fentanyl and the elderly
(FEN ta nill)
Duragesic
What is the most important information I should know about fentanyl topical?
• Fentanyl topical should not be used to treat acute or post-operativepain fentanyl and the elderly. Fentanyl topical is used to treat chronic pain fentanyl and the elderly.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities fentanyl and the elderly. Fentanyl may cause drowsiness or fatigue fentanyl and the elderly. If you experience drowsinessor fatigue, avoid these activities fentanyl and the elderly.
• Also avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines fentanyl and the elderly. These medications also may cause dangerous sedation fentanyl and the elderly.
• Fentanyl topical can also cause constipation fentanyl and the elderly. Drink plenty of water (sixto eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect fentanyl and the elderly. Increasing the amountof fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation fentanyl and the elderly.
• Never use more fentanyl than is prescribed for you fentanyl and the elderly. If your pain is notbeing adequately treated, talk to your doctor fentanyl and the elderly.
What is fentanyl topical?
• Fentanyl is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics fentanyl and the elderly. It relievespain fentanyl and the elderly.
• Fentanyl topical patches are used to treat chronic pain that cannot becontrolled by less potent pain relievers fentanyl and the elderly.
• Fentanyl topical may also be used for purposes other than those listedin this medication guide fentanyl and the elderly.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fentanyl topical?
• Fentanyl topical should not be used to treat acute or post-operativepain fentanyl and the elderly. Fentanyl topical is used to treat chronic pain fentanyl and the elderly.
• Fentanyl is habit forming and should be used under close medical supervision fentanyl and the elderly.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have
· kidney disease;
· liver disease;
· asthma;
· urinary retention;
· an enlarged prostate;
· hypothyroidism;
· seizures or epilepsy;
· gallbladder disease;
· a head injury; or
· Addison's disease fentanyl and the elderly.
• You may not be able to use fentanyl topical, or you may require a lowerdose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditionslisted above fentanyl and the elderly.
• Fentanyl is in the FDA pregnancy category C fentanyl and the elderly. This means that it is notknown whether fentanyl will harm an unborn baby fentanyl and the elderly. This medication may cause addictionand withdrawal symptoms in an unborn baby fentanyl and the elderly. Do not use fentanyl topical withoutfirst talking to your doctor if you are pregnant fentanyl and the elderly.
• Fentanyl may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursinginfant fentanyl and the elderly. Do not use fentanyl topical without first talking to your doctor ifyou are breast-feeding a baby fentanyl and the elderly.
• Fentanyl topical patches are not approved for use by children youngerthan 12 years of age or by children younger than 18 years of age who weigh lessthan 50 kg (110 lbs) fentanyl and the elderly.
• If you are older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experienceside effects from fentanyl therapy fentanyl and the elderly. A lower dose or special monitoring may benecessary fentanyl and the elderly.
How should I use fentanyl topical?
• Use fentanyl topical exactly as directed by your doctor fentanyl and the elderly. If you do notunderstand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explainthem to you fentanyl and the elderly.
• Apply the patch to a flat, dry, area such as the chest, back, side, orupper arm fentanyl and the elderly. Any hair on the application site should be clipped short but notshaved fentanyl and the elderly. Avoid areas that are irritated or otherwise damaged fentanyl and the elderly.
• If the application site must be washed before the patch is applied, useclear water only fentanyl and the elderly. Do not use soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or other chemicals fentanyl and the elderly. Washing with these substances could change how much of the drug gets absorbedthrough the skin, which could be dangerous fentanyl and the elderly. Allow the skin to dry completelybefore applying the patch fentanyl and the elderly.
• Apply the patch as directed fentanyl and the elderly. Press the patch firmly with the palm ofyour hand for 30 seconds making sure that the patch is sticking, especiallyaround the edges fentanyl and the elderly. Each patch is worn for 72 hours fentanyl and the elderly.
• After removing the patch, press the sticky side to itself and disposeof the system in the toilet fentanyl and the elderly. If another patch is required, apply it to a differentskin site fentanyl and the elderly.
• Do not cut or otherwise damage the patch, and do not apply any patchthat has been cut or damaged fentanyl and the elderly.
• Never use more of this medication than is prescribed for you fentanyl and the elderly. Too muchfentanyl could be very harmful fentanyl and the elderly.
• Increase the amount of fiber and water in your diet to prevent constipation fentanyl and the elderly.
• Do not share this medication with anyone else fentanyl and the elderly. Keep it out of the reachof children and pets fentanyl and the elderly.
• Store fentanyl topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat fentanyl and the elderly.
What happens if I miss a dose?
• Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember fentanyl and the elderly. Do not use a double doseof this medication fentanyl and the elderly. Wait the prescribed amount of time before applying yournext patch fentanyl and the elderly.
What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention fentanyl and the elderly.
• Symptoms of a fentanyl overdose include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness,weakness, loss of consciousness or coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammyskin, and small pupils fentanyl and the elderly.
What should I avoid while using fentanyl topical?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardousactivities fentanyl and the elderly. Fentanyl may cause drowsiness or fatigue fentanyl and the elderly. If you experience drowsinessor fatigue, avoid these activities fentanyl and the elderly.
• Avoid alcohol while using fentanyl topical fentanyl and the elderly. Alcohol will greatly increasethe drowsiness and dizziness caused by fentanyl and could be dangerous fentanyl and the elderly.
• Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines fentanyl and the elderly. These medications also may cause dangerous sedation fentanyl and the elderly.
• Avoid becoming overheated or applying direct heat such as a heating padto the area where you have a patch fentanyl and the elderly. Increased temperature can increase the amountof drug you absorb through your skin and may cause harmful effects fentanyl and the elderly.
What are the possible side effects of fentanyl topical?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop usingfentanyl topical and seek emergency medical attention:
· an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
· slow, weak breathing;
· seizures;
· cold, clammy skin;
· severe weakness or dizziness; or
· unconsciousness fentanyl and the elderly.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur fentanyl and the elderly. Continueto use fentanyl topical and talk to your doctor if you experience
· constipation;
· dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
· dizziness or lightheadedness;
· drowsiness or fatigue;
· muscle twitches;
· sweating;
· itching;
· decreased urination; or
· decreased sex drive fentanyl and the elderly.
• Fentanyl is habit forming fentanyl and the elderly. Do not stop using it suddenly fentanyl and the elderly.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur fentanyl and the elderly. Talk to yourdoctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome fentanyl and the elderly.
What other drugs will affect fentanyl topical?
• Fentanyl topical may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treatinsomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants fentanyl and the elderly. Tellyour doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicineunless your doctor approves fentanyl and the elderly.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with fentanyl topical fentanyl and the elderly. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-countermedicines fentanyl and the elderly.
Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about fentanyl topical writtenfor health professionals that you may read fentanyl and the elderly.
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