|
Duragesic ( FEN-ta-nil) belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (nar-KOT-ik an-al-GEE-ziks ) . Narcotic analgesics are used to relieve pain. The transdermal system (skin patch) form of Duragesic is used to treat chronic pain (pain that continues for a long time). Duragesic acts in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Some of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS. When a narcotic is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by reducing the dose gradually over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely. Duragesic is available only with your doctor's prescription. Prescriptions for transdermal Duragesic cannot be refilled. You will need to obtain a new prescription from your doctor each time you need the medicine. Duragesic is available in the following dosage form: Transdermal Transdermal system (stick-on skin patch) (U.S. and Canada) Duragesic are used to relieve moderate to severe pain that occurs constantly. Duragesic contain fentanyl inside.The medication is released from the patch continuously over a period of time and is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Fentanyl is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works to treat pain by changing the way the brain and nervous system repond to pain. Duragesic are placed on the skin. The patch usually is changed every 3 days. Change your patch at about the same time of day on the days you are supposed to change the patch. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Apply fentanyl patches exactly as directed. Read the patient information that is given to you with your prescription before you start using Duragesic. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of Duragesic and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 3 days after the first patch and every 6 days thereafter, based upon your level of pain control. If your pain is not controlled by this medication, call your doctor. Duragesic should never be placed in the mouth, chewed, or swallowed, or used in any way other than directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not try to open the patch or allow someone to have your patch (new or used) for this purpose. If the fentanyl gel leaks from the patch at any time, try not to touch the gel as you remove and throw away the patch according to the directions below. If you or a caregiver touch the gel, immediately wash the area with only large amounts of water. Using soap, alcohol, or other cleansers to remove the gel may actually increase the amount of medication that goes through the skin. Accidental exposure to the medication inside the fentanyl skin patch can cause serious harm. This may occur through transfer of a patch from an adult's body to a child while hugging, accidentally sitting on a patch, accidental exposure of a caregiver's skin to the medication in the patch when applying or removing a patch, or in other ways. If the patch comes off the person for whom it was prescribed and sticks to the skin of another person, take the patch off that person right away, wash the area with water only, and seek immediate medical attention. by calling your doctor, emergency room, or the poison control center. Accidental exposure of children to Duragesic is a medical emergency.It is important to store and handle Duragesic carefully to prevent accidental exposure to Duragesic. Do not apply more than one patch at a time unless your doctor tells you to, and do not apply Duragesic more often, or for a longer period of time than your doctor tells you to. Do not stop using Duragesic without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually when you are to stop using this medication. If you suddenly stop using Duragesic or use the patches less often than your doctor told you to, you may have symptoms of withdrawal. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms of withdrawal: restlessness, tearing from your eyes, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, feeling that your hair stands on end, muscle aches, large pupils (black circles in the center of the eyes), irritability, anxiety, backache, pain in the joints, weakness, stomach cramps, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, upset stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fast heartbeat or rapid breathing. There is a chance that you may become addicted to the medication inside the Duragesic. Call your doctor if you begin to use more medication than you have been prescribed, or if you begin "craving" this medication. To apply the patch, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer and these steps: Select a clean, dry area of skin on your chest, back, upper arm, or side above the waist. You should choose an area of your body which is flat and hairless. Avoid areas that move a lot, areas where the skin is sensitive, an area of the skin that has been exposed to radiation (X-ray treatment); or an area where you have recently applied a skin patch. If the area is hairy, clip hair as close to the skin as possible with scissors, but do not shave it. Clean the skin area, using only clear water. Pat the skin completely dry. Do not put anything on the skin (including soap, lotion, alcohol, or oil) before applying the patch. Tear open the pouch containing the fentanyl skin patch along the dotted line, starting at the slit. Remove the skin patch from the pouch and peel off the protective liner from the back of the patch exposing the adhesive (sticky) surface. Try not to touch the sticky side. Immediately press the adhesive side of the patch onto the skin with the palm of your hand. Press the patch firmly, for at least 30 seconds. Be sure that the patch sticks well to your skin, especially around the edges. If the patch does not stick well or comes loose after it is applied, tape the edges down to your skin with first aid tape. When you are finished applying the patch, wash your hands promptly with only clear water. Apply each new patch to a different skin area to avoid irritation. Remove the old patch before applying another one. Fold used patches in half with the sticky sides together and flush down a toilet. Used patches may still contain some medication and may be dangerous to children, pets, or adults who have not been prescribed Duragesic. If a patch accidentally comes off or if the skin under the patch becomes irritated, remove the patch and replace it with a new one in a different area, following the steps above. Do not remove a skin patch from its protective pouch or remove the protective backing until just before applying it. Do not use a patch if the pouch or backing has been broken or damaged. If fentanyl has been prescribed for a a person who is unable to think well or for a child, the patch should be placed on their upper back so it is less likely that the patch could be removed and put in their mouth. Brand names: - Duragesic - Fentanyl |