Prescription Pain Patch Information
The prescription pain patch is known as Duragesic. It is a patch that adheres to your skin and delivers a steady dose of the drug fentanyl. Fentanyl is an opioid narcotic. The patch lasts for 72 hours.
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Function
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The pain patch Duragesic is prescribed for moderate to severe chronic pain. The patch works by delivering fentanyl slowly into the body via the skin under the patch.
Identification
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Each Duragesic patch is packaged it its own sealed protective pouch. You should only remove it from the pouch when you are ready to use it. The patch contains a protective liner, the drug containing layer and a backing layer.
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Effects
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Duragesic patches may cause common side effects such as constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, confusion, weakness, sweating and pain on the area the patch is applied.
Considerations
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You should never wear more than one Duragesic patch at a time unless directed to do so by your physician. A fever or an increase in your body temperature could cause the Duragesic to release too much medication. Call your physician to report a fever or increase of body temperature.
Warning
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According to Duragesic boxed warnings, this medication should only be used by patients who are already receiving opioid therapy, have demonstrated opioid tolerance and who require at least a daily dose that is equivalent to Duragesic 25mcg/hr.
Potential
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The Federal Drug Administration issued a second warning in December of 2007 regarding the fentanyl skin patch. The warning included the life-threatening side effects and deaths occurring for inappropriate use of the patch. Always follow the doctors directions for use of this potent narcotic.
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