Clinical and Pharmacokinetic Considerations of Novel Formulations of Fentanyl for Breakthrough Cancer Pain

SUMMARY 

This review will provide an overview of pharmacokinetics and clinical practice considerations of the novel formulations of fentanyl for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain. First, we provide a brief description of the physicochemical properties of fentanyl. Second, we describe the basic pharmacokinetics of fentanyl, the specifics of various formulations and how they affect pharmacokinetics of fentanyl. Finally, we offer the perspectives on clinical practices in the proper uses of these products. Advancements in the formulations and delivery of fentanyl have provided a safer and more effective treatment for breakthrough cancer pain. These dosage forms offer overlapping yet distinct pharmacokinetic advantages to allow more choices for physicians and patients in the management of breakthrough cancer pain.

KEYWORDS:

• breakthrough cancer pain
• clinical practice
• fentanyl
• formulation
• opioid
• pharmacokinetics

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank I Bucior and S Bujanover for their critical review of the manuscript.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

C Chen is an employ of Depomed and receives salary and stock options from the company. A Gupta is a consultant of Depomed. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.