Using Fentanyl Patch - mobility-torrent12’s diary

Fentanyl transdermal patch Durogesic/Duragesic/Matrifen is used in chronic pain management. The patches work by slowly releasing fentanyl through the skin into the.

Consumer information about the medication FENTANYL - TRANSDERMAL Duragesic, includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage.

Withdrawal Symptoms From Fentanyl Patch. The fentanyl patch serves as an aid for those suffering from chronic and/or severe pain. Once someone stops using fentanyl.

Fentanyl patch dosing determination based on current narcotic analgesic therapy. Developed by D.McAuley.

Jan 13, 2016 If you forget to apply or change a fentanyl patch, apply the patch as soon as you remember it. Be sure to remove your used patch before applying a new patch.

1. Anesth Prog. 2014 Spring;61 1 :1-2. doi: 10.2344/0003-3006-61.1.1. Multiple risks for patients using the transdermal fentanyl patch. Weaver JM 1.

Fentanyl (Transdermal Route)

Easy to read patient leaflet for fentanyl patch. Includes indications, proper use, special instructions, precautions, and possible side effects.

Drug information provided by: Micromedex

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

The fentanyl skin patch is only used for opioid-tolerant patients. A patient is opioid-tolerant if oral narcotics have already been used for severe pain. Check with your doctor if you have questions about this.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

You will receive the Ionsys patch while you are in a hospital. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine after surgery. You will be taught how to use this medicine in the hospital, but you will not use it at home. Do not leave the hospital with the patch on your skin.

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. It will work only if it has been applied correctly.

This medicine should only be used on skin that is not irritated or injured. Do not put the patch in your mouth, chew it, or swallow it.

Fentanyl skin patches are packaged in sealed pouches. Do not remove the patch from the sealed pouch until you are ready to apply it.

When handling the skin patch, be careful not to touch the adhesive sticky surface with your hand. The adhesive part of the system contains some fentanyl, which can be absorbed into your body too fast through the skin of your hand. If any of the medicine does get on your hand, rinse the area right away with a lot of clear water. Do not use soap or other cleansers.

Be careful not to tear the patch or make any holes in it. Damage to a patch may allow fentanyl to pass into your skin too quickly. This can cause an overdose.

Apply the patch to a dry, flat skin area on your upper arm, chest, or back. Choose a place where the skin is not very oily and is free of scars, cuts, burns, or irritation. Do not apply this medicine to areas that have received radiation therapy.

The patch will stay in place better if it is applied to an area with little or no hair. If you need to apply the patch to a hairy area, you may first clip the hair with scissors, but do not shave it off.

If you need to clean the area before applying the medicine, use only plain water. Do not use soaps, other cleansers, lotions, or anything that contains oils or alcohol. Be sure that the skin is completely dry before applying the medicine.

Remove the liner covering the sticky side of the skin patch. Then press the patch firmly in place, using the palm of your hand, for a minimum of 30 seconds. Make sure that the entire adhesive surface is attached to your skin, especially around the edges.

If the patch becomes loose, tape the edges with first aid tape.

If the patch falls off after applying it, throw it away and apply a new patch in a different area.

If you need to apply more than 1 patch at a time, place the patches far enough apart so that the edges do not touch or overlap each other.

Wash your hands with a lot of clear water after applying the medicine. Do not use soap or other cleansers.

Remove the patch after 3 days 72 hours, or as directed by your doctor. Choose a different place on your skin to apply the next patch. If possible, use a place on the other side of your body. Wait at least 3 days before using the first area again.

In young children or persons with decreased mental alertness, the Duragesic patch should be put on the upper back to decrease the chance that the patch will be removed and placed in the mouth.

After a Duragesic patch is applied, fentanyl passes into the skin a little at a time. A certain amount of the medicine must build up in the skin before it is absorbed into the body. Up to a full day 24 hours may pass before the first dose begins to work. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose during the first few weeks before finding the amount that works best for you. Even if you feel that the medicine is not working, do not increase the amount of fentanyl transdermal that you apply. Instead, check first with your doctor.

You will probably need to take a faster-acting narcotic by mouth to relieve pain during the first few days of fentanyl transdermal treatment. You may also need another narcotic while your dose of fentanyl is being adjusted, and to relieve any breakthrough pain that occurs later on. Be sure you do not take more of the other narcotic, and do not take it more often than directed. Taking 2 narcotics together can increase the chance of serious side effects.

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For transdermal dosage form skin patch :

Adults, teenagers, and children 2 years of age and older Your doctor will decide which dose of the patch you need based on your present daily narcotic dose. The patch is applied to the skin and left in place for 3 days 72 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed.

Children younger than 2 years of age Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

Remove the patch 3 days 72 hours after applying it.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Fentanyl can cause serious unwanted effects or a fatal overdose if taken by children, pets, or adults who are not used to strong narcotic pain medicines. Make sure you store the medicine in a safe and secure place to prevent others from getting it.

