Opiodur 12 Micrograms/Hour Transdermal Patch
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Opiodur 12 micrograms/hour transdermal patch
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
Each Opiodur 12 micrograms/ hour transdermal patch contains 1.375 mg of fentanyl in a patch size of 5cm1, releasing 12 micrograms of fentanyl per hour.
Excipients(s) with known effect:
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Transdermal Patch
Opiodur transdermal patch is a rectangular, tan coloured patch placed between two oversized, transparent protective layers which must be removed prior to the patch application.
The patches will be imprinted:
“Fentanyl 12 pg/h” in red ink
4 CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4.1 Therapeutic indications
Adults
This product is indicated in severe chronic pain which can be adequately managed only with opioid analgesics.
Children
Long term management of severe chronic pain in children receiving opioid therapy from 2 years of age.
4.2 Posology and method of administration
It is not possible to ensure the interchangeability of different fentanyl containing transdermal patch product in individual patients. Therefore, it should be emphasised that patients should not be changed from one fentanyl containing product to another without specific counselling on the change from their healthcare professionals.
Initial dose selection
The appropriate initiating dose of fentanyl should be based on the patient’s current opioid use. It is recommended that fentanyl be used in patients who have demonstrated opioid tolerance. Other factors to be considered are the current general condition and medical status of the patient, including body size, age, and extent of debilitation as well as degree of opioid tolerance.
Adults
Opioid-tolerant patients
To convert opioid-tolerant patients from oral or parenteral opioids to fentanyl refer to Equianalgesicpotency conversion below. The dosage may subsequently be titrated upwards or downwards, if required, in increments of either 12 or 25 mcg/hr to achieve the lowest appropriate dose of fentanyl depending on response and supplementary analgesic requirements.
Opioid-naive patients
In strong opioid-naive patients, the normal initial fentanyl dosage should not exceed 25 mcg/h.
Clinical experience with fentanyl is limited in opioid-naive patients. In the circumstances in which therapy with fentanyl is considered appropriate in opioid-naive patients, it is recommended that these patients be titrated with low doses of immediate release opioids (e.g., morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, tramadol, and codeine) to attain equianalgesic dosage relative to fentanyl with a release rate of 25 mcg/hr.
Patients can then be converted to fentanyl 25 mcg/hr. The dose may subsequently be titrated upwards or downwards, if required, in increments of 12 or 25 mcg/hr to achieve the lowest appropriate dose of fentanyl depending on the response and supplementary analgesic requirements (see also section 4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use: Opioid naive and not opioid-tolerant states).
Switching from other opioids
When changing over from oral or parenteral opioids to fentanyl treatment, the initial dosage should be calculated as follows: 2 1 3
All dosages given in the table are equivalent in analgesic effect to 10 mg parenteral morphine.
Table 1: Equianalgesic potency conversion
|
Equianalgesic doses (mg) | ||
|
Active substance |
Parenteral i.m |
Oral |
|
Morphine |
10 |
30-40 |
|
Hydromorphone |
1.5 |
7.5 |
|
Methadone |
10 |
20 |
|
Oxycodone |
10-15 |
20-30 |
|
Levorphanol |
2 |
4 |
|
Oxymorphine |
1 |
10 (rectal) |
|
Diamorphine |
5 |
60 |
|
Pethidine |
75 |
- |
|
Codeine |
- |
200 |
|
Buprenorphine |
0.4 |
0.8 (sublingual) |
|
Ketobemidone |
10 |
20-30 |
Table 2: Recommended starting dosage of transdermal fentanyl based on daily oral morphine dosage1 (for patients stabilised on oral morphine or immediate release opioid for several weeks and who need opioid rotation)
|
Oral morphine dose (mg/24 h) |
T ransdermal fentanyl release (micrograms/h) |
|
< 44 |
12 |
|
45-134 |
25 |
|
135-224 |
50 |
|
225-314 |
75 |
|
315-404 |
100 |
|
405-494 |
125 |
|
495-584 |
150 |
|
585-674 |
175 |
|
675-764 |
200 |
|
765-854 |
225 |
|
855-944 |
250 |
|
945-1034 |
275 |
|
1035-1124 |
300 |
Table 3: Recommended starting dosage of transdermal fentanyl based on daily oral morphine dosage (for patients on stable and well tolerated opioid therapy for long periods and who need opioid rotation)
|
Oral morphine dose (mg/24 h) |
Transdermal Fentanyl release (pg/h) |
|
< 60 |
12 |
|
60-89 |
25 |
|
90-149 |
50 |
|
150-209 |
75 |
|
210-269 |
100 |
|
270-329 |
125 |
|
330-389 |
150 |
|
390-449 |
175 |
|
450-509 |
200 |
|
510-569 |
225 |
|
570-629 |
250 |
|
630-689 |
275 |
|
690-749 |
300 |
By combining several transdermal patches, a fentanyl release rate of over 100 micrograms/h can be achieved.
