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Fentanyl Patch, Transdermal 72 Hours – Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, and More
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Uses
This drug is prescribed for the purpose of assisting in the relief of severe chronic pain (such as due to cancer). An opioid analgesic is another name for the class of medications to which fentanyl belongs. It functions in the brain to alter how the body perceives and reacts to the sensation of pain. Do not apply the fentanyl patch if the pain is only minor or if it is expected to go away in a few days. The use of this drug “as required” or “sometimes” is not appropriate.
Instructions for Using the Transdermal Fentanyl Patch for 72 Hours
Before you begin using this medication and whenever you get a refill, make sure you have read both the Medication Guide and, if they are available, the Instructions for Use that were provided by your pharmacist. Gain an understanding of how the patches should be used, stored, and eventually discarded. If you have any questions, you should consult with either your physician or your pharmacist.
Take this drug on a consistent basis, as advised by your healthcare provider; do not take it on an as-needed basis to treat sudden or breakthrough pain.
Before you begin taking this medicine, you should consult with your primary care physician or pharmacist to see if you need to discontinue taking any of your other opioid medications or modify the way that you take them (s). Pain relief with fentanyl patches may not kick in for up to 24 hours after they have been applied. It’s possible that your doctor will also recommend other painkillers, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Inquire with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the safe use of fentanyl in combination with other medications.
Your physician will instruct you on how to apply this drug to your skin. Skin that has been burned, cut, irritated, or has been exposed to radiation should not have this product applied (x-ray treatment). Choose a spot on a level region of your body that is dry and free of hair, such as the chest, the sides, the back, or the upper arms. Place the patch on the upper back of young children and persons who are unable to think clearly for whatever reason (such as dementia), as this will reduce the likelihood that the patch will be removed or put in the mouth.
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If there is hair on the skin, cut the hair with scissors so that it is as close as it can get to the surface of the skin. It is best not to shave your hair because doing so can irritate your skin. In the event that it is required, clean the area with water. In the area that will get the application, you should not use soap, oils, lotions, or alcohol. Before putting on the patch, make sure the skin is thoroughly dried.
Generally speaking, the patch is replaced every 72 hours. When applying, make sure to do it in a different spot each time to avoid irritating the skin. Before applying a new patch, you need to make sure the old one is removed first. The used patch still has enough fentanyl in it to be dangerous, and might even be fatal to a child or an animal, so you should fold it in half with the sticky sides together before disposing of it in the appropriate manner.
It is important that you do not apply patches in front of children and that you do not let youngsters see you apply patches. Children have put patches that they have found that have fallen off or patches that they have pulled from adults while they were sleeping in their mouths or on their bodies, which has led to fatal consequences. (Be sure to also check out the Caution section.)
If the patch seems to be cracked, cut, or otherwise damaged in any way, do not use it. Take the product out of the sealed pouch, peel off the protective lining, and then apply it directly to the skin as soon as possible. Using the palm of your hand, apply steady pressure on the location for a full minute while ensuring that the contact is complete (especially around the edges). If your doctor has prescribed you more than one patch for a given dose, you need to make sure that the borders of the patches do not touch or overlap one another. After applying the patch, you should wash your hands.
You might try taping the borders of the patch in place with some first aid tape if you’re having trouble with the patch not sticking where it’s supposed to on your skin. If you continue to experience this issue, you should seek the advice of your physician. If the patch comes off earlier than 72 hours after it was put on, a replacement patch may be placed on a different part of the skin. If something like this occurs, you should definitely let your physician know about it.
In the event that you accidentally touch the sticky layer on your skin or handle a cut or damaged patch, make sure to thoroughly wash the affected area with clean water. In the event that the patch falls off and accidentally adheres to the skin of another individual, peel it off as soon as possible, wash the affected area with water, and seek immediate medical attention for the affected individual. When washing the region, you should not use soap, alcohol, or any other products.
Your current health status and how well you respond to treatment will determine the appropriate dosage. Do not apply additional patches than indicated, change them more frequently, or use them for a period of time that is longer than prescribed.
It is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop using this medicine, particularly if you have been taking it for a long period or in large quantities. Your doctor may carefully reduce your dosage in order to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Notify your healthcare provider or pharmacist as soon as possible if you experience any withdrawal symptoms, including restlessness, mental or mood changes (including anxiety, trouble sleeping, or suicidal thoughts), eyes that water, a runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, aching muscles, or sudden changes in behavior.
