Duragesic Patch Side Effects, Uses, & Interactions

Generic Name:

Fentanyl, fentanyl transdermal patch

Brand Names:

Duragesic patch

Duragesic Patch Description:

The Duragesic patch, sometimes called the Duragesic pain patch, is designed to be worn on the body to control pain for up to 72 hours at a time. It is used for long-term chronic pain, and it is not for people seeking short-term relief for post-surgical or temporary pain. The Duragesic patch is also not for people who are taking other narcotic medication or who are allergic to any of those kinds of medications. It is also not meant for use by very young children or children who have never taken a prescribed narcotic. The patch is only recommended for people who cannot experience pain relief from other, milder medications.

Duragesic Patch Uses:

Chronic pain is the only condition that the Duragesic patch is approved to treat, though there are issues with the conditions for which is should be prescribed and the length of treatment. Most often the Duragesic patch is used by people suffering from cancer, since it is designed to provide long-term pain relief that is difficult to treat with other medications. People who have been taking morphine or other types of pain management drugs often use the Duragesic patch when they find that other medications are no longer providing adequate pain control.

People suffering from chronic pain, particularly those who have cancer, often find that their level of pain control over an extended period of time is difficult to maintain. Children under two years of age and children and adults who have not tried to control their pain with other prescribed medications should not use the drug.

Any chronic, long-term pain condition can be controlled with the Duragesic patch, but it is usually the last resort because of the power of the drug and the risk of dependency. Over time, those who use the Duragesic patch will become dependent on it and may need more medication in order to keep their pain at a tolerable level.

Duragesic Patch Interactions:

Do not take cold medicines, pain medications, muscle relaxers, or medication for depression or anxiety while using the patch.

Other drug interactions could occur with carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol), phenytoin (Dilantin), diltiazem (Cartia, Dilacor, Tiazac), St. John’s wort, rifampin (Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane), antibiotics, and HIV medications.

Duragesic Patch Dosage Information:

Typical Dosage Recommendation:

The Duragesic patch is applied transdermally (directly on the skin) and can work for a period of up to 72 hours, after which it should be replaced with a new one. Apply the patch to a flat, dry, hairless area of the chest, back, side, or outer side of your upper arm. Press the patch firmly around the edges. Change the patch after, at most, 72 hours. After removing the patch, flush used patches down the toilet. Apply new patches to a different skin area so that the same area is never used twice in a row.

Missing a Dose:

Since you are not necessarily on a dosing schedule with the Duragesic patch, continue wearing the patches for up to 72 hours and never wear extra patches to make up a missed dose.

Overdosing:

Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose. Symptoms of overdose include slow breathing, extreme weakness or dizziness, pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, or fainting. If anyone has accidentally swallowed the patch, the overdose could be fatal.

Duragesic Patch FDA Approval:

August 7, 1990

Duragesic Patch Recall/Black Box Warning Information:

On July 15, 2005, the FDA issued a Public Health Advisory regarding reports of death and life-threatening adverse events related to a fentanyl overdose when the patch was used to treat pain in opioid-naïve patients and when opioid-tolerant patients applied more patches than prescribed, changed the patch too frequently, or exposed the patch to a heat source.

In February of 2008, Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. recalled all lots of 25 microgram per hour (mcg/hr) Duragesic patches sold by PriCara in the U.S. and all 25 mcg/hr patches sold by Sandoz Inc. in the U.S. (with expiration dates on or before December 2009). The recall was issued in cooperation with the FDA, and the recalled patches may have had a cut along one side of the drug reservoir within the patch. A possible release of fentanyl gel from the patch could expose patients or caregivers directly to the chemical, leading to respiratory depression and possible overdose, which may be fatal.

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Duragesic Patch