The initial evaluation of the maximum analgesic effect of Opiodur should not be made before the patch has been worn for 24 hours. This is due to the gradual increase in serum fentanyl concentrations during the first 24 hours after application of the patch.
In the first 12 hours after changing to Opiodur the patient continues to receive the previous analgesic at the previous dose; over the next 12 hours this analgesic is administered according to need.
Dose titration and maintenance therapy
The patch should be replaced every 72 hours. The dose should be titrated individually until analgesic efficacy is attained. In patients who experience a marked decrease in the period 48-72 hours after application, replacement of Opiodur after 48 hours may be necessary.
Patches with a release rate of 12 micrograms/hour are available and are appropriate for dose titration in the lower dosage area. If analgesia is insufficient at the end of the initial application period, the dose may be increased after 3 days, until the desired effect is obtained for each patient. Additional dose adjustment should normally be performed in 12 micrograms/hour or 25 micrograms/hour increments, although the supplementary analgesic requirements and pain status of the patient should be taken into account.
Patients may require periodic supplemental doses of a short-acting analgesic for breakthrough pain. Additional or alternative methods of analgesia or alternative administration of opioids should be considered when the Fentanyl dose exceeds 300 micrograms/hour.
If higher dosages than 500 mg morphine-equivalent are needed, a reassessment of opioid-therapy is recommended.
Withdrawal symptoms have been reported when changing from long-term treatment with morphine to transdermal fentanyl despite adequate analgesic efficacy. In case of withdrawal symptoms it is recommended to treat those with short-acting morphine in low doses.
Changing or discontinuation of therapy
If discontinuation of the patch is necessary, any replacement with other opioids should be gradual, starting at a low dose and increasing slowly. This is because fentanyl levels fall gradually after the patch is removed; it takes at least 17 hours for the fentanyl serum concentration to decrease by 50%. As a general rule, the discontinuation of opioid analgesia should be gradual, in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, anxiety and muscular tremor). Tables 2 and 3 should not be used to switch from transdermal fentanyl to a morphine treatment.
Duration of administration
The patch should be changed after 72 hours. If an earlier change becomes necessary in individual cases, no change should be made before 48 hours have elapsed, otherwise a rise in mean fentanyl concentrations may occur. A new skin area must be selected for each application. A period of 7 days should be allowed to elapse before applying a new patch to the same area of skin. The analgesic effect may persist for some time after removal of the transdermal patch.
If traces of the transdermal patch remain on the skin after its removal, these can be cleaned off using copious amounts of soap and water. No alcohol or other solvents must be used for cleaning, as these may penetrate the skin due to the effect of the patch.
Dose titration and maintenance
If the analgesic effect of Opiodur is insufficient, supplementary morphine or another short-duration opioid should be administered. Depending on the additional analgesic needs and the pain status of the child, it may be decided to use more patches. Dose adjustments should be done in 12 mcg/hour steps.
Use in elderly patients
Data from intravenous studies with fentanyl suggest that elderly patients may have reduced clearance, a prolonged half-life and they may be more sensitive to the drug than younger patients. Studies of fentanyl in elderly patients demonstrated fentanyl pharmacokinetics which did not differ significantly from young patients although serum concentrations tended to be higher.
Elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients should be observed carefully for signs of fentanyl toxicity and the dose reduced if necessary (see sections 4.4 and 5.2).
Hepatic and renal impairment
Patients with impaired hepatic or renal function should be observed carefully and the dose reduced if necessary (see section 4.4).
Paediatric population
Generally Opiodur should be administered only to opioid-tolerant paediatric patients (ages 2 to 16) who are already receiving at least 30 mg oral morphine equivalents per day. To convert pediatric patients from oral or parenteral opioids to Opiodur, refer to Equianalgesic potency conversion (Table 1), and Recommended Opiodur dose based upon daily oral morphine dose (Table 4).
Table 4: Recommended Opiodur dose based upon daily oral morphine dose1
Oral 24-hour Morphine (mg/day) Fentanyl Dose (pg/h)
For Paediatrics2 For Paediatrics
30-44 12
45-134 25
1 In clinical trials these ranges of daily oral morphine doses were used as a basis for conversion to Opiodur transdermal patches
2 Conversion to fentanyl transdermal patches doses greater than 25 mcg/h is the same for adult and paediatric patients
For children who received more than 90 mg oral morphine a day, only limited information is currently available from clinical trials. In the paediatric studies, the required Opiodur dose was calculated conservatively: 30 mg to 45 mg oral morphine per day or its equivalent opioid dose was replaced by one Opiodur 12 pg/hr patch. It should be noted that this conversion schedule for children only applies to the switch from oral morphine (or its equivalent) to Opiodur. The conversion schedule could not be used to convert from Opiodur into other opioids, as overdose could then occur.
The analgesic effect of the first dose of Opiodur will not be optimal within the first 24 hours. Therefore, during the first 12 hours after switching to fentanyl transdermal patches, the patient should be given the previous regular dose of analgesics. In the next 12 hours, these analgesics should be provided based on clinical need.
Since peak fentanyl levels occur after 12 to 24 hours of treatment, monitoring of the patient for adverse events, which may include hypoventilation, is recommended for at least 48 hours after initiation of fentanyl therapy or up-titration of the dose (see also section 4.4)
Method of administration
Directly after removal from the pack and the release liner, the patch is applied to a non-hairy area of skin on the upper body (chest, back, upper arm). To remove hair, scissors should be used instead of razors.
Prior to application, the skin should be carefully washed with clean water (no cleaning agents) and thoroughly dried. The transdermal patch is then applied using slight pressure with the palm of the hand for approximately 30 seconds. The skin area to which the patch is applied should be free of microlesions (e.g. due to irradiation or shaving) and skin irritation.
As the transdermal patch is protected by an outer waterproof backing film, it can also be worn while showering.
Occasionally, additional adhesion of the patch may be required.
If progressive dose increases are made, the active surface area required may reach a point where no further increase is possible.
4.3 Contraindications
■ Opiodur is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to fentanyl or to the excipients in the patch.
■ Acute or postoperative pain, since dosage titration is not possible during shortterm use.
■ Severe respiratory depression.
■ Severe impairment of central nervous system.
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use
PATIENTS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED SERIOUS ADVERSE EVENTS SHOULD BE MONITORED FOR AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER OPIODUR REMOVAL SINCE SERUM FENTANYL CONCENTRATIONS DECLINE GRADUALLY AND ARE REDUCED BY ABOUT 50% 17 (RANGE 13-22) HOURS LATER.
Concomitant use of mixed agonists/antagonists
The concomitant use of buprenorphine, nalbuphine or pentazocine is not recommended (see also Section 4.5, Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction.)
Opiodur should be kept out of reach of children before and after use.
After exhibiting a serious adverse reaction a patient should be monitored for 24 hours following removal of a transdermal patch due to the half-life of fentanyl (see section 5.2)
In chronic non-cancer pain, it might be preferable to initiate the treatment with immediate-release strong opioids (e.g. morphine) and to prescribe fentanyl transdermal patch after determination of the efficacy and the optimal dosage of the strong opioid.
Do not cut Opiodur patches. A patch that has been divided, cut, or damaged in any way should not be used.
