Duragesic
Generic Name: Fentanyl
What is Duragesic?
Duragesic patch is a strong opioid narcotic pain medication used for the relief of persistent moderate-to-severe chronic (long-term) pain. The Duragesic patch should only be used when other less-potent medications have not worked and when pain needs to be controlled around-the-clock for an extended period of time.What is the most important information I should know about Duragesic?
Duragesic can cause serious and life-threatening breathing problems. Breathing problems may occur because of an overdose or if the dose you are using is too high. Contact your doctor right away if experience any breathing problems, cold and clammy skin, confusion, severe sleepiness, slow heartbeat, dizziness, seizures, or hallucinations.Duragesic can be abused. Protect Duragesic from theft or misuse and do not give to anyone else. If the patch comes off and accidentally sticks to another person's skin, take it off right away, wash the area with water, and get them immediate medical care.
Keep Duragesic in a safe place away from children and pets due to the high risk of life-threatening breathing problems and death with accidental use.
Duragesic should only be used in persons who already are using another strong opioid narcotic pain medication around-the-clock, and have been using the medicine regularly for a week or longer. This is called being "opioid-tolerant." Using Duragesic in non-opioid tolerant individuals may lead to life-threatening breathing problems.
Do not use Duragesic if the pouch seal is broken or if the patch is cut, damaged, or changed in any way. Avoid engaging in activities that will expose the application site and surrounding area to hot temperatures, such as taking hot baths or sunbathing. There is a potential for temperature-dependent increases in Duragesic release from the patch that could result in an overdose. Contact your doctor if you have a fever or an increase in your body temperature from exercise.
Do not perform potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. Duragesic may impair your mental and/or physical abilities. This effect may be enhanced if you are taking other medications that can also impair your mental or physical abilities.
Who should not take Duragesic?
Do not use Duragesic if you are not opioid-tolerant or if you need opioid pain medicines for only a short time.Do not use if you have asthma symptoms or have severe asthma, if you have obstruction in your intestines (paralytic ileus), or if you are allergic or sensitive to any of the ingredients in Duragesic.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Duragesic?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Duragesic. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a fever, low blood pressure, head injury, liver or kidney problems, lung problems, heart rhythm problems, pancreatic/biliary tract disease, alcoholism or drug abuse, or if you have any type of breathing problems or conditions. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Adults and children ≥2 years old: One Duragesic patch is worn continuously for 72 hours, and each patch should be applied to a different skin site after previous patch removal. Your doctor will determine your appropriate dose.
How should I take Duragesic?
Take Duragesic exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not adjust the dose or use Duragesic for longer than recommended by your doctor.Apply Duragesic to intact, nonirritated skin on a flat surface such as your chest, back, or upper arm. For children or individuals with cognitive impairment, the patch should be put on the upper back to prevent removal.
Hair at the application site should be clipped (not shaved). Make sure your skin is dry before applying the patch. Do not use soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or any other agents that might irritate or alter your skin.
Apply Duragesic immediately upon removal from the sealed package. Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of your hand for 30 seconds. If there are problems with the patch not sticking, apply first aid tape to the patch edges or cover the patch with only Bioclusive or Tegaderm, which are special see-through adhesive dressings.
What should I avoid while taking Duragesic?
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking any other medications that can impair your physical and mental awareness (such as sleep medications or tranquilizers).Do not use more than one Duragesic patch at a time, unless your doctor instructs you to.
Avoid performing potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery until you know how Duragesic affects you.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation of Duragesic. Your doctor may need to gradually decrease your dose of Duragesic before discontinuing therapy.
Avoid engaging in activities that will expose the patch to hot temperatures, such as taking hot baths, sunbathing, heating pads, electric blankets, heat/tanning lamps, saunas, hot tubs, or heated waterbeds.
Do not put used Duragesic patches in the trash can where children or pets may find them.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Duragesic?
If Duragesic is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Duragesic with the following: alcohol, amiodarone, amprenavir, aprepitant, clarithromycin, central nervous system depressants (such as sedatives, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants), diltiazem, erythromycin, fluconazole, fosamprenavir, grapefruit juice, itraconazole, ketoconazole, antidepressant medications known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, troleandomycin, or verapamil.What are the possible side effects of Duragesic?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: life-threatening breathing problems, low blood pressure, constipation, confusion, sleepiness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, sweating, pain and redness at application site
Can I receive Duragesic if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Duragesic during pregnancy are unknown. Duragesic is excreted in breast milk. Nursing is not recommended if you are taking Duragesic because it may harm your baby. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Duragesic?
Since Duragesic is intended to be worn as a patch for 72 hours, it is unlikely you will miss your dose. However, if your patch falls off before 72 hours, fold the sticky side together and flush down a toilet. Put a new one on at a different skin site.How should I store Duragesic?
Store at room temperature.
I'm Shereen A. Gharbia, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
