Fentanyl is the generic name for a powerful opioid pain reliever that comes in several forms, including a transdermal patch sold under the brand name of Duragesic. The drug is absorbed from the patch through the skin into the underlying tissue before being carried by the bloodstream to the central nervous system.

Pharmacology

Fentanyl interacts with the opioid mu-receptors in the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the central nervous system to relieve pain.

Good Candidates

Ortho-McNeil, the company that makes Duragesic, says that fentanyl patches are indicated for people who have moderate to severe chronic pain requiring round-the-clock opioids for a prolonged period of time. Fentanyl is designed for people who have developed such tolerance to other opioid drugs that those medications are no longer effective.

Expert Insight

Ortho-McNeil recommends that physicians prescribing fentanyl patches develop a treatment plan to help the patient make the transition from more immediate-acting opioids such as morphine to the fentanyl patch.

Considerations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies fentanyl as a Schedule II drug, which indicates it is in the class with the highest potential for drug abuse and fatal overdose from respiratory depression.

Contraindications

According to Ortho-McNeil, fentanyl patches should not be prescribed for pain that is mild, short-term, related to surgery and intermittent. When it's necessary for people at high risk for drug abuse to use fentanyl, doctors should monitor these individuals closely.

Source:

Duragesic: Duragesic Full Prescribing Information

More Information:

RX List: Duragesic