Generic name:fentanyl transdermal (skin patch) [ FEN-ta-nil-trans-DERM-al ]
Drug class:Narcotic analgesics
What is Duragesic?
Duragesic is a skin patch containing fentanyl, an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.
Duragesic patches are a strong prescription pain medicine. The patches are used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain in opioid-tolerant patients, severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment.
Duragesic patches are used when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines or immediate-release opioid medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them.
Duragesic patches are not for treating mild or occasional pain or pain from surgery. The patches are not for use to treat pain that is not around-the-clock.
Warnings
Using Duragesic patches during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
Fentanyl can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.
Fatal side effects can occur if you use Duragesic with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Duragesic unless you recently used opioid medicine and your body is tolerant to it (ask your doctor if you're not sure).
Do not put a Duragesic skin patch on any person who does not have a personal prescription for this medicine. You should not use Duragesic if you are allergic to fentanyl, or if you have:
