Fentanyl Buccal mucosa, Oromucosal and Necitumumab Intravenous

• Generic Name: fentanyl
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Duragesic, Abstral, Fentora, Subsys, Actiq, Ionsys, Lazanda, Onsolis, Sublimaze

Fentanyl is used to treat severe pain in cancer patients. It is used for breakthrough cancer pain, which are flares of pain that “break through” after a routine pain medicine has been used. Fentanyl belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics. It is only used in patients who are already taking narcotic analgesics.

Fentanyl acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Some of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS. When a narcotic is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming or cause mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuous pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. Withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before the medicine is stopped completely. Talk to your doctor about the benefits of fentanyl and how to prevent withdrawal side effects.

Fentanyl is available only with your doctor's prescription. The Abstral®, Actiq®, Fentora®, Onsolis®, and Subsys® products are only available under a restricted distribution program. You will have to read and sign papers that explain how the medicine is used when you pick up your prescription.

• Generic Name: necitumumab
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Portrazza

Necitumumab injection is used in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin to treat squamous non-small cell lung cancer that has spread.

Necitumumab interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed by the body. Since the growth of normal body cells may also be affected by necitumumab, other unwanted effects will also occur. Some of these may be serious and must be reported to your doctor. Some unwanted effects, such as a skin rash, may not be serious but may cause concern. Some of the unwanted effects do not occur until months or years after the medicine is used.

Necitumumab is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.