fentanyl topical

Brand name(s):

fentanyl, Duragesic, Ionsys

What is the most important information I should know about fentanyl topical?

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICATION CAN CAUSE HARMFUL OR FATAL SIDE EFFECTS. Do not use this medication unless you are already being treated with a similar opioid (narcotic) pain medicine and your body is tolerant to it. Talk with your doctor if you are not sure you are opioid-tolerant. Do not expose the skin patch to heat while you are wearing it. This includes a hot tub, heating pad, sauna, or heated water bed. Heat can increase the amount of drug you absorb through your skin and may cause harmful effects. Fentanyl may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Keep both used and unused fentanyl topical patches or devices out of the reach of children or pets. The amount of fentanyl in these units can be fatal to a child or pet who accidentally sucks on or swallows the unit. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.

Avoid drinking alcohol, or using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, other pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety). They can add to extreme drowsiness or breathing problems caused by fentanyl.

What is fentanyl topical?

Fentanyl is a narcotic (opioid) pain medicine.

The Duragesic fentanyl skin patch is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain. The Ionsys fentanyl transdermal device is used only in a hospital to treat acute pain after surgery.

Fentanyl topical may be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using fentanyl topical?

Do not use this medication unless you are already being treated with a similar opioid (narcotic) pain medicine and your body is tolerant to it. Opioid medicines include morphine (Kadian, MS Contin, Oramorph, and others), oxycodone (Oxycontin), and hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Talk with your doctor if you are not sure you are opioid-tolerant. Before using fentanyl, tell your doctor if you are allergic to fentanyl or any other medications, or if you have:

a breathing disorder such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
a heart rhythm disorder;
liver disease; or
kidney disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Fentanyl may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursing infant. Do not use fentanyl topical without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine. Fentanyl topical may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

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