Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Author Spotlight: An Efficient Methodology to Confidently Differentiate and Characterize Fentanyl Analogs
Published on: November 8, 2024
Prevalence and Patterns of Off-Label Transmucosal Immediate-Release Fentanyl Use in French General Practice: A
Virginie Guastella1,2, Emeline Gueganno3, Célian Bertin4
1Université Clermont Auvergne, INSERM U1107, Neuro-Dol, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Palliative Care Center, 63118, Cebazat, France. vguastella@chu-clermontferrand.fr.
Nearly half of general practitioners (GPs) frequently prescribe transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) off-label for various conditions. While perceived effective, concerns about training and misuse necessitate clearer guidelines for safer TIRF use.
Area of Science:
- Pain Management
- Pharmacology
- General Practice
Background:
- Transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl (TIRF) prescriptions are rising due to rapid onset for breakthrough pain.
- A 2022 study indicated high rates of off-label TIRF use among general practitioners (GPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and patterns of off-label TIRF use by French GPs.
- To evaluate perceived efficacy for procedural pain, swallowing/alertness disorders, and acute pain.
- To examine overall tolerability of off-label TIRF prescriptions.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and a quantitative cross-sectional online survey.
- Data collected from a national online survey of French GPs.
- Analysis of 682 completed questionnaires focused on off-label TIRF prescribing.
Main Results:
- 46% of GPs reported off-label TIRF use across various indications.
- Procedural pain (36%), swallowing disorders (32%), and alertness disorders (24%) were common off-label uses.
- Acute rheumatological pain was an off-label indication for 12% of GPs.
Conclusions:
- Widespread off-label TIRF use is confirmed in specific clinical contexts by GPs.
- Positive outcomes are reported, but concerns persist regarding training, dose titration, and use disorder risk.
- Targeted education and clearer prescribing guidelines are needed for safer TIRF utilization.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
Non-Oral Extravascular Drug Absorption Routes
Lipophilic drugs that are stable at salivary pH (6) and exhibit minimal binding to the oral mucosa are absorbed more...
Pharmacovigilance
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route

