Duragesic ® is
a transdermal patch that gradually releases
fentanyl, a painkiller 81 times more potent
than morphine.
Duragesic® works primarily
by releasing fentanyl into fatty tissue -
it is then released gradually into the bloodstream
for prolonged pain relief.
The
potential for abuse and even overdose is
extremely high. A lethal dose of fentanyl
can be as little as .5 milligrams in a person
with low tolerance. As a result, early treatment
for dependency is crucial.
Duragesic is a prescription transdermal patch
that delivers the opiate Fentanyl for those
with persistent, moderate-to-severe chronic
pain. Fentanyl is absorbed into the body slowly,
providing relief for pain for up to three days.
Because they are strong narcotics, Duragesic
and Fentanyl should be used when other, less
potent medications don’t work for round-the-clock
pain. It is intended for individuals who are
already tolerant to opiates. If used by a patient
whose system is not used to opiates, the drug
can cause fatal respiratory depression. The
patch comes in five sizes, delivering between
12.5 and 100 micrograms per hour.
WARNINGS FOR DURAGESIC
Warnings that come with the prescription say
Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance
in the U.S., which classifies drugs according
to their potential to be abused and cause dependence.
It is in the same classification as morphine,
methadone and OxyContin, which all have a high
potential for abuse and fatal overdose, according
to the label. The high content of Fentanyl
in the Duragesic patch makes it a likely target
for misuse, abuse and diversion, the manufacturer
says. Duragesic should only be used on intact
skin in its intended form. It should not be
used if the patch has been cut, damaged or
changed in any way. This could lead to quick
absorption of a potentially fatal dose of Fentanyl,
according to the label. The U.S. Food and Drug
Administration received several reports of
deaths and life-threatening side effects despite
a July 2005 advisory that emphasized safe use.
The FDA said some doctors prescribe the patch
inappropriately for pain following surgery,
headaches and occasional or mild pain.
DURAGESIC SIDE
EFFECTS
As with most opiate painkillers, side effects
could produce diarrhea, nausea, constipation,
dry mouth, confusion, sweating, abdominal pain,
headache, fatigue, weight loss, dizziness,
hallucinations, anxiety, depression and flu-like
symptoms. In some cases, side effects could
be more serious or life-threatening.
DURAGESIC ADDICTION/OVERDOSE/WITHDRAWAL/TREATMENT
Regular users of Fentanyl may become addicted
quickly. It is most often used orally but like
heroin can be smoked, snorted or injected.
On the black market, Fentanyl is most often
sold in Duragesic patch form. It can be cut
up or eaten and the gel inside the patch can
be smoked. The FDA says some patients use the
patch incorrectly, by replacing it more frequently
than prescribed or applying a heat source to
the patch. This causes dangerously high levels
of the drug in the bloodstream and can lead
to overdose, it said. Because prolonged use
of opiate drugs can cause tolerance, patients
who use them should be gradually weaned from
them. Abruptly discontinuing use can cause
severe withdrawal symptoms. Opiate addiction
is on the rise around the world. Fortunately,
many treatment options are available. They
could include in-patient or out-patient programs
and may require detox, rehabilitation and after-care
therapy. Many cases of long-term opiate abuse
require medically-supervised detox to ensure
patients are safe and comfortable.
Get
Duragesic Help Now
Call
us today to discuss how the Waismann Method
can free you from your Duragesic dependency
and get your life back.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
After-hours
and weekends, please call (310) 927-7155.
Call
(310) 205-0808 or (888) 987-HOPE (4673)
during business hours. for more
information about rapid detox treatment
for prescription drug addiction