Breakthrough pain
Studies have shown that almost all patients, despite treatment with a fentanyl patch, require supplemental treatment with potent rapid-release medicinal products to arrest breakthrough pain.
Respiratory depression
As with all potent opioids some patients may experience significant respiratory depression with Opiodur and patients must be observed for these effects. Respiratory depression may persist beyond the removal of the patch. The incidence of respiratory depression increases as the Opiodur dose is increased (see section 4.9, concerning respiratory depression).
CNS active drugs may increase the respiratory depression (see section 4.5).
In patients with existing respiratory depression, fentanyl should only be used with caution and at a lower dose.
Serotonin Syndrome
Caution is advised when Opiodur is coadministered with drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems.
The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome may occur with the concomitant use of serotonergic drugs such as Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Norepinephrine Re-uptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), and with drugs which impair metabolism of serotonin (including Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors [MAOIs]). This may occur within the recommended dose.
Serotonin syndrome may include mental-status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g, tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular abnormalities (e.g. hyper-reflexia, incoordination, rigidity), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).
If serotonin syndrome is suspected, rapid discontinuation of Opiodur should be considered.
Chronic pulmonary disease
In patients with chronic obstructive or other pulmonary diseases Opiodur may have more severe adverse reactions; in such patients opioids may decrease respiratory drive and increase airway resistance.
Drug dependence and Potential for Abuse
Tolerance, physical dependence and psychological dependence may develop upon repeated administration of opioids.
Iatrogenic addiction following opioid administration is rare. Patients with a prior history of drug dependence/alcohol abuse are more at risk to develop dependence and abuse in opioid treatment. Patients at increased risk of opioid abuse may still be appropriately treated with modified-release opioid formulations; however, these patients will require monitoring for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction. Fentanyl can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists. Abuse or intentional misuse of Opiodur may result in overdose and/or death.
Increased intracranial pressure
Opiodur should be used with caution in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO2 retention such as those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure, impaired consciousness or coma.
Opiodur should be used with caution in patients in whom a cerebral tumour has been detected.
Cardiac disease
Fentanyl may produce bradycardia and should therefore be administered with caution to patients with bradyarrhythmias.
Opioids may cause hypotension, especially in patients with hypovolemia. Underlying, symptomatic hypotension and/or hypovolaemia should be corrected before treatment with fentanyl transdermal patches is initiated.
Hepatic impairment
Because fentanyl is metabolised to inactive metabolites in the liver, hepatic impairment might delay its elimination. If patients with hepatic impairment receive Opiodur they should be observed carefully for signs of fentanyl toxicity and the dose of Opiodur reduced if necessary (see section 5.2).
Renal impairment
Less than 10% of fentanyl is excreted unchanged by the kidney, and unlike morphine, there are no known active metabolites eliminated by the kidney. Data obtained with intravenous fentanyl in patients with renal failure suggest that the volume of distribution of fentanyl may be changed by dialysis. This may affect serum concentrations. If patients with renal impairment receive Opiodur they should be observed carefully for signs of fentanyl toxicity and the dose reduced if necessary (see section 5.2).
Fever/external heat application
A pharmacokinetic model suggests that serum fentanyl concentrations may increase by about one-third if the skin temperature increases to 40° C. Therefore, patients with fever should be monitored for opioid side effects and the Opiodur dose should be adjusted if necessary. There is a potential for temperature-dependent increases in fentanyl released from the system resulting in possible overdose and death. A clinical pharmacology trial conducted in healthy adult subjects has shown that the application of heat over the Opiodur system increased mean fentanyl AUC values by 120% and mean Cmax values by 61%.
Patients should be advised to avoid exposing the Opiodur application site to direct external heat sources such as heating pads, hot water bottles, electric blankets, heated water beds, heat or tanning lamps, intensive sun bathing, prolonged hot baths, saunas or hot whirlpool spa baths while wearing the patch, since there is potential for temperature dependent increases in release of fentanyl from the patch.
