Lazanda

Anonymous

Is anyone familiar with, using Lazanda? Taken via the nostrils, it is, therefore fast acting (so we are told). For the 400 dose, any idea how long it lasts?



This will eventually be in lieu of 10/325 Hydrocodone.



Not taking yet - issue with insurance.



Thank you.



Wayne

Pharm-assist

Dear Wayne:

Lazanda is a newer rapid-acting fentanyl product that is indicated for the management of breakthrough pain in adult cancer patients who are already receiving and tolerant to opioids.

Breakthrough pain is pain that comes on suddenly for short periods of time. It is common in cancer patients who often have a background level of pain that is well-controlled by medications, to periodically have pain that "breaks through" the medication. The characteristics of breakthrough cancer pain vary from person to person, with the typical episode lasting 30-60 minutes.

Lazanda is delivered nasally to provide rapid absorption of fentanyl. Lazanda uses a bioadhesive technology to form a gel inside the nose so that the fentanyl is absorbed by simple diffusion through a gel matrix. Lazanda reaches peak blood levels in 15-21 minutes.

Short-acting opioids like hydrocodone take an hour to reach peak blood levels delaying pain relief and the hanging around in the body for 4-6 hours, whcih is longer than the typical episode of breakthrough pain.

In clinical studies, pain relief started within 5 minutes of dosing with Lazanda and was maintained for at least 60 minutes.

Your physician is the best source of information regarding the selection of appropriate medications. The company that makes Lazanda can provide additional information. Check the web for coupons to reduce out of pocket costs.

Anonymous

Pharm-Assist . . . Thank you for your detailed reply. Suzanne's pain mngr gave her a prescription back in early March. So far, no luck with Humana and their adding to Suzanne's formulary (due to classic phone-tag); understand that it is expensive (400s), eight applications per bottle.



Your suggestion regarding coupons via the web, will try after I submit this msg.



Thank you.



Wayne