DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) is a transdermal system providing continuous systemic delivery of fentanyl, a potent opioid analgesic, for 72 hours. The chemical name is N-Phenyl-N-(1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl) propanamide. The structural formula is:

The molecular weight of fentanyl base is 336.5, and the empirical formula is C₂₂H₂₈N₂O. The n-octanol:water partition coefficient is 860:1. The pKa is 8.4.

System Components and Structure

The amount of fentanyl released from each system per hour is proportional to the surface area (25 mcg/h per 10 cm²). The composition per unit area of all system sizes is identical. Each system also contains 0.1 mL of alcohol USP per 10 cm².

DURAGESIC® is a rectangular transparent unit comprising a protective liner and four functional layers. Proceeding from the outer surface toward the surface adhering to skin, these layers are:

1) a backing layer of polyester film; 2) a drug reservoir of fentanyl and alcohol USP gelled with hydroxyethyl cellulose; 3) an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer membrane that controls the rate of fentanyl delivery to the skin surface; and 4) a fentanyl containing silicone adhesive. Before use, a protective liner covering the adhesive layer is removed and discarded.

The active component of the system is fentanyl. The remaining components are pharmacologically inactive. Less than 0.2 mL of alcohol is also released from the system during use.

Do not cut or damage DURAGESIC®. If the DURAGESIC® system is cut or damaged, controlled drug delivery will not be possible, which can lead to the rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl.

Last updated on RxList: 6/29/2007

DURAGESIC® is indicated for management of persistent moderate to severe chronic pain that:

• requires continuous, around-the-clock opioid administration for an extended period of time, and
• cannot be managed by other means such as non-steroidal analgesics, opioid combination products, or immediate-release opioids

DURAGESIC® should ONLY be used in patients who are already receiving opioid therapy, who have demonstrated opioid tolerance, and who require a total daily dose at least equivalent to DURAGESIC® 25 mcg/h (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Patients who are considered opioid-tolerant are those who have been taking, for a week or longer, at least 60 mg of morphine daily, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid.

Because serious or life-threatening hypoventilation could result, DURAGESIC® is contraindicated for use on an as needed basis (i.e., prn), for the management of postoperative or acute pain, or in patients who are not opioid-tolerant or who require opioid analgesia for a short period of time. (see BOX WARNING and CONTRAINDICATIONS).

An evaluation of the appropriateness and adequacy of treating with immediate-release opioids is advisable prior to initiating therapy with any modified-release opioid. Prescribers should individualize treatment in every case, initiating therapy at the appropriate point along a progression from non-opioid analgesics, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, to opioids, in a plan of pain management such as outlined by the World Health Organization, the Agency for Health Research and Quality, the Federation of State Medical Boards Model Policy, or the American Pain Society.

Patients should be assessed for their clinical risks for opioid abuse or addiction prior to being prescribed opioids. Patients receiving opioids should be routinely monitored for signs of misuse, abuse, and addiction. Persons at increased risk for opioid abuse include those with a personal or family history of substance abuse (including drug or alcohol abuse or addiction) or mental illness (e.g.,major depression). Patients at increased risk may still be appropriately treated with modified-release opioid formulations; however these patients will require intensive monitoring for signs of misuse, abuse, or addiction.

Special Precautions

DURAGESIC® contains a high concentration of a potent Schedule II opioid agonist, fentanyl. Schedule II opioid substances which include fentanyl, hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone have the highest potential for abuse and associated risk of fatal overdose due to respiratory depression. Fentanyl can be abused and is subject to criminal diversion. The high content of fentanyl in the patches (DURAGESIC®) may be a particular target for abuse and diversion.

DURAGESIC® patches are intended for transdermal use (on intact skin) only. Using damaged DURAGESIC® patches can lead to the rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl . In addition, exposure to the contents of a DURAGESIC® patch can lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.

DURAGESIC® is ONLY for use in patients who are already tolerant to opioid therapy of comparable potency. Use in non-opioid tolerant patients may lead to fatal respiratory depression. Overestimating the DURAGESIC® dose when converting patients from another opioid medication can result in fatal overdose with the first dose. Due to the mean elimination half-life of 17 hours of DURAGESIC®, patients who are thought to have had a serious adverse event, including overdose, will require monitoring and treatment for at least 24 hours.