It is possible that the effectiveness of this drug will diminish after prolonged use. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice that this drug is no longer functioning well.
This prescription, despite the fact that it helps a large number of people, can sometimes lead to addiction. If you have a substance use disorder, such as excessive drug or alcohol use or addiction, your risk may be significantly increased for this condition. To reduce the possibility of developing an addiction to this medicine, it should be taken precisely as directed. Inquire with your primary care physician or your pharmacist for further information.
If your pain does not start to improve or if it starts to become worse, you should talk to your doctor.
Side Effects
It is possible to experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, and sleepiness when using this medication. At the location of the application, you can also experience some mild discomfort, itching, or redness. After you have used this drug for a while, you may experience a reduction in the severity of some of these adverse effects. Notify your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if any of these side effects continue or become worse.
Eat foods high in dietary fiber, get plenty of exercises, and drink plenty of water to avoid getting constipated. In addition to that, you might need to take a laxative. Inquire with your local pharmacist about the kind of laxative that might work best for you.
When rising from a seated or laying position, it is important to do so carefully in order to limit the likelihood of experiencing dizziness and lightheadedness.
Keep in mind that the reason your doctor has recommended that you take this medication is that he or she believes that the potential benefits to you outweigh the potential risks of doing so. The majority of persons who take this medicine do not report experiencing any severe adverse effects.
Notify your physician as soon as possible if you experience any serious side effects, such as trouble breathing while you sleep (sleep apnea), changes in your mental state or mood (such as agitation, confusion, or hallucinations), severe stomach or abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, slow, fast, or pounding heartbeat, or signs that your adrenal glands are not functioning as well as they should be (such as loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, weight loss).
If you have any very serious adverse effects, such as passing out, having a seizure, breathing too slowly or too shallowly, severe sleepiness or difficulties waking up, get immediate medical attention.
This medicine has the potential to raise serotonin levels, as well as the risk of a potentially fatal disease known as serotonin syndrome or poisoning. The danger is increased if you are also taking other medications that boost serotonin levels; thus, you should inform your physician or pharmacist of all the medications you now take (see Drug Interactions section). You should seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms: a rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, lack of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, unusual agitation, or restlessness.
It is quite unusual for this medicine to cause an extremely severe allergic reaction. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if you detect any symptoms of a significant allergic reaction, such as a rash, itching/swelling (particularly of the face/tongue/throat), extreme dizziness, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms may indicate anaphylaxis.
This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive in any way. Please consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any side effects that are not listed above.
In the United States, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit their website at www.fda.gov/medwatch to report any adverse effects.
In Canada, if you are experiencing any adverse effects, please consult your primary care physician. You can call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345 to report any adverse effects you experience.
Precautions
Inform your physician or pharmacist if you are allergic to fentanyl, or adhesives, or if you suffer from any other types of allergies before beginning treatment with fentanyl. There is a possibility that this product contains inactive substances, which, if present, could result in allergic responses or other complications. Discuss the matter further with your pharmacist for further information.
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Before beginning treatment with this medication, it is important to discuss your medical history with your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions: conditions affecting the brain (such as a head injury, a tumor, or seizures); breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD); kidney disease; liver disease; mental or mood disorders (such as confusion or depression); a personal or family history of a substance use disorder
This medication could cause you to feel lightheaded or sleepy. Drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana (also known as cannabis) can make you feel more lightheaded and sleepy. Do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle, operate any machinery, or engage in any activity that requires attentiveness until you are able to do it safely. Steer clear of beverages containing alcohol. If you are a marijuana user, you should consult your primary care physician (cannabis).
If you develop a fever, you should consult your physician as soon as possible because an increase in body temperature might induce an overdose (see also Warning section). Avoid doing things that could raise your body temperature since you want to stay cool. (such as working or exercising strenuously while the temperature is high).
Before undergoing surgery, it is important to discuss all of the products you use with your dentist or doctor (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Inform the people administering the test that you will be wearing this patch if you are going to be having an MRI done. It’s possible that some patches contain metals that, when exposed to an MRI, can cause severe burns. Inquire with your physician about whether you will need to take off your patch before the test and replace it with a fresh one after it has been completed, as well as how to do it correctly.
Confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and slow or shallow breathing are some of the potential adverse effects that could be exacerbated in elderly patients by the use of this medication.
