Prophylactic Use of Fentanyl Buccal Tablets for Predictable Breakthrough Pain: A Case Report

Short acting opioids, such as morphine, are recommended for the management of predictable breakthrough pain in cancer patients. However, it has been reported that prophylactic fentanyl rescue medication, which is more effective and has a shorter duration of action, is more suitable for some patients depending on their symptoms and the characteristics of their breakthrough pain. Herein, we report the case of a 68-year-old man with prostate cancer who received high-quality analgesic treatment by prophylactic administration of fentanyl buccal tablets before meals. It is hoped that fentanyl rescue medication can be used as a prophylactic for predictable breakthrough pain in other cancer patients.