The concomitant use of DURAGESIC® with potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, and nefazodone) may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse drug effects and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. Patients receiving DURAGESIC® and potent CYP3A4 inhibitors should be carefully monitored for an extended period of time and dosage adjustments should be made if warranted. (See BOX WARNING, WARNINGS, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Drug Interactions and PRECAUTIONS for further information.)

General Principles

DURAGESIC® is indicated for management of persistent, moderate to severe chronic pain that:

• requires continuous, around-the-clock opioid administration for an extended period of time
• cannot be managed by other means such as non-steroidal analgesics, opioid combination products, or immediate-release opioids

DURAGESIC® should ONLY be used in patients who are already receiving opioid therapy, who have demonstrated opioid tolerance, and who require a total daily dose at least equivalent to DURAGESIC® 25 mcg/h. Patients who are considered opioid-tolerant are those who have been taking, for a week or longer, at least 60 mg of morphine daily, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg oral hydromorphone daily, or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid.

Because serious or life-threatening hypoventilation could occur, DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) is contraindicated:

• in patients who are not opioid-tolerant
• in the management of acute pain or in patients who require opioid analgesia for a short period of time.
• in the management of post-operative pain, including use after out-patient or day surgeries (e.g., tonsillectomies)
• in the management of mild pain
• in the management of intermittent pain (e.g., use on an as needed basis [prn])

(See CONTRAINDICATIONS for further information.)

Safety of DURAGESIC® has not been established in children under 2 years of age. DURAGESIC® should be administered to children only if they are opioid-tolerant and 2 years of age or older (see PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use).

Prescribers should individualize treatment using a progressive plan of pain management such as outlined by the World Health Organization, the Agency for Health Research and Quality, the Federation of State Medical Boards Model Policy, or the American Pain Society.

With all opioids, the safety of patients using the products is dependent on health care practitioners prescribing them in strict conformity with their approved labeling with respect to patient selection, dosing, and proper conditions for use.

As with all opioids, dosage should be individualized. The most important factor to be considered in determining the appropriate dose is the extent of pre-existing opioid-tolerance (see BOX WARNING and CONTRAINDICATIONS). Initial doses should be reduced in elderly or debilitated patients (see PRECAUTIONS).

DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) should be applied to intact, non-irritated, and non-irradiated skin on a flat surface such as the chest, back, flank, or upper arm. In young children and persons with cognitive impairment, adhesion should be monitored and the upper back is the preferred location to minimize the potential of inappropriate patch removal. Hair at the application site should be clipped (not shaved) prior to system application. If the site of DURAGESIC® application must be cleansed prior to application of the patch, do so with clear water. Do not use soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or any other agents that might irritate the skin or alter its characteristics. Allow the skin to dry completely prior to patch application.

DURAGESIC® should be applied immediately upon removal from the sealed package. Do not use if the seal is broken. Do not alter the patch (e.g., cut) in any way prior to application and do not use cut or damaged patches.

The transdermal system should be pressed firmly in place with the palm of the hand for 30 seconds, making sure the contact is complete, especially around the edges. If the gel from the drug reservoir accidentally contacts the skin of the patient or caregiver, the skin should be washed with copious amounts of water. Do not use soap, alcohol, or other solvents to remove the gel because they may enhance the drug's ability to penetrate the skin.

Each DURAGESIC® may be worn continuously for 72 hours. The next patch should be applied to a different skin site after removal of the previous transdermal system.

DURAGESIC® should be kept out of the reach of children. Used patches should be folded so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself, then the patch should be flushed down the toilet immediately upon removal. Patients should dispose of any patches remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed. Unused patches should be removed from their pouches, folded so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself, and flushed down the toilet.

Dose Selection

Doses must be individualized based upon the status of each patient and should be assessed at regular intervals after DURAGESIC® application. Reduced doses of DURAGESIC® are suggested for the elderly and other groups discussed in precautions.

DURAGESIC® is ONLY for use in patients who are already tolerant to opioid therapy of comparable potency. Use in non-opioid tolerant patients may lead to fatal respiratory depression.

