Duragesic

Pronounced: door-uh-JEEZ-ic
Generic name: Fentanyl

Why is Duragesic prescribed?

Duragesic patches deliver a continuous dose of the potent narcotic painkiller fentanyl for a period of three days. The patches are prescribed for chronic pain when short-acting narcotics and other types of painkillers fail to provide relief.

Most important fact about Duragesic

When wearing a Duragesic patch, check with your doctor before taking any other drugs that slow the nervous system. The combined effect can impair breathing, reduce blood pressure, and lead to coma. Drugs in this category include the following:

Antipsychotic drugs such as Compazine, Mellaril, Stelazine, and Thorazine
Muscle relaxants such as Flexeril, Robaxin, and Skelaxin
Narcotic painkillers such as Demerol, Percodan, OxyContin, and Vicodin
Sleep aids such as Ambien, Halcion, and Sonata
Sleep-inducing antihistamines such as Benadryl and Phenergan
Tranquilizers such as Ativan, Librium, Valium, and Xanax
Alcoholic beverages

How should you take Duragesic?

Apply the patch to a flat surface such as the chest, back, side, or upper arm. Children should have the patch applied to their upper back to discourage them from removing it. Hair at the site should be clipped (but not shaved). If the skin needs to be washed, use clear water. Do not use soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or any other cleanser that could irritate the skin. Allow the skin to dry completely.

Apply the patch as soon as you open the sealed package. Do not cut or tear the patch. Press it firmly in place with the palm of your hand for 30 seconds. Make sure that contact with the skin is complete, especially around the edges.

After 3 days (72 hours), remove the patch, fold the adhesive side together, and flush the patch down the toilet.

--If you miss a dose...

If needed, after a used patch is removed a fresh patch can be applied at a different site on the skin.

--Storage instructions...

Store below 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep out of reach of children. Unused patches should be removed from their package and flushed down the toilet.