Ask the Pharmacist: Are Actiq® and Fentora® Only for Cancer Patients?

Question:

We still have some claims receiving oral fentanyl products such as Actiq® and Fentora®. I heard that these drugs are only for cancer patients. Is that true? How can we get our injured workers off of these medications? Are there alternatives?

Answer:

Yes, it is true - all oral fentanyl products are FDA-approved only for breakthrough pain in cancer patients that are already receiving opioid therapy. However, a few providers continue to prescribe these drugs off-label for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP). Coventry Workers' Comp Services (CWCS) has multiple programs that may assist in discontinuing these medications. When you cannot get the workers off of opioids, there are alternatives to oral fentanyl.

Please send your questions to AskThePharmacist@cvty.com

Kim DuBrueler, B.A., PharmD., RPh, is a Clinical Pharmacist within Coventry's pharmacy benefit management program, First Script. She joined Coventry in early 2011, bringing with her experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as retail pharmacy. She is involved in keeping up on industry wide research and trends in the pharmacy sector, authoring pharmacy bulletins and client newsletters, white papers, presentations and educational webinars. Kim has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Colgate University, a doctorate in pharmacy from Temple University, and is currently a member of the ACOEM Opioids Panel tasked with developing updated opioid utilization guidelines.