Subsys
® (
fentanyl sublingual spray) is a prescription opioid pain medication approved to manage breakthrough pain (intense flares of pain that "break through" regularly scheduled pain medication) in people with cancer who are already taking opioid pain medication around-the-clock for their persistent cancer pain. It comes in the form of a liquid that is sprayed under the tongue.
Like other
fentanyl medications, Subsys is a Schedule II
controlled substance. Schedule II controlled substances are considered to have the highest abuse potential of all prescription medications. As a controlled substance, there are strict laws and regulations controlling the use of this medication.
Who Makes This Medication?
Subsys is manufactured by Insys Therapeutics, Inc.
How Does Subsys Work?
Subsys contains fentanyl, a strong opioid narcotic medication. Fentanyl binds to opioid mu-receptors, which are located throughout the body. After fentanyl binds to the receptors, certain chemicals are released that produce a variety of effects.
Some of these effects, such as pain relief, are desirable. Others, such as slowing of the digestive tract, are undesirable and lead to side effects like
constipation.
The effects of fentanyl include but are not limited to:
- Pain relief
- Drowsiness
- Changes in mood, including feelings of unease (dysphoria) or unusually pleasant feelings (euphoria)
- Cough suppression
- Slowed or shallow breathing
- Slowing of the digestive tract
- Pupil constriction
- Itching
- Physical dependence.
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