During pregnancy, it is important to only use this drug when it is absolutely necessary. It could cause harm to an unborn child. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential drawbacks and advantages. (Be sure to also check out the Caution section.)
This medication is excreted into breast milk and may have unintended consequences for an infant who is being breastfed. Notify your baby’s doctor as soon as possible if it develops an unusual amount of sleepiness, difficulty eating, or difficulty breathing. Before starting to breastfeed, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
Interactions
Drug interactions can alter the way in which your prescriptions work or raise the likelihood that you will have major adverse effects. This document does not contain all possible medication interactions. Maintain a list of all the goods you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies, and give it to both your primary care physician and your pharmacist. Without first consulting your physician, you should never alter the dosage of any medication, stop taking any medication, or start taking any new medication.
Certain pain drugs (mixed opioid agonist-antagonists such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine), naltrexone, and samidorphan are examples of products that have the potential to have an adverse interaction with this medication.
Fentanyl’s effectiveness may be impacted if it is eliminated more slowly from the body than usual due to the presence of other drugs. Some of these medications include azole antifungals (like itraconazole and ketoconazole), calcium channel blockers (like diltiazem and verapamil), HIV protease inhibitors (like nelfinavir and ritonavir), macrolide antibiotics (like erythromycin), nefazodone, mifepristone, rifamycins (like rifabutin), and specific drugs used
Taking MAO inhibitors in conjunction with this medication may result in a severe drug interaction, which could even be fatal. During your course of treatment with this drug, you should refrain from using any MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. It is also not recommended to use any MAO inhibitors for a period of two weeks prior to beginning therapy with this drug. Inquire with your physician regarding the appropriate timing to begin or stop using this medicine.
If this medication is combined with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems, the risk of serious side effects (such as slow or shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased. These side effects include slow or shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness. Notify your physician or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including but not limited to alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines. Other opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants, such as codeine or hydrocodone, are examples of such medications (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
You should read the labels on all of your medications (such as those meant to treat allergies or coughs and colds) since some of them may contain substances that make you feel sleepy. Talk to your local pharmacist about the proper way to use those products.
If you are also taking other drugs that enhance serotonin, you put yourself at a greater risk of developing serotonin syndrome or serotonin poisoning. Street drugs such as MDMA or “ecstasy,” the herb St. John’s wort, and some antidepressants (such as SSRIs like fluoxetine/paroxetine and SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine) are some examples of such substances. Other examples include the following: When you first begin taking these medications or raise your dosage, you may be putting yourself at a greater risk of developing serotonin syndrome or serotonin poisoning.
This medicine has the potential to interfere with a variety of laboratory tests, including those measuring amylase and lipase levels, potentially leading to inaccurate test findings. Ensure that the employees in the laboratory and all of your doctors are aware that you are using this medication.
Overdose
Chewing or swallowing this medicated patch could have adverse effects on your health. If it is safe to do so, remove the patch from the person who overdosed. If the individual is exhibiting severe symptoms such as passing out or having difficulties breathing, administer naloxone to them and then call 911. Call an emergency poison control center as soon as possible, even if the person is conscious and shows no symptoms. To reach the poison control center for your area in the United States, dial 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Coma, shallow or labored breathing, and a slow heartbeat are all potential symptoms of an overdose.
Warnings
This drug should not be given to anyone else. It is against the law to give it away.
This drug has been given to you specifically for the treatment of your current condition. Do not use it in the future for the treatment of another condition unless your physician specifically instructs you to do so. In such a circumstance, it’s possible that you’ll need a different drug.
Inquire with your physician or pharmacist about whether or not you should keep naloxone on hand in case of an opioid overdose. Teach members of your household or family the warning signs of an opioid overdose as well as how to treat one if it occurs.
Neglected Dose
If you forget to remove a patch for more than three days (72 hours), you should do so immediately and replace it with a new one as soon as you do recall. It is not necessary to double the dose in order to catch up.
Storage
Keep at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep away from the bathroom at all costs. Always make sure that children and animals are kept well away from any medications. Please also see the section labeled Warning.
Unless you have been specifically told to do so, you should not flush drugs down the toilet or pour them down a drain. When it is no longer needed or has passed its expiration date, dispose of this product in the appropriate manner (see also the How to Use section). For further information, please refer to the “Instructions for Use” or get in touch with your local waste disposal business or pharmacy.