Fentanyl

[Guest guest]

Good info I thought we might want to peruse.

Jerry/NC

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Deaths Seen With Fentanyl Narcotic Pain Patch Patients Need to Follow

Directions Exactly, FDA Says By ,

MD<http://my.webmd.com/content/Biography/6/1756_50215.htm>

WebMD Medical News

July 15, 2005 -- The FDA today has issued a health advisory regarding the

safe use of fentanyl skin patches (brand name Duragesic) in response to

reports of deaths in patients using this potent narcotic medication for pain

management.

The FDA is conducting an investigation into the deaths associated with these

patches. It's unclear if the deaths are due to inappropriate use of the

patch or factors related to the quality of the product, according to the

advisory.

Deaths and overdoses have occurred in patients using both the brand name

product Duragesic and the generic product fentanyl. The directions for using

the fentanyl skin patch must be followed exactly to prevent death or other

serious side effects from overdosing with fentanyl, according to the FDA.

*Safety Information You Need to Know*

Some patients and doctors may not be fully aware of the dangers of this very

strong narcotic painkiller. Therefore, the FDA is highlighting the following

important safety information:

- Fentanyl skin patches are very strong narcotic painkillers that may

cause death from overdose. The fentanyl skin patch should always be

prescribed at the lowest dose needed for pain relief.

- Fentanyl skin patches should not be used to treat short-term pain,

pain that is not constant, or for pain after an operation. Fentanyl skin

patches should only be used by patients who are already taking other

narcotic painkillers and who have chronic pain that is not well controlled

with shorter-acting painkillers.

- Patients who are using the fentanyl skin patch should follow their

doctor's and pharmacist's directions exactly.

- Patients who are using the fentanyl skin patch should safely store

and dispose of used, unneeded, or defective fentanyl skin patches. Fentanyl

skin patches should be stored in a safe place and kept out of the reach of

children. Safely dispose of used, unneeded, or defective fentanyl skin

patches by folding the sticky side of the patch together (until it sticks to

itself) and flushing it down the toilet.

*Signs of Overdose*

Patients who use the fentanyl skin patch should be aware of the signs of

fentanyl overdose: trouble breathing or shallow breathing; tiredness,

extreme sleepiness, or sedation; inability to think, talk, or walk normally;

and feeling faint, dizzy, or confused. If these signs occur, patients or

their caregivers should get medical attention right away.

A patient using the fentanyl skin patch may have a sudden and possible

dangerous rise in their body level of fentanyl or have a stronger effect

from fentanyl if they:

- Use other medicines that affect brain function

- Drink alcohol (beer, wine, or distilled spirits)

- Have an increase in body temperature or are exposed to heat

- Use other medicines that affect how fentanyl is broken down in the

body.

Patients should discuss all the above factors with their doctor or

pharmacist.

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SOURCE: FDA.