Interactions with other Medicinal Products:
Interactions with CYP3A4 Inhibitors:
The concomitant use of Opiodur with cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, nefazodone, verapamil, diltiazem, and amiodarone) may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic and adverse effects, and may cause serious respiratory depression. In this situation special patient care and observation are appropriate. Therefore, the concomitant use of transdermal fentanyl and CYP3A4 inhibitors is not recommended unless the patient is closely monitored. Patients, especially those who are receiving Opiodur and CYP3A4 inhibitors, should be monitored for signs of respiratory depression and dosage adjustments should be made if warranted.
Use in elderly Patients
Data from intravenous studies with fentanyl suggest that the elderly patients may have reduced clearance and a prolonged half-life. Moreover elderly patients may be more sensitive to the active substance than younger patients. However, studies of fentanyl transdermal patch in elderly patients demonstrated fentanyl pharmacokinetics which did not differ significantly from young patients although serum concentrations tended to be higher. If elderly patients receive Opiodur they should be observed carefully for signs of fentanyl toxicity and the dose reduced if necessary (see section 5.2).
The use of fentanyl patches may lead to a positive doping test. The use of fentanyl patches as a doping agent may be hazardous to the health.
Patients with myasthenia gravis
Non-epileptic (myo)clonic reactions can occur. Caution should be exercised when treating patients with myasthenia gravis.
Lactation
As fentanyl is excreted into breast milk, breastfeeding should be discontinued during treatment with Opiodur (see also section 4.6).
Accidental Exposure by Patch Transfer
Accidental transfer of a fentanyl patch to the skin of a non-patch wearer (particularly a child), while sharing a bed or being in close physical contact with a patch wearer, may result in an opioid overdose for the non-patch wearer. Patients should be advised that if accidental patch transfer occurs, the transferred patch must be removed immediately from the skin of the non-patch wearer (see section 4.9 Overdose).
Use in Paediatric patients
Opiodur should not be administered to opioid naive paediatric patients (see section 4.2). The potential for serious or life-threatening hypoventilation exists regardless of the dose of Opiodur transdermal fentanyl administered.
Opiodur was not studied in children under 2 years of age. Opiodur should be administered only to opioid-tolerant children age 2 years or older (see Section 4.2). Opiodur should not be used in children under 2 years of age.
To guard against accidental ingestion by children, use caution when choosing the application site for Opiodur (see Section 6.6. Instructions for use / handling) and monitor adhesion of the patch closely.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
The concomitant use of other CNS depressants, including opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, general anaesthetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers, skeletal muscle relaxants, sedating antihistamines, and alcoholic beverages may produce additive depressant effects: hypoventilation, hypotension and profound sedation, coma or death may occur. Therefore, the use of any of these drugs concomitantly with Opiodur requires special patient care and observation.
Fentanyl, a high clearance active substance, is rapidly and extensively metabolised mainly by CYP3A4.
The concomitant use of transdermal fentanyl with cytochrome P450 (CYP3A4) inhibitors (e.g. ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, macrolide antibiotics) may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and the adverse effects, and which may cause severe respiratory depression. In this situation, special patient care and observation are appropriate. The concomitant use of CYP3A4-inhibitors and transdermal fentanyl is not recommended, unless the patient is closely monitored (see section 4.4).
The concomitant use with CYP3A4 inducers (e.g. rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin) could result in a decrease in fentanyl plasma concentrations and a decreased therapeutic effect. This may require a dose adjustment of transdermal fentanyl. After stopping the treatment of a CYP3A4 inducer, the effects of the inducer decline gradually and may result in a fentanyl plasma increase concentration which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic and adverse effects, and may cause serious respiratory depression. In this situation, careful monitoring and dose adjustment should be made if warranted
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)
Opiodur is not recommended for use in patients who require the concomitant administration of an MAOI. Severe and unpredictable interactions with MAOIs, involving the potentiation of opiate effects or the potentiation of serotoninergic effects, have been reported. Therefore, Opiodur should not be used within 14 days after discontinuation of treatment with MAOIs.
Serotonergic Drugs
Coadministration of transdermal fentanyl with a serotonergic agent, such as a Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or a Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) or a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Concomitant use of mixed agonists/antagonists
The concomitant use of buprenorphine, nalbuphine or pentazocine is not recommended. They have high affinity to opioid receptors with relatively low intrinsic activity and therefore partially antagonise the analgesic effect of fentanyl and may induce withdrawal symptoms in opioid dependant patients (see also section 4.4).
