Fentanyl Skin Patches

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Brand name(s): Duragesic

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using fentanyl skin patches,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to fentanyl, adhesives, or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other pain relievers; antidepressants; carbamazepine (Tegretol), clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, others), HIV protease inhibitors such as ritonavir (Norvir), itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medications for cough, cold or allergies; phenytoin (Dilantin), rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane), sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver or kidney disease, a history of alcoholism, lung or thyroid disease, heart disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary problems.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using a fentanyl skin patch, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using fentanyl skin patches.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• keep in mind that you should not expose the skin patch to direct heat or sunlight, heating pads, electric blankets, hot tubs, or other heat sources. Heat may increase the amount of fentanyl you receive.

Last Revised: 04/01/2003

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