To dispose of this medicine, fold the patch in half with the sticky side inside. If the patch has not been used, take it out of the pouch and remove the liner that covers the sticky side of the patch before folding it in half. Then flush it down the toilet right away. Do not flush the pouch or the protective liner down the toilet. Put them in a trash can.

Portions of this document last updated: Dec. 01, 2015

Transdermal Fentanyl Patch Ingestion: An Unconventional Overdose Chad Maness, Pharm.D., Jeremy Hamptom, Pharm.D., BCPS Patients commonly present to the.

INDICATION. DURAGESIC is: A strong prescription pain medicine that contains an opioid narcotic that is used to manage pain severe enough to require daily around.

Fentanyl patches may cause serious or life-threatening breathing problems, especially during the first 72 hours of your treatment and any time your dose is increased. Your doctor will monitor you carefully during your treatment. Because of this serious risk, fentanyl patches should only be used to treat people who are tolerant used to the effects of the medication to opioid medications because they have taken this type of medication for at least one week and should not be used to treat mild or moderate pain, short-term pain, pain after an operation or medical or dental procedure, or pain that can be controlled by medication that is taken as needed. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had slowed breathing or asthma. Your doctor will probably tell you not to use fentanyl patches. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD; a group of diseases that affect the lungs and airways, a head injury, or any condition that increases the amount of pressure in your brain. The risk that you will develop breathing problems may be higher if you are an older adult or are weak or malnourished due to disease. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment: slowed breathing, long pauses between breaths, or shortness of breath.

Taking certain medications with fentanyl may increase the risk of serious or life-threatening breathing problems. Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or plan to take any of the following medications: amiodarone Cordarone, Pacerone ; aprepitant Emend ; carbamazepine Carbatrol, Epitol, Equetro, Tegretol, Teril ; certain antifungals such as fluconazole Diflucan, itraconazole Onmel, Sporanox, and ketoconazole Nizoral ; clarithromycin Biaxin, in Prevpac ; diltiazem Cardizem, Cartia, Dilacor, Dilt-CD, Diltzac, Taztia ; erythromycin E-Mycin, Erythrocin ; fosamprenavir Lexiva ; nefazodone; nelfinavir Viracept ; phenytoin Dilantin, Phenytek ; rifampin Rifadin, Rimactane, in Rifamate ; ritonavir Norvir, in Kaletra ; troleandomycin TAO not available in the United States ; and verapamil Calan, Covera, Verelan. Your doctor may need to change the dosages of your medications and will monitor you carefully.

Fentanyl patches may be habit-forming. Do not apply more patches, apply the patches more often, or use the patches in a different way than prescribed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family drinks or has ever drunk large amounts of alcohol; uses or has overused prescription medications; uses or has ever used street drugs; or has or has ever had depression or another mental illness. There is a greater risk that you will overuse fentanyl patches if you have or have ever had any of these conditions.

Do not allow anyone else to use your medication. Fentanyl patches may harm or cause death to other adults and children who use them. Store fentanyl patches in a safe place so that no one else can use them accidentally or on purpose. Be especially careful to keep fentanyl patches out of the reach of children. Keep track of how many patches are left so you will know if any are missing.

People who are not being treated with fentanyl patches may be seriously harmed or may die if the sticky side of a patch touches their skin. Be careful not to allow the sticky side of the patch to touch anyone else s skin. If you are holding or caring for children, make sure that they do not touch your patch. If the patch accidentally comes off of your body and sticks to another person s skin, immediately remove the patch, wash the area with clear water, and get emergency medical attention.

Fentanyl patches that have been worn for 3 days still contain enough medication to cause serious harm or death to adults or children who are not being treated with the medication. Never throw used or unused patches in a trash can or leave them in a place where they may be found by others, especially children. Dispose of used and unwanted patches properly according to instructions. See STORAGE and DISPOSAL.

If your fentanyl patch is exposed to extreme heat, it may release too much medication into your body at once. This can cause serious or life-threatening symptoms. Do not expose your patch or the skin around it to direct heat such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, and heated water beds. Do not take long, hot baths or sunbathe while you are wearing the patch. Your patch may also release too much medication if you have a fever or if you get very hot after physical activity. Avoid physical activity that might cause you to get very hot. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever. Your doctor may need to adjust your dose.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use fentanyl patches regularly during your pregnancy, your baby may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms after birth. Tell your baby s doctor right away if your baby experiences any of the following symptoms: irritability, hyperactivity, abnormal sleep, high-pitched cry, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, vomiting, diarrhea, or failure to gain weight.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer s patient information sheet Medication Guide when you begin treatment with fentanyl patches and each time you fill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration FDA website or the manufacturer s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication.

Fentanyl patches are used to relieve severe pain in people who are expected to need pain medication around the clock for a long time and who cannot be treated with other medications. Fentanyl is in a class of medications called opiate narcotic analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

Transdermal fentanyl comes as a patch to apply to the skin. The patch is usually applied to the skin once every 72 hours. Change your patch at about the same time of day every time you change it. 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.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose fentanyl patch and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 3 days at first, and then not more often than once every 6 days. Your doctor may decrease your dose if you experience side effects. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment with fentanyl patches.

