A new painkiller on the market, Abstral, has been recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Abstral is a rapid dissolving Fentanyl tablet, giving immediate pain relief. The tablet is transmucosal, meaning it is absorbed orally into the bloodstream by placing it under the tongue. The potency and quick relief of this painkiller limits the use to patients suffering severe pain attacks, mostly by cancer patients. Abstral can potentially be a break-through miracle pain management option for suffering cancer patients.
Traditionally cancer patients have a pain management regiment that releases medication to them throughout the day to avoid experiencing severe attacks of pain. The problem with traditional methods is continuously taking highly addictive medications throughout the day, regardless of need, can initiate a dependency leading to a high tolerance. The goal of Abstral is that a patient can take as needed, reducing the frequency of use. Abstral can only be prescribed to cancer patients that currently are opioid tolerant.
Medical professionals allowed to prescribe and distribute Abstral are required to submit a Risk Management and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). This thorough requirement is to reduce the risk of abuse, addiction, and overdose. FDA has many requirements to all facilities that prescribe opioids. This preventative measure is the highest control tactic that medical professionals can take to reduce the abuse of painkillers.
For the past 10 years prescription painkiller abuse, especially opioid-based medications, have become an epidemic. Official regulations have developed with greater limitations and requirements in hopes to prevent and reduce prescription painkiller abuse, addiction and overdose. Addiction does not discriminate and many, without warning or intent, fall victim to the disease. As with almost all potent painkillers, Abstral may, and probably will, find its way to the streets. Educate yourself on addiction and safety precautions before considering any opioid painkiller. Theft is one of the easiest ways to obtain painkillers, which requires user to take precautions when prescribed this medication. Safety measures such as confidentiality, locking and discreetly storing all medications are effective preventative measures. Follow doctor's orders precisely when taking any prescriptions and be aware of any habit-forming tendencies possibly linked with prescribed painkillers.