Pediatric patients converting to DURAGESIC® therapy with a 25 mcg/h patch should be opioid-tolerant and receiving at least 60 mg of oral morphine equivalents per day. The dose conversion schedule described in Table C and method of titration described below are recommended in opioid-tolerant pediatric patients over 2 years of age with chronic pain (see PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use).

In selecting an initial DURAGESIC® dose, attention should be given to 1) the daily dose, potency, and characteristics of the opioid the patient has been taking previously (e.g., whether it is a pure agonist or mixed agonist-antagonist), 2) the reliability of the relative potency estimates used to calculate the DURAGESIC® dose needed (potency estimates may vary with the route of administration), 3) the degree of opioid tolerance and 4) the general condition and medical status of the patient. Each patient should be maintained at the lowest dose providing acceptable pain control.

Initial DURAGESIC® Dose Selection

Overestimating the DURAGESIC® dose when converting patients from another opioid medication can result in fatal overdose with the first dose. Due to the mean elimination half-life of 17 hours of DURAGESIC®, patients who are thought to have had a serious adverse event, including overdose, will require monitoring and treatment for at least 24 hours.

There has been no systematic evaluation of DURAGESIC® as an initial opioid analgesic in the management of chronic pain, since most patients in the clinical trials were converted to DURAGESIC® from other narcotics. The efficacy of DURAGESIC® 12 mcg/h as an initiating dose has not been determined. In addition, patients who are not opioid-tolerant have experienced hypoventilation and death during use of DURAGESIC®. Therefore, DURAGESIC® should be used only in patients who are opioid-tolerant.

To convert adult and pediatric patients from oral or parenteral opioids to DURAGESIC®, use Table C:

Alternatively, for adult and pediatric patients taking opioids or doses not listed in Table C, use the following methodology:

1. Calculate the previous 24-hour analgesic requirement.
2. Convert this amount to the equianalgesic oral morphine dose using Table D.
3. Table E displays the range of 24-hour oral morphine doses that are recommended for conversion to each DURAGESIC® dose. Use this table to find the calculated 24-hour morphine dose and the corresponding DURAGESIC® dose. Initiate DURAGESIC® treatment using the recommended dose and titrate patients upwards (no more frequently than every 3 days after the initial dose or than every 6 days thereafter) until analgesic efficacy is attained. The recommended starting dose when converting from other opioids to DURAGESIC® is likely too low for 50% of patients. This starting dose is recommended to minimize the potential for overdosing patients with the first dose. For delivery rates in excess of 100 mcg/h, multiple systems may be used.

Alternatively, for adult and pediatric patients taking opioids or doses not listed in Table C, use the conversion methodology outlined above with Table D.

¹Table C should not be used to convert from DURAGESIC® to other therapies because this conversion to DURAGESIC® is conservative. Use of table C for conversion to other analgesic therapies can overestimate the dose of the new agent. Overdosage of the new analgesic agent is possible (see dosage and administration -discontinuation of DURAGESIC®).

TABLE D^a
EQUIANALGESIC POTENCY CONVERSION

¹Table D should not be used to convert from DURAGESIC® to other therapies because this conversion to DURAGESIC® is conservative. Use of table D for conversion to other analgesic therapies can overestimate the dose of the new agent. Overdosage of the new analgesic agent is possible (see dosage and administration -discontinuation of DURAGESIC®).

a         All IM and PO doses in this chart are considered equivalent to 10 mg of IM

morphine in analgesic effect. IM denotes intramuscular, PO oral, and PR rectal.

b         Based on single-dose studies in which an intramuscular dose of each drug listed

was compared with morphine to establish the relative potency. Oral doses are those recommended when changing from parenteral to an oral route. Reference: Foley, K.M. (1985) The treatment of cancer pain. NEJM 313(2):84-95.

c         Although controlled studies are not available, in clinical practice it is customary

to consider the doses of opioid given IM, IV, or subcutaneously to be equivalent. There may be some differences in pharmacokinetic parameters such as Cmax and Tmax.

d         The conversion ratio of 10 mg parenteral morphine = 30 mg oral morphine is

based on clinical experience in patients with chronic pain. The conversion ratio of 10 mg parenteral morphine = 60 mg oral morphine is based on a potency study in acute pain. Reference: Ashburn and Lipman (1993) Management of pain in the cancer patient. Anesth Analg 76:402-416.

