Fentanyl skin patches are used to relieve severe pain.
A powerful narcotic painkiller, Fentanyl can provide relief to those suffering from severe pain. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that a MedGuide, or patient information sheet, be given out when a prescription for the Fentanyl patch is filled. If you are currently using the Fentanyl patch, or discussing it as a treatment option with your doctor, it is essential that you understand the information on the required MedGuide of this powerful drug.
MedGuide Requirements for Proper Use
Designed to deliver a steady amount of the drug over an extended period of time (approximately 3 days), the Fentanyl patch is to be used only on the skin, states the FDA MedGuide. A patch is not to be used if the patch or its container pouch is broken or the seal is damaged. Only new patches in sealed packaging are safe to use according to your doctor's instructions.
The skin is the only place for a Fentanyl patch--they must not be chewed or swallowed, since doing so can release a dangerously high amount of the narcotic into your body, which can lead to a potentially fatal overdose. Additionally, a Fentanyl patch must not be placed on broken-out, excessively oily or damaged skin, according to the MedGuide. After use, the patch should be folded in half and flushed down the toilet after use; even depleted patches can contain enough Fentanyl to be fatal to children or pets who may put the patch in their mouth.
Contraindications from Fentanyl's MedGuide
Another requirement to be listed on Fentanyl's MedGuide is information on contraindications, or medications that should not be taken while you are taking Fentanyl. Certain medications may interact with Fentanyl adversely, leading to increased respiratory depression (difficulty breathing) and possible death.
The Mayo Clinic cites some examples of these medications: depressants such as benzodiazepines (diazepam, clonazepam) or barbiturates (phenobarbital). These are especially dangerous examples of contraindicated medications while you are using the Fentanyl patch. Other opiate narcotics must not be taken with Fentanyl unless your doctor has instructed their concurrent use. Another contraindication from Fentanyl's MedGuide is grapefruit juice. Drinking grapefruit juice while using the Fentanyl patch may increase the amount of the medicine your body absorbs, increasing the potency beyond what your doctor has prescribed.
The FDA requires that Fentanyl be prescribed only to opioid-tolerant people. This means that if you have not used a time-release narcotic of high potency in the past, such as extended-release morphine or oxycodone, Fentanyl will likely be too powerful a medication for your body to handle, and increase the likelihood of adverse effects.
MedGuide Required Warnings
Required by the FDA to be included on your MedGuide information sheet for Fentanyl are various warnings about serious side effects and potential complications of the drug. These warnings are rather serious and aren't there to scare you--when properly used under a doctor's care, Fentanyl is a safe and effective pain-management system--but to protect you from unwanted complications and side effects.
The drug's MedGuide warns that Fentanyl is highly addictive, and that it is possible that you will become dependent on the narcotic, especially if you use it for more than a few days. Your doctor more than likely has weighed this option against your pain-control needs, although you should contact him if you have any concerns over becoming addicted to Fentanyl during your treatment.
Another warning listed on the MedGuide for Fentanyl is that while using the medication, your blood pressure may drop. This makes standing up or lying down too quickly problematic, since this may cause dizziness or nausea. Finally, the FDA requires that your Fentanyl MedGuide list the signs of overdose for you to be aware of. Serious symptoms mentioned that may indicate overdose include feelings of confusion, stupor and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
