Fentanyl Patch

Generic name: fentanyl transdermal (skin patch) [ FEN-ta-nil-trans-DERM-al ]
Brand name: Duragesic
Drug class:Narcotic analgesics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 7, 2022.

What is a fentanyl patch?

Fentanyl patches are a strong prescription opioid pain medicine. The patches are used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain around the clock. Fentanyl 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.

Fentanyl 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

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.

Using this medicine during pregnancy may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Fatal side effects can occur if you use this medicine with alcohol, or with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use fentanyl unless you recently used opioid medicine and your body is tolerant to it (ask your doctor if you're not sure).

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