TABLE E¹
RECOMMENDED INITIAL DURAGESIC® DOSE BASED UPON DAILY ORAL MORPHINE DOSE

NOTE: In clinical trials, these ranges of daily oral morphine doses were used as a basis for conversion to DURAGESIC®.

¹Table E should not be used to convert from DURAGESIC® to other therapies because this conversion to DURAGESIC® is conservative. Use of table E for conversion to other analgesic therapies can overestimate the dose of the new agent. Overdosage of the new analgesic agent is possible (see dosage and administration -discontinuation of DURAGESIC®).

²Pediatric patients initiating therapy on a 25 mcg/h DURAGESIC® system should be opioid-tolerant and receiving at least 60 mg oral morphine equivalents per day.

The majority of patients are adequately maintained with DURAGESIC® administered every 72 hours. Some patients may not achieve adequate analgesia using this dosing interval and may require systems to be applied every 48 hours rather than every 72 hours. An increase in the DURAGESIC® dose should be evaluated before changing dosing intervals in order to maintain patients on a 72-hour regimen. Dosing intervals less than every 72 hours were not studied in children and adolescents and are not recommended.

Because of the increase in serum fentanyl concentration over the first 24 hours following initial system application, the initial evaluation of the maximum analgesic effect of DURAGESIC® cannot be made before 24 hours of wearing. The initial DURAGESIC® dose may be increased after 3 days (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - Dose Titration).

During the initial application of DURAGESIC®, patients should use short-acting analgesics as needed until analgesic efficacy with DURAGESIC® is attained. Thereafter, some patients still may require periodic supplemental doses of other short-acting analgesics for "breakthrough" pain.

Dose Titration

The recommended initial DURAGESIC® dose based upon the daily oral morphine dose is conservative, and 50% of patients are likely to require a dose increase after initial application of DURAGESIC®. The initial DURAGESIC® dose may be increased after 3 days based on the daily dose of supplemental opioid analgesics required by the patient in the second or third day of the initial application.

Physicians are advised that it may take up to 6 days after increasing the dose of DURAGESIC® for the patient to reach equilibrium on the new dose (see graph in CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY). Therefore, patients should wear a higher dose through two applications before any further increase in dosage is made on the basis of the average daily use of a supplemental analgesic.

Appropriate dosage increments should be based on the daily dose of supplementary opioids, using the ratio of 45 mg/24 hours of oral morphine to a 12.5 mcg/h increase in DURAGESIC® dose. DURAGESIC®-12 delivers 12.5 mcg/h of fentanyl.

Discontinuation of DURAGESIC®

To convert patients to another opioid, remove DURAGESIC® and titrate the dose of the new analgesic based upon the patient's report of pain until adequate analgesia has been attained. Upon system removal, 17 hours or more are required for a 50% decrease in serum fentanyl concentrations. Opioid withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anxiety, and shivering) are possible in some patients after conversion or dose adjustment. For patients requiring discontinuation of opioids, a gradual downward titration is recommended since it is not known at what dose level the opioid may be discontinued without producing the signs and symptoms of abrupt withdrawal.

Tables C, D, and E should not be used to convert from DURAGESIC® to other therapies. Because the conversion to DURAGESIC® is conservative, use of tables C, D, and E for conversion to other analgesic therapies can overestimate the dose of the new agent. Overdosage of the new analgesic agent is possible.

DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) is supplied in cartons containing 5 individually packaged systems. See chart for information regarding individual systems.

Safety and Handling

DURAGESIC® is supplied in sealed transdermal systems which pose little risk of exposure to health care workers. If the gel from the drug reservoir accidentally contacts the skin, the area should be washed with copious amounts of water. Do not use soap, alcohol, or other solvents to remove the gel because they may enhance the drug's ability to penetrate the skin. Do not cut or damage DURAGESIC®. If the DURAGESIC® system is cut or damaged, controlled drug delivery will not be possible, which can lead to the rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl.

