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FENTANYL
Generic Name : FENTANYL TRANSDERMAL
ABSTRACT -
Fentanyl is a narcotic analgesic that is used to treat chronic pain that cannot be treated by alternative medicines. These are found in forms of transdermal patches that are used to treat pains of a high severity in place of non-opioid medications.
DOSAGE –
- Fentanyl is to be taken as directed by the doctors. Use this drug only as prescribed to avoid overdose or other harmful effects. Do not stop using this drug unless advised so, to avoid harmful side effects.
- The Fentanyl patch is to be worn on the skin at all times; and replaced every 3 days. Wear only one patch at a time.
- Dosage of this drug is highly individualized.
SIDE EFFECTS –
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Itching / Rashes
RARE SIDE EFFECTS –
- Serotonin syndrome
- Slow heart rate
- Confusion
- Chest pain
- Low levels of cortisol
- Slow breathing
DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Alprazolam
- Alvimopan
- Amiodarone
- Amobarbital
- Amoxapine
- Amprenavir
- Aripiprazole
- Clobazam
- Etravirine
- Fluconazole
- Fosamprenavir
- Granisetron
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Indinavir
- Ketoconazole
- Lorazepam
- Meperidine
- Methadone
- Morphine
MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –
- Acebutolol
- Alfentanil
- Alfuzosin
- Amlodipine
- Betaxolol
- Bromocriptine
- Bumetanide
- Cyclosporine
- Deferasirox
- Diazoxide
- Dicyclomine
- Furosemide
- Halothane
- Hyoscyamine
- Ketamine
- Ivacaftor
PRECAUTIONS –
- Provide the doctor with a detailed and accurate medical history prior to drug prescription. Notify especially in case of illnesses and conditions such as head injuries, brain tumors, alcoholism, substance abuse, difficulty urinating, seizures, liver / kidney disease or problems with the gallbladder, pancreas or the thyroid.
- Do not use this drug in case of an allergy to Fentanyl itself, recent history of using opioid medications, severe asthmatic conditions or a bowel obstruction condition.
- Inform the doctor of all the drugs being consumed so as to avoid severe drug interactions. Do not consume any other drug that slows breathing while using Fentanyl.
- Using this drug during pregnancy can cause life-threatening side effects as well as dependency. Avoid using Fentanyl at all costs while pregnant.
- Notify a doctor in case of a recent fever, as high body temperature can cause the body to absorb more drug content.
- Do not allow the patch to come in contact with the patient’s mouth, eyes, nose or another person’s skin.
- Do not breast-feed while on drug course.
- Dispose of a used patch after 3 days down a toilet.
- Strictly avoid sources of heat while wearing the patch.
- Avoid alcohol and grapefruit as it may cause a very severe side effect in combination with the drug in the body.
WARNINGS –
- Keep out of reach of children. Make sure patches are placed on a child’s skin where it cannot be pulled off easily. Do not let the child or an animal suck or chew the patch.
- Fentanyl is not to be used to treat mild / short-term pains from a surgery. This drug is for chronic pain.
- The side effects of this drug are more prominently observed in older / overweight patients.
- This drug can seriously slow down the rate at which the patient breathes. Notify a doctor immediately in case of very slow breathing with long pauses.
- The misuse of this drug can cause overdose, addiction and even death. Stick to a precise prescription and never share this drug with another individual. Do not use this drug in case of no prescription. In case of addiction, never hesitate to reach out to a therapist for help.
- In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
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