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
There are no adequate data from the use of Opiodur in pregnant women. Studies in animals have shown some reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). The potential risk for humans is unknown, although fentanyl as an IV anesthetic has been found to cross the placenta in early human pregnancies. Neonatal withdrawal syndrome has been reported in newborn infants with chronic maternal use of Opiodur during pregnancy. Opiodur should not be used in pregnancy unless clearly necessary.
Use of Opiodur during childbirth is not recommended because it should not be used in the management of acute or postoperative pain (see section 4.4). Moreover, because fentanyl passes through the placenta, the use of Opiodur during childbirth might result in respiratory depression in the newborn infant.
Fentanyl is excreted into breast milk and may cause sedation and respiratory depression in the breast-fed infant. Breastfeeding should therefore be discontinued during treatment with Opiodur and for at least 72 hours after the removal of the patch.
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines
Opiodur may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. This has to be expected especially at the beginning of treatment, at any change of dosage as well as in connection with alcohol or antipsychotics. Patients stabilised on a specific dosage will not necessarily be restricted. Therefore, patients should consult their physician as to whether driving or use of machines is reasonable.
4.6 Undesirable effects
The safety of Opiodur was evaluated in 1854 subjects who participated in 11 clinical trials (double-blind Opiodur [placebo or active control] and/or open label Opiodur [no control or active control]) used for the management of chronic malignant or nonmalignant pain.
These subjects took at least 1 dose of Opiodur and provided safety data. Based on pooled safety data from these clinical trials, the most commonly reported adverse
drug reactions (ADRs) were (with % incidence): nausea (35.7%), vomiting (23.2%), constipation (23.1%), somnolence (15.0%), dizziness (13.1%), and headache (11.8%).
The ADRs reported with the use of Opiodur from these clinical trials, including the above-mentioned ADRs, and from post-marketing experiences are listed below.
The displayed frequency categories use the following convention: Very common: (> 1/10); Common: (> 1/100 to < 1/10); Uncommon: (> 1/1,000 to <1/100);Rare: (> 1/10,000 to < 1/1,000);Very rare: (< 1/10,000); and Not known (cannot be estimated from the available clinical trial data).
|
System Organ Class |
Adverse Drug Reactions | |||||
|
Frequency Category | ||||||
|
Very Common |
Common |
Uncommon |
Rare |
Very rare |
Not Known | |
|
Immune System Disorders |
Hypersensitivity |
Anaphylactic shock, Anaphylactic reaction, Anaphylactoid reaction | ||||
|
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders |
Anorexia | |||||
|
Psychiatric Disorders |
Sedation, Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, Confusional state, Hallucination |
Agitation, Disorientation, Euphoric mood | ||||
|
Nervous System Disorders |
Somnolence Dizziness, Headache |
Tremor, Paraesthesia |
Hypoaesthesia, Convulsion (including clonic convulsions and grand mal convulsion), Amnesia Speech disorder | |||
|
Eye Disorders |
Conjunctivitis |
Miosis | ||||
|
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders |
Vertigo | |||||
|
Cardiac Disorders |
Palpitations, Tachycardia |
Bradycardia, Cyanosis |
Arrhythmia | |||
|
Vascular Disorders |
Hypertension |
Hypotension |
Vasodilation | |||
|
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders |
Dyspnoea |
Respiratory depression, Respiratory distress |
Apnoea, Hypoventilation |
Bradypnoea, | ||
|
Gastrointestinal Disorders |
Nausea, Vomiting, Constipation |
Diarrhoea, Dry mouth, Abdominal pain, Abdominal pain upper, Dyspepsia |
Ileus |
Subileus |
Painful flatulence | |
|
Adverse Drug Reactions | ||||||
|
System Organ |
Frequency Category | |||||
|
Class |
Very Common |
Common |
Uncommon |
Rare |
Very rare |
Not Known |
|
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders |
Hyperhidrosis, Pruritus, Rash, Erythema |
Eczema, Dermatitis allergic, Skin disorder, Dermatitis, Dermatitis contact | ||||
|
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders |
Muscle spasms |
Muscle twitching | ||||
|
Renal and Urinary Disorders |
Urinary retention |
Oliguria, Cystalgia | ||||
|
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders |
Erectile dysfunction, Sexual dysfunction | |||||
|
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions |
Fatigue, Oedema peripheral, Asthenia, Malaise, Feeling cold |
Application site reaction, Influenza like illness, Feeling of body temperature change, Application site hypersensitivity, Drug withdrawal syndrome Pyrexia. |
Application site dermatitis, Application site eczema | |||
Paediatric population
The adverse event profile in children and adolescents treated with Opiodurwas similar to that observed in adults. No risk was identified in the paediatric population beyond that expected with the use of opioids for the relief of pain associated with serious illness and there does not appear to be any paediatric-specific risk associated with Opiodur use in children as young as 2 years old when used as directed. Very common adverse events reported in paediatric clinical trials were fever, vomiting, and nausea.