KEEP DURAGESIC® OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN AND PETS.

Do not store above 77°F (25°C). Apply immediately after removal from individually sealed package. Do not use if the seal is broken. For transdermal use only.

A schedule CII narcotic. DEA order form required.

Manufactured by: ALZA Corporation., Mountain View, CA 94043
Distributed by: Janssen Pharmaceutica Products, L.P Titusville, NJ 08560
FDA rev date: 2/4/2005

Last updated on RxList: 6/29/2007

In post-marketing experience, deaths from hypoventilation due to inappropriate use of DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) have been reported (see BOX WARNING and CONTRAINDICATIONS).

Pre-Marketing Clinical Trial Experience

Although DURAGESIC® use in post-operative or acute pain and in patients who are not opioid-tolerant is CONTRAINDICATED, the safety of DURAGESIC® was originally evaluated in 357 post-operative adult patients for 1 to 3 days and 153 cancer patients for a total of 510 patients. The duration of DURAGESIC® use varied in cancer patients; 56% of patients used DURAGESIC® for over 30 days, 28% continued treatment for more than 4 months, and 10% used DURAGESIC® for more than 1 year.

Hypoventilation was the most serious adverse reaction observed in 13 (4%) post-operative patients and in 3 (2%) of the cancer patients. Hypotension and hypertension were observed in 11 (3%) and 4 (1%) of the opioid-naive patients.

Various adverse events were reported; a causal relationship to DURAGESIC® was not always determined. The frequencies presented here reflect the actual frequency of each adverse effect in patients who received DURAGESIC®. There has been no attempt to correct for a placebo effect, concomitant use of other opioids, or to subtract the frequencies reported by placebo-treated patients in controlled trials.

Adverse reactions reported in 153 cancer patients at a frequency of 1% or greater are presented in Table 1; similar reactions were seen in the 357 post-operative patients.

In the pediatric population, the safety of DURAGESIC® has been evaluated in 291 patients with chronic pain 2-18 years of age. The duration of DURAGESIC® use varied; 20% of pediatric patients were treated for ≤ 15 days; 46% for 16-30 days; 16% for 31-60 days; and 17% for at least 61 days. Twenty-five patients were treated with DURAGESIC® for at least 4 months and 9 patients for more than 9 months.

There was no apparent pediatric-specific risk associated with DURAGESIC® use in children as young as 2 years old when used as directed. The most common adverse events were fever (35%), vomiting (33%), and nausea (24%).

Adverse events reported in pediatric patients at a rate of ≥ 1% are presented in Table 1.

TABLE 1: ADVERSE EVENTS (at rate of ≥ 1%)
Adult (N=380) and Pediatric (N=291) Clinical Trial Experience

The following adverse effects have been reported in less than 1% of the 510 adult post-operative and cancer patients studied:
Cardiovascular: bradycardia
Digestive: abdominal distention
Nervous: aphasia, hypertonia, vertigo, stupor, hypotonia, depersonalization, hostility
Respiratory: stertorous breathing, asthma, respiratory disorder
Skin and Appendages, General: exfoliative dermatitis, pustules
Special Senses: amblyopia
Urogenital: bladder pain, oliguria, urinary frequency

Post-Marketing Experience - Adults

The following adverse reactions have been reported in association with the use of DURAGESIC® and not reported in the pre-marketing adverse reactions section above:
Body as a Whole: edema
Cardiovascular: tachycardia
Metabolic and Nutritional: weight loss
Special Senses: blurred vision
Urogenital: decreased libido, anorgasmia, ejaculatory difficulty

DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

DURAGESIC® contains a high concentration of fentanyl, a potent Schedule II opioid agonist. Schedule II opioid substances, which include hydromorphone, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, and oxymorphone, have the highest potential for abuse and risk of fatal overdose due to respiratory depression. Fentanyl, like morphine and other opioids used in analgesia, can be abused and is subject to criminal diversion.

The high content of fentanyl in the patches (DURAGESIC®) may be a particular target for abuse and diversion.

