Long Term Safety Study of Nasalfent (Fentanyl Citrate Nasal Spray) for Treatment of Breakthrough Cancer Pain

Overview

Cancer patients taking regular medication for their pain often still have episodes of severe pain that 'break through' despite their background pain treatment. Fentanyl is a strong, short-acting pain killer often used to treat this 'breakthrough' pain. Nasalfent contains fentanyl in a patented drug delivery system called PecSys and is given via a simple nasal spray. This study will examine the long-term safety of Nasalfent in the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain.

Current treatments for breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) work too slowly to meet the fast onset of most BTCP episodes, they continue to act longer than the episode of pain lasts and so can have unwanted side effects due to this 'over treatment' of the pain episode. In addition most cancer patients have oral problems which make taking pain relief medication by mouth uncomfortable for the patient. Nasalfent is administered via the nose as a simple spray and can be taken by patients or given by their carers. The nasal route is a common way to administer medication for example in the treatment of migraine or allergy. At any time during the study the patient may take their regular treatment for BTCP should they so wish. This study will examine the long-term safety of Nasalfent treatment for breakthrough cancer pain. After the study is completed, patients may continue to take medication if their doctor feels it is in the patient's best interest to do so. Safety information will continue to be collected during this period. Treatment may continue on study for as long as the patient requires treatment or until Nasalfent becomes commercially available.

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