Demonstrated effective lower worst pain overall during bone marrow biopsy vs. placebo in adults

In patients undergoing bone marrow biopsy, the mean worst pain overall was significantly lower with PENTHROX® (n=49) vs placebo (n=48) (NRS score 4.9 vs 6.0; p=0.011).1†

The primary endpoint was worst pain during BMB, which was the highest of two pain scores [Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)] recorded, as rated by the patient at two time points:  pain during aspiration and pain during core biopsy. Using the NRS, patients were asked to rate the worst pain intensity experienced during aspiration, during core biopsy and at the end of the BMB procedure (overall).

* Fictitious patient. May not be representative of all patients.

Mean Pain Score During Procedure

† A phase IV, randomized, double-blind, multi-centre, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of PENTHROX® for the treatment of incident pain in adults requiring analgesia associated with a planned bone marrow biopsy (BMB) procedure (PENTHROX® 49, placebo 48).


NRS = numeric rating scale; VAS = visual analog score; ITT = intention to treat

Established Safety and tolerability in clinical trials

The most frequent (>5%) adverse events at:
• 48 hours follow-up in the PENTHROX® group were pain at BMB site, nausea and somnolence 

   (depressed level of consciousness)
• 30 days follow-up for both arms were fatigue (i.e., asthenia, lethargy, malaise), pain, constipation and           nausea

Treatment-emergent adverse events experienced by ≥2% of patients following a bone marrow biopsy (BMB) procedure (30–45 minutes post-procedure)

Adapted from the PENTHROX® Product Monograph.

n=number of events; N=number of patients; %=percentage of patients

CLINICAL USE:

Due to dose limitations of a treatment course of PENTHROX® and the duration of associated pain relief, PENTHROX® is not appropriate for providing relief of break-through pain in chronic pain conditions. PENTHROX® is also not appropriate for relief of repetitive pain. PENTHROX® is not indicated for use during pregnancy or the peripartum period, including labour.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

• Altered level of consciousness due to any cause including head injury, drugs, or alcohol
• Clinically significant renal impairment
• History of liver dysfunction after previous methoxyflurane use or other halogenated anesthetics
• Hypersensitivity to methoxyflurane or any other halogenated anesthetics
• Known or genetically susceptible to malignant hyperthermia or a history of severe adverse reactions in either patient or relatives
• Clinically evident hemodynamic instability
• Clinically evident respiratory impairment
• Use as an anesthetic agent

MOST SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

Nephrotoxicity: Supratherapeutic doses of methoxyflurane inhalation have been shown to lead to serious, irreversible nephrotoxicity in a dose-related manner. Dosing limitations should be followed meticulously to prevent or limit risk of nephrotoxicity. Consecutive day use of PENTHROX® is not recommended because of nephrotoxic potential. The lowest effective dose should be administered, especially in the elderly or in patients with other known risk factors of renal disease.

Hepatotoxicity: Very rare cases of hepatotoxicity have been reported with methoxyflurane inhalation when used for analgesic purposes. Use with care in patients with underlying hepatic conditions or having risk factors for hepatic dysfunction. PENTHROX® must not be used in patients who have a history of showing signs of liver damage after previous methoxyflurane use or halogenated hydrocarbon anesthesia.

OTHER RELEVANT WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS:

• Potential CNS effects
• Administer with caution in elderly patients with hypotension and bradycardia due to possible reduction in blood pressure
• Drug dependence
• May influence the ability to drive and operate machinery
• Do not administer concomitantly with alcohol ingestion
• To reduce occupational exposure to methoxyflurane, the PENTHROX® Inhaler should always be used with the activated carbon chamber to adsorb exhaled methoxyflurane
• Local skin reactions or irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes
• Exercise caution if administering to a nursing mother

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please consult the Product Monograph at https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/index-eng.jsp for important information relating to adverse reactions, drug interactions, patient counselling, and dosing/ disposal information (regarding the total maximum dose for a single administration or over the first day of treatment, in a single 48-hour period and entire treatment course) which have not been discussed in this piece. 

The Product Monograph is also available by calling us at 1-888-867-7426.

† Comparative clinical significance unknown.

*Clinical significance unknown

REFERENCES:

1. PENTHROX®Product Monograph, Paladin Pharma Inc., April 2022.
2. Borobia AM, Collado SG, Cardona CC, et al. Inhaled Methoxyflurane Provides Greater Analgesia and Faster Onset of Action Versus Standard Analgesia in Patients With Trauma Pain: InMEDIATE: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Emergency Departments. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2020;75(3):315–28.
3. Coffey F, Wright J, Hartshorn S, et al. STOP!: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of methoxyflurane for the treatment of acute pain. Emerg Med J. 2014;31(8):613–8.
4. Voza A, Ruggiano G, Serra S, et al. Inhaled Methoxyflurane versus Intravenous Morphine for Severe Trauma Pain in the Emergency Setting: Subgroup Analysis of MEDITA, a Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label Trial. JPR. 2020;Volume 13:491–502.
5. Spruyt O, Westerman D, Milner A, et al. A randomised, double-blind,
placebo-controlled study to assess the safety and efficacy of methoxyflurane for procedural pain of a bone marrow biopsy. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2014;4(4):342–8.
6. Grummet J, Huang S, Konstantatos A, et al. The ‘green whistle’: A novel method of analgesia for transrectal prostate biopsy: NOVEL METHOD OF ANALGESIA FOR TRUS-GUIDED PROSTATE BIOPSY. BJU Int. 2012;110:85–8.
7. Nguyen NQ, Toscano L, Lawrence M, et al. Patient-controlled analgesia with inhaled methoxyflurane versus conventional endoscopist-provided sedation for colonoscopy: a randomized multicenter trial. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2013;78(6):892–901.
8. Brichko L, Gaddam R, Roman C, et al. Rapid Administration of Methoxyflurane to Patients in the Emergency Department (RAMPED) Study: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Methoxyflurane Versus Standard Care. Miner J, editor. Acad Emerg Med. 2021;28(2):164–71.