People with moderate-to-severe chronic pain may benefit from Duragesic
® (
fentanyl patch). This product contains a strong, long-acting opioid narcotic, which has a high potential for abuse. It is only approved for use in people who are using other opioid medications and have not been able to control their pain adequately with these drugs.
For around-the-clock relief of pain, the Duragesic patch is worn continuously for three days (72 hours). After three days, a new patch is applied to a different skin site.
Even though most people tolerate this medication well, side effects can occur and may include nausea, vomiting, and
constipation. If reactions do occur, they tend to be mild and easy to treat.
(Click Duragesic for more information on this pain patch. This resource also explains how Duragesic works, dosing guidelines for using this medicated patch, and general safety precautions to be aware of before beginning treatment.)