Addiction is a primary, chronic, neurobiologic disease, with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over drug use, compulsive use, continued use despite harm, and craving. Drug addiction is a treatable disease, utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, but relapse is common.

"Drug seeking" behavior is very common in addicts and drug abusers. Drug-seeking tactics include emergency calls or visits near the end of office hours, refusal to undergo appropriate examination, testing or referral, repeated "loss" of prescriptions, tampering with prescriptions and reluctance to provide prior medical records or contact information for other treating physician(s). "Doctor shopping" to obtain additional prescriptions is common among drug abusers and people suffering from untreated addiction.

Abuse and addiction are separate and distinct from physical dependence and tolerance. Physicians should be aware that addiction may be accompanied by concurrent tolerance and symptoms of physical dependence. In addition, abuse of opioids can occur in the absence of true addiction and is characterized by misuse for non-medical purposes, often in combination with other psychoactive substances. Since DURAGESIC® may be diverted for non-medical use, careful record keeping of prescribing information, including quantity, frequency, and renewal requests is strongly advised. Proper assessment of the patient, proper prescribing practices, periodic re-evaluation of therapy, and proper dispensing and storage are appropriate measures that help to limit abuse of opioid drugs.

DURAGESIC® patches are intended for transdermal use (to be applied on the skin) only. Using cut or damaged DURAGESIC® patches or its contents can lead to the rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl.

Agents Affecting Cytochrome P450 3A4 Isoenzyme System

Fentanyl is metabolized mainly via the human cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system (CYP3A4), therefore potential interactions may occur when DURAGESIC® is given concurrently with agents that affect CYP3A4 activity. Coadminstration with agents that induce 3A4 activity may reduce the efficacy of DURAGESIC®. The concomitant use of transdermal fentanyl with ritonavir or other potent 3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, and nefazadone may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations (see BOX WARNING, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Drug Interactions , WARNINGS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). The concomitant use of other CYP3A4 inhibitors such as diltiazem and erythromycin with transdermal fentanyl may also result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse drug effects and may cause serious respiratory depression. In this situation, special patient care and observation are appropriate.

Central Nervous System Depressants

The concomitant use of DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) with other central nervous system depressants, including but not limited to other opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers (e.g., benzodiazepines), general anesthetics, phenothiazines, skeletal muscle relaxants, and alcohol, may cause respiratory depression, hypotension, and profound sedation, or potentially result in coma or death. When such combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be significantly reduced.

MAO Inhibitors

DURAGESIC® is not recommended for use in patients who have received MAOI within 14 days because severe and unpredictable potentiation by MAO inhibitors has been reported with opioid analgesics.

Last updated on RxList: 6/29/2007

DURAGESIC® patches are intended for transdermal use (on intact skin) only. Using damaged or cut DURAGESIC® patches can lead to the rapid release of the contents of the DURAGESIC® patch and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl.

The safety of DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) has not been established in children under 2 years of age. DURAGESIC® should be administered to children only if they are opioid-tolerant and 2 years of age or older (see PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use).

DURAGESIC® is ONLY for use in patients who are already tolerant to opioid therapy of comparable potency. Use in non-opioid tolerant patients may lead to fatal respiratory depression. Overestimating the DURAGESIC® dose when converting patients from another opioid medication can result in fatal overdose with the first dose. The mean elimination half-life of DURAGESIC® is 17 hours. Therefore, patients who have experienced serious adverse events, including overdose, will require monitoring for at least 24 hours after DURAGESIC® removal since serum fentanyl concentrations decline gradually and reach an approximate 50% reduction in serum concentrations 17 hours after system removal.

DURAGESIC® should be prescribed only by persons knowledgeable in the continuous administration of potent opioids, in the management of patients receiving potent opioids for treatment of pain, and in the detection and management of hypoventilation including the use of opioid antagonists.

All patients and their caregivers should be advised to avoid exposing the DURAGESIC® application site to direct external heat sources, such as heating pads or electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, and heated water beds, etc., while wearing the system. There is a potential for temperature-dependent increases in fentanyl released from the system resulting in possible overdose and death (see PRECAUTIONS - Patients with Fever/External Heat).

Death and