Ionsys device

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

The fentanyl transdermal device is a patient-controlled medicine system used only in a hospital to treat acute pain after surgery. The transdermal device sticks to the skin of your arm or chest.

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

You should not use a fentanyl transdermal device if you have: a severe breathing problem, or a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

The fentanyl transdermal device is used only while you are in a hospital. Do not leave the hospital with this device on your skin.

Fentanyl can slow or stop your breathing. Use this device only as directed. Never allow a family member or visitor to touch or handle the transdermal device. It should be handled only by a healthcare professional.

MISUSE OF A FENTANYL TRANSDERMAL DEVICE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a person using the medicine without a prescription. Fentanyl may also be habit-forming. Never share a transdermal device with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction.

Fentanyl may cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother uses this medicine during pregnancy.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur>

The Ionsys transdermal device contains fentanyl, an opioid pain medication. An opioid is sometimes called a narcotic.

Ionsys is a patient-controlled medicine system used only in a hospital to treat acute pain after surgery.

The Ionsys transdermal device sticks to the skin of your arm or chest.

Ionsys is used only while you are in a hospital. A healthcare provider will place the device on your chest or upper arm where you can reach it. A healthcare provider should also remove or replace the device when needed. Do not leave the hospital with a device on your skin.

Fentanyl can slow or stop your breathing. Use this device only as directed.

Fentanyl may be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share an Ionsys transdermal device with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a person using the medicine without a prescription. Selling or giving away Ionsys is against the law.

To release fentanyl from the device, press the dosing button twice. A beep will sound when the dose starts, and a green light will blink for 10 minutes while the dose is delivered. The device can only be activated once every 10 minutes. Tell your doctor if Ionsys seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain.

While you are wearing this device, only you should press the dosing button to control your pain. Do not allow others to press the dosing button for you, or you could receive a fatal overdose.

Never allow a family member or visitor to touch or handle the Ionsys transdermal device. It should be handled only by a healthcare professional. Do not remove or reposition the device yourself. The sticky side of the device contains a high concentration of fentanyl, which could cause a fatal overdose if the medicine gets on your skin. Tell your care provider if the device comes loose or falls off.

The device is worn for 24 hours or until it has delivered 80 doses of fentanyl.

The Ionsys transdermal device may burn your skin if you wear the device during an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Certain other medical tests can cause damage to the Ionsys transdermal device. Remove the device before undergoing an MRI, CT scan, x-ray, or similar test.

Since Ionsys is applied by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting, it is not likely that you will miss a dose.

Some drugs can raise or lower your blood levels of fentanyl, which may cause side effects or make Ionsys 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.