FENTANYL - TRANSDERMAL (Duragesic) side effects, medical uses, and drug interactions.

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fentanyl - transdermal, Duragesic

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GENERIC NAME: FENTANYL - TRANSDERMAL (FEN-tuh-nill)

BRAND NAME(S): Duragesic

WARNING: Fentanyl has a high risk for abuse and severe, possibly fatal, breathing problems. Do not use transdermal patches unless you have been regularly taking moderate to large amounts of narcotic pain medication. Otherwise, it may cause overdose (even death). The risk for harm is higher if you take the wrong dose/strength, or if you take it along with other drugs that might also affect breathing. Get medical help right away if you notice unusual slow/shallow breathing.

Do not use this medication to relieve mild or short-term pain (such as due to headache/migraine, dental/medical procedures, or surgeries that do not require you to stay in a hospital). This medication is not for occasional ("as needed") use.

Since they are not taken the same way, different forms of fentanyl (including lozenges, buccal tablets, patches) do not have the same effects at equal strengths and should not be substituted for each other. Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all medications that you use, especially of drugs that can affect how fentanyl works (see also Drug Interactions section). Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines you are using without your doctor's approval.

Carefully follow the specific directions for using fentanyl transdermal patches. The patches are for use on the skin only. Raising your skin/body temperature, using cut or damaged fentanyl patches, or using the patch improperly (such as chewing it) may cause fatal overdose. Avoid increasing your skin temperature at/near the application site by using products such as heating pads, electric blankets, hot tubs, heat or tanning lamps. Avoid taking hot baths and sunbathing. However, you may bathe, shower, or swim while wearing the patch.

Keep this medicine in a safe place to prevent theft, misuse, or abuse. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years. Some manufacturers recommend that this product should not be used in children younger than 18 years. If a child accidentally swallows this drug, get medical help right away.

USES: This medication is used to help relieve moderate to severe ongoing pain (such as due to cancer). Fentanyl belongs to a class of drugs known as narcotic (opiate) analgesics. It works in the brain to change how your body feels and responds to pain.