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What is Duragesic
 Fentanyl
is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves
pain.
Duragesic
patches are used to treat chronic pain that cannot be controlled
by less potent pain relievers.
Duragesic
may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
General medical information about Duragesic
Duragesic should not be used to treat acute or post-operative
pain. Duragesic is used to treat chronic pain.
Use
caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Fentanyl may cause drowsiness
or fatigue. If you experience drowsiness or fatigue, avoid
these activities.
Also avoid alcohol, sleeping pills,
tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines. These medications
also may cause dangerous sedation.
Duragesic can
also cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight
full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing
the amount of fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate
constipation.
Never use more fentanyl than is prescribed
for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk
to your doctor.
What you should discuss with your doctor before
using Duragesic Duragesic should not be used to treat acute or post-operative
pain. Duragesic is used to treat chronic pain.
Fentanyl
is habit forming and should be used under close medical
supervision.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- liver
disease;
- asthma;
- urinary retention;
-
an enlarged prostate;
- hypothyroidism;
-
seizures or epilepsy;
- gallbladder disease;
-
a head injury; or
- Addison's disease.
You
may not be able to use Duragesic, or you may require a lower
dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have
any of the conditions listed above.
Fentanyl is in
the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not
known whether fentanyl will harm an unborn baby. This medication
may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in an unborn
baby. Do not use Duragesic without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant.
Fentanyl may also cause
addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursing infant. Do
not use Duragesic without first talking to your doctor if
you are breast-feeding a baby.
Duragesic patches
are not approved for use by children younger than 12 years
of age or by children younger than 18 years of age who weigh
less than 50 kg (110 lbs).
If you are older than
60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side
effects from fentanyl therapy. A lower dose or special monitoring
may be necessary.
How should you use Duragesic Use Duragesic exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist,
nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Apply the
patch to a flat, dry, area such as the chest, back, side,
or upper arm. Any hair on the application site should be
clipped short but not shaved. Avoid areas that are irritated
or otherwise damaged.
If the application site must
be washed before the patch is applied, use clear water only.
Do not use soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or other chemicals.
Washing with these substances could change how much of the
drug gets absorbed through the skin, which could be dangerous.
Allow the skin to dry completely before applying the patch.
Apply the patch as directed. Press the patch firmly
with the palm of your hand for 30 seconds making sure that
the patch is sticking, especially around the edges. Each
patch is worn for 72 hours.
After removing the patch,
press the sticky side to itself and dispose of the system
in the toilet. If another patch is required, apply it to
a different skin site.
Do not cut or otherwise damage
the patch, and do not apply any patch that has been cut
or damaged.
Never use more of this medication than
is prescribed for you. Too much fentanyl could be very harmful.
Increase the amount of fiber and water in your diet
to prevent constipation.
Do not share this medication
with anyone else. Keep it out of the reach of children and
pets.
Store Duragesic at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do
not use a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed
amount of time before applying your next patch.
What happens if you overdose: Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms
of a fentanyl overdose include slow breathing, seizures,
dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness or coma, confusion,
tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils.
What should you avoid while using Duragesic Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Fentanyl may cause
drowsiness or fatigue. If you experience drowsiness or fatigue,
avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol while using
Duragesic. Alcohol will greatly increase the drowsiness
and dizziness caused by fentanyl and could be dangerous.
Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives,
and antihistamines. These medications also may cause dangerous
sedation.
Avoid becoming overheated or applying direct
heat such as a heating pad to the area Where you have a
patch. Increased temperature can increase the amount of
drug you absorb through your skin and may cause harmful
effects.
Possible side effects of Duragesic If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop using Duragesic and seek emergency medical
attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives);
- slow, weak breathing;
-
seizures;
- cold, clammy skin;
- severe weakness
or dizziness; or
- unconsciousness.
Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to use Duragesic and talk to your doctor if you experience
- constipation;
- dry mouth, nausea, vomiting,
or decreased appetite;
- dizziness or lightheadedness;
- drowsiness or fatigue;
- muscle twitches;
- sweating;
- itching;
- decreased
urination; or
- decreased sex drive.
Fentanyl
is habit forming. Do not stop using it suddenly.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur.
Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual
or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Duragesic Duragesic may increase the effects of other drugs
that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol,
antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants.
Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking,
and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Duragesic.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines. |
