

These are pills that contain the pure form of fentanyl. They are used for the breakthrough management of cancer pain in patients who are 18 years and older.

How does Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills work?

Abstral pills are opioids that should only be used by people who are tolerant to pain drugs for cancer breakthrough pain management. For those who are not aware, breakthrough pain is the pain which occurs despite being treated with other opioid pain drugs to manage cancer pain.

Note that Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills should never be used in the treatment of other types of pain because it can lead to severe breathing issues for individuals who are not already taking opioid drugs in the management of cancer pain.

Abstral influences the brain to enhance pain tolerance. It works within 10-30 minutes after taking the drug.

You can find Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills available under several brand names and in multiple forms. Additionally, your healthcare provider can suggest this drug for treatment of other conditions not listed here. You should discuss with your doctor anything you are not sure of before taking this drug. Never quit taking the drug without notifying the doctor and you should not share it with someone else.

What forms does Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills come in?

It comes in the following forms

• 100 µg – every round, white sublingual pill contains 100 µg of fentanyl. It also contains other ingredients such a magnesium stearate.
• 200 µg – each oval-shaped, white sublingual pill contains 200 µg fentanyl. It also contains other ingredients.
• 300 µg – each triangle-shaped, white sublingual pill comes with 300 µg of fentanyl together with other ingredients.
• 400 µg – it is a diamond-shaped, white sublingual pill containing 400 µg of fentanyl as well as other ingredients.
• 600 µg – this “D”-shaped, white sublingual pill comes with 600 µg of fentanyl and other ingredients.
• 800 µg – each capsule-shaped, white sublingual pill has 800 µg fentanyl as well as other ingredients.

Correct ways of using Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills

Note that this drug should only be given by qualified health practitioners that are experienced when it comes to opioids use. Before you begin Abstral treatment, you should first stabilize your pain management with less potent opioid drugs.

Mostly, each patient begins with the lowest initial dose that they place under the tongue. The doctor will then gradually adjust the dosage of the drug until the pain is managed and the side effects are tolerable. Patients should be monitored closely as the doctor tries to find the dosage that works for the patient. The maximum dosage should never exceed 800 µg per dose.

Several factors can influence the Abstral dose that you need. They include your body weight, other drugs you are taking and other medical conditions. Never change the dosage prescribed by your doctor with consulting.

Never exceed the dosage prescribed by the doctor. It could lead to an overdose and other severe side effects. If you don’t feel the drug effects within 30 minutes after taking Abstral, don’t take another dose. Ask your doctor if it is possible to change the medication. You need to separate each dose by at least two hours and you should not take more than two doses in a day.

Sip some water before taking the Abstral pill to get rid of the dry mouth. Additionally, ensure that you are opening the drug in the correct manner. Read all the required instructions on how to open the drug.

Avoid drinking or eating anything until the tablet has fully dissolved in the mouth. Never crush, break, cut, swallow or suck the drug. Additionally, it should never be dissolved outside your mouth.

It is crucial to always follow the doctor’s instructions when taking this drug.

When storing this drug, keep store it in the original packaging away from sunlight and moisture. Abstral should be kept in a safe area away from pets and kids to prevent abuse and theft. Note that accidental exposure or use of fentanyl especially among kids can cause fatal effects.

If the drug has expired or you no longer need it, it should be disposed properly or you can return it to the pharmacist for proper disposal. Never flush the drug down the toilet.

Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills

Patients should get immediate medical help if they start showing any symptoms of an allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, hives and swelling in the lips, face, throat or tongue.

Note that opioid drugs can stop or slow down breathing and cause death. Your caretaker should seek medical help if you show signs of blue colored lips, slow breath and problems waking up.

Other side effects include; extreme drowsiness, reduced heart rate, feelings of passing out, fear, confusion, abnormal behavior or thoughts, dizziness, reduced cortisol levels, appetite loss, nausea or extreme weakness and tiredness.

Let your doctor know it you experience signs of serotonin syndrome like hallucinations, agitations, sweating, increased heart rate, stiff muscles, coordination loss and more.

Note that severe side effects are more likely among senior adults and underweight persons.

According to reports, long-term use of opioids can affect fertility levels in among males and females. Studies are still ongoing to see if the fertility effects are permanent.

The common side effects

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Pale skin
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness and weakness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Swelling in the feet or hands

Note that this is not a complete list of side effects and others might occur.

Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills overdose

Abusing Abstral can cause overdose and even death. Take the drug as prescribed by your doctor.

Legal status of Abstral (Fentanyl) Pills

It is a prescription only drug that has been approved by the FDA.