As with other opioid analgesics, tolerance, physical dependence, and psychological dependence can develop on repeated use of Opiodur (see Section 4.4).
Opioid withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, anxiety, and shivering) are possible in some patients after conversion from their previous opioid analgesic to [Invented name] or if therapy is stopped suddenly (see Section 4.2).
There have been very rare reports of newborn infants experiencing neonatal withdrawal syndrome when mothers chronically used Opiodur during pregnancy (see section 4.6).
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professional are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at:
4.9 Overdose
Symptoms
The manifestations of fentanyl overdose are an extension of its pharmacological actions, the most serious effect being respiratory depression.
Treatment
For management of respiratory depression immediate countermeasures include removing the patch and physically or verbally stimulating the patient. These actions can be followed by administration of a specific opioid antagonist such as naloxone.
Respiratory depression following an overdose may outlast the duration of action of the opioid antagonist. The interval between IV antagonist doses should be carefully chosen because of the possibility of re-narcotization after the patch is removed; repeated administration or a continuous infusion of naloxone may be necessary. Reversal of the narcotic effect may result in acute onset of pain and release of catecholamines.
If the clinical situation warrants, a patent airway should be established and maintained, possibly with an oropharyngeal airway or endotracheal tube, and oxygen should be administered and respiration assisted or controlled, as appropriate.
Adequate body temperature and fluid intake should be maintained.
If severe or persistent hypotension occurs, hypovolemia should be considered, and the condition should be managed with appropriate parenteral fluid therapy.
5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Pharmacotherapeutic group: opioids; phenylpiperidine derivatives, ATC Code: N02AB03
Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic which interacts predominantly with the p-receptor. Its principal therapeutic effects are analgesia and sedation. The serum concentrations of fentanyl that cause a minimal analgesic effect in opioid-naive patients fluctuate between 0.3-1.5 ng/ml; an increased incidence of adverse reactions is observed if serum levels exceed 2 ng/ml.
Both the lowest effective fentanyl concentration and the concentration causing adverse reactions will increase with the development of increasing tolerance. The tendency to develop tolerance varies considerably between individuals.
The safety of Opiodur was evaluated in three open-label trials in 293 paediatric patients with chronic pain, 2 years of age through to 18 years of age, of which 66 children were aged to 2 to 6 years. In these studies, 30 mg to 45 mg oral morphine per day was replaced by one Opiodur 12 mcg/hour transdermal patch. Starting dose of 25 mcg/hour and higher were used by 181 patients who had been on prior daily opioid doses of at least 45 mg per dose of oral morphine.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Following administration of Opiodur, fentanyl is continuously absorbed through the skin over a period of 72 hours. Due to the polymer matrix and the diffusion of fentanyl through the skin layers, the release rate remains relatively constant.
Absorption
After the first application of Opiodur, serum fentanyl concentrations increases gradually, generally levelling off between 12 and 24 hours, and remaining relatively constant for the remainder of the 72-hour application period. The serum fentanyl concentrations attained are dependant on the fentanyl transdermal patch size. For all practical purposes by the second 72-hour application, a steady state serum concentration is reached and is maintained during subsequent applications of a patch of the same size.
