Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: FENTANYL - TRANSDERMAL (FEN-tuh-nill)
BRAND NAME(S): Duragesic
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
WARNING: Because serious (sometimes fatal) breathing problems can occur, do not use this medication for short-term pain, pain occurring after surgery, or for mild or infrequent pain (on-and-off pain) relieved by less powerful pain medications. Do not use more fentanyl than prescribed by your doctor. The stronger doses of fentanyl (50mcg/hr or stronger) are for use only in patients that are already using narcotics for pain relief. Do not use this medication in children less than 12 years old nor in children less than 18 years that weigh less than 110lbs (50kg) except in a research setting. This medication should be used only for long-term (chronic) pain requiring continuous narcotic pain relief that is not helped by other less powerful pain medications or less frequent dosing. Seek immediate medical attention in the unlikely event that very slow, shallow breathing occurs.
USES: This medication is a narcotic analgesic used to relieve chronic pain.
HOW TO USE: The patch should be applied to a clean, dry area on the upper arm or back. If necessary, clip hair from the site prior to applying the patch. Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip and immediately apply it to the site. Press firmly for 30 seconds to make sure the patch stays in place. Be sure the edges are held firmly to the skin. Wash your hands after applying the patch. Each patch may be worn continually for 72 hours even while showering or bathing. Remove the patch carefully and immediately flush it down the toilet. Apply each new patch to a different area to prevent skin irritation. This patch contains a very strong narcotic pain medication in gel form. If the gel should leak from the patch at any time, do not touch the gel. If you accidentally get some gel on you, wash the affected area with lots of water only. To remove the leaking patch, wear rubber gloves or use a tissue. Contact your pharmacist immediately for further instructions regarding proper patch disposal and replacement. Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well. Consult your doctor if this medication is not relieving the pain sufficiently.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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