Duragesic-25 skin patch

Fentanyl is an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

The fentanyl skin patch is used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain around the clock. Fentanyl transdermal is not for treating mild or occasional pain or pain from surgery.

Fentanyl transdermal may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fentanyl can slow or stop your breathing. MISUSE OF FENTANYL TRANSDERMAL CAN CAUSE DEATH, especially in a child who gets a hold of the skin patch and places it in the mouth or on the skin.

Fentanyl may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Do not use a fentanyl skin patch if you have a breathing problem, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, or if you are NOT already being treated with a similar opioid (narcotic) pain medicine and are tolerant to it. Do not use a heating pad or other source of heat while you are wearing the patch.

Do not use a fentanyl skin patch if you are allergic to fentanyl, or if you have:

• a severe breathing problem such as asthma attacks;

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines); or

• if you are NOT already being treated with a similar opioid (narcotic) pain medicine and are tolerant to it.

Some medicines can interact with fentanyl and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.

To make sure fentanyl transdermal is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• any type of breathing problem or lung disease;

• a history of head injury, brain tumor, mental illness, alcoholism or drug addiction;

• urination problems;

• liver or kidney disease;

• problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid; or

• if you use a sedative like Valium (diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and others).

Do not put a fentanyl skin patch on any child who does not have a personal prescription for this medicine.

If you use fentanyl while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Fentanyl can pass into breast milk and may cause withdrawal symptoms in a nursing infant. Do not breast-feed while using fentanyl transdermal.

The fentanyl skin patch may burn your skin if you wear the patch during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Remove the patch before undergoing such a test.

If you are using the skin patches on a schedule, apply the missed patch as soon as you remember. Continue wearing the patch for up to 72 hours and then apply a new one if needed for pain. Do not wear extra patches to make up a missed dose.

Some drugs can raise or lower your blood levels of fentanyl, which may cause side effects or make fentanyl less effective. Tell your doctor if you also use certain antibiotics, antifungal medications, heart or blood pressure medications, or medicines to treat HIV or AIDS.

Fentanyl can interact with many other drugs and cause dangerous side effects or death. Be sure your doctor knows if you also use:

• other narcotic medications--opioid pain medicine or prescription cough medicine;

• drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing--a sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, sedative, tranquilizer, or antipsychotic medicine; or

• drugs that affect serotonin levels in your body--medicine for depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with fentanyl, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.