Distribution
The plasma protein binding for fentanyl is 84%.
Biotransformation
Fentanyl is metabolised primarily in the liver via CYP3A4. The major metabolite, nor fentanyl, is inactive.
Elimination
When treatment with Opiodur, is withdrawn, serum fentanyl concentrations decline gradually, falling approximately 50% in 13-22 hours in adults or 22-25 hours in children, respectively. Continued absorption of fentanyl from the skin accounts for a slower reduction in serum concentration than is seen after an intravenous infusion.
Around 75% of fentanyl is excreted into the urine, mostly as metabolites, with less than 10% as unchanged active substance. About 9% of the dose is recovered in the faeces, primarily as metabolites.
Pharmacokinetics in special groups
Adjusting for body weight, clearance (L/hour/kg) in paediatric patients appears to be 82% higher in children 2 to 5 years old and 25% higher in children 6 to 10 years old when compared to children 11 to 16 years old, who are likely to have the same clearance as adults. These findings have been taken into consideration in determining the dosing recommendations for paediatric patients.
Elderly and debilitated patients may have reduced clearance of fentanyl leading to prolonged terminal half life. In patients with renal or hepatic impairment, clearance of fentanyl may be altered because of changes of plasma proteins and metabolic clearance resulting in increased serum concentrations (see sections 4.2 and 4.4).
5.3 Preclinical safety data
Non-clinical data reveal no special hazard for humans based on conventional studies of safety pharmacology, repeated dose toxicity and genotoxicity.
Animal studies have shown reduced fertility and increased mortality in rat foetuses. Teratogenic effects have, however, not been demonstrated. Long-term carcinogenicity studies have not been performed.
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS
6.1 List of excipients
Overlay liner
Polyethylene terephthalate film with fluorocarbon release coating.
Backing Layer
Pigmented polyethylene terephthalate/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer film Drug adhesive Layer
Silicone adhesive (dimethicone, silicate resin)
Dimethicone
Rate controlling membrane Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer film
Skin adhesive Layer
Silicone adhesive (dimethicone, silicate resin)
Dimethicone
Release liner
Polyethylene terephthalate film with fluorocarbon release coating
Printing ink Red ink
6.2 Incompatibilities
To prevent interference with the adhesive properties of the patch, no creams, oils, lotions or powder should be applied to the skin area when the patch is applied.
6.3 Shelf life
3 years
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25°C.
Store in the original package in order to protect from moisture.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
The product is packaged between two sheets of a multi-laminate pouching material, containing aluminium foil as the primary barrier component and a layer of ionomer resin attached to the aluminium layer, and in direct contact with the product. The two sheets of the multilaminate film are sealed together at the edges so as to enclose the product in a child resistant sachet.
Pack sizes:
Package containing 3 individually sealed transdermal patches Package containing 4 individually sealed transdermal patches Package containing 5 individually sealed transdermal patches Package containing 8 individually sealed transdermal patches Package containing 9 individually sealed transdermal patches Package containing 10 individually sealed transdermal patches Package containing 16 individually sealed transdermal patches Package containing 19 individually sealed transdermal patches Package containing 20 individually sealed transdermal patches
Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
High quantities of fentanyl remain in the transdermal patches even after use. Any unused medicinal product and any used transdermal patches should be folded so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself and then they should be safely discarded. Unused patches should returned to the hospital pharmacy according to local requirements, as applicable.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Pfizer Limited, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich,
Kent CT13 9NJ.
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 00057 / 1474
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
30/07/2014
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
30/07/2014
The obtained sum should be converted to correspond to the oral morphine dosage using Table 1.
The quantity of analgesics required over the last 24 hours should be determined.
The corresponding fentanyl dosage should be determined as follows:
a) using Table 2 for patients who have a need for opioid rotation (conversion ratio of oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl equal to 150:1)
b) using Table 3 for patients stable and well tolerated opioid therapy (conversion ratio of oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl equal to 100:1)