Fentanyl patches are only for use on the skin. Do not place patches in your mouth or chew or swallow the patches.

Do not stop using fentanyl patches without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop using fentanyl patches you may have symptoms of withdrawal. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms of withdrawal: restlessness, teary eyes, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, muscle pain, 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, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, or rapid breathing.

Do not use a fentanyl patch that is cut, damaged, or changed in any way. If you use cut or damaged patches, you may receive most or all of the medication at once, instead of slowly over 3 days. This may cause serious problems, including overdose and death.

You may bathe, swim, or shower while you are wearing a fentanyl patch. If the patch falls off during these activities, dispose of it properly. Then dry your skin completely and apply a new patch. Leave the new patch in place for 72 hours after you apply it.

You can apply a fentanyl patch to your chest, back, upper arms, or the sides of your waist. If you are applying the patch to a child or to a person who is unable to think clearly, choose an area on the upper back to make it more difficult for the person to remove the patch and place it in his or her mouth. Choose an area of skin that is flat and hairless. Do not apply the patch to parts of the body that move a lot or to skin that has been exposed to radiation or that is sensitive, very oily, broken out, irritated, broken, cut or damaged. If there is hair on the skin, use scissors to clip the hair as close to the skin as possible. Do not shave the area.

To apply the patch, follow these steps:

Clean the area where you plan to apply the patch with clear water and pat completely dry. Do not use any soaps, lotions, alcohols, or oils.

Tear open the pouch containing the fentanyl patch along the dotted line, starting at the slit. Remove the patch from the pouch and peel off both parts of the protective liner from the back of the patch. Try not to touch the sticky side of the patch.

Immediately press the sticky side of the patch onto the chosen area of 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 to your skin with first aid tape. If the patch still does not stick well, you may cover it with Bioclusive or Tegaderm brand see-through dressings. Do not cover the patch with any other type of bandage or tape.

If a patch falls off before it is time to remove it, dispose of the patch properly and apply a new patch. Leave the new patch in place for 72 hours.

When you are finished applying the patch, wash your hands with water right away.

When it is time to change your patch, peel off the old patch and apply a new patch to a different skin area.

After you remove your patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together and flush it down a toilet.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Before using fentanyl patches,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fentanyl, or any other medications, or any of the ingredients in fentanyl patches. Ask your doctor or pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention the medications listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING and any of the following medications: antidepressants; antihistamines found in cough, cold, and allergy medications ; buprenorphine Zubsolv ; butorphanol; medications for anxiety; medications for nausea; muscle relaxants; nalbuphine; other medications for pain;pentazocine Talwin ; sedatives; sleeping pills; and tranquilizers. Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks: monoamine oxidase MAO inhibitors including isocarboxazid Marplan, phenelzine Nardil, selegiline Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar, and tranylcypromine Parnate. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John s wort.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had paralytic ileus condition in which digested food does not move through the intestines. Your doctor may tell you not to use fentanyl patches.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures; slowed heartbeat; difficulty urinating; low blood pressure; or thyroid, heart, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, or kidney disease.

tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using fentanyl patches.

you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car, operate machinery, or do other possibly dangerous activities until you know how this medication affects you.

you should know that fentanyl patches may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start using fentanyl patches. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.

do not drink alcohol or take prescription or nonprescription medications that contain alcohol while you are using fentanyl patches. Alcohol increases the chance that you will experience serious side effects of this medication.

you should know that fentanyl patches may cause constipation. Talk to your doctor about changing your diet or using other medications to prevent or treat constipation while you are using fentanyl patches.

If you forget to apply or change a fentanyl patch, apply the patch as soon as you remember it. Be sure to remove your used patch before applying a new patch. Wear the new patch for the period of time prescribed by your doctor usually 3 days and then replace it. Do not wear two patches at once unless your doctor has told you that you should.

Fentanyl patches may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

hallucinations seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist

difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet

skin irritation, redness, itching, or swelling in the area where you wore the patch

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

difficulty breathing or swallowing

Fentanyl patches may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using fentanyl patches.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration s FDA MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online at or by phone 1-800-332-1088.

Store the fentanyl patches at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom.

Throw away any patches that are used, outdated, or no longer needed by carefully removing the adhesive backing, folding the sticky sides of each patch together so that it sticks to itself, and flushing the patches down the toilet. Throw away the pouches and protective liners in the trash. Wash your hands well with water after throwing away fentanyl patches. Do not put unneeded or used fentanyl patches in a garbage can.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

extreme sleepiness or tiredness

difficulty thinking, talking, or walking normally

small, pinpoint pupils black circles in the center of the eye

coma loss of consciousness for a period of time

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

This prescription is not refillable. Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication if your doctor wants you to continue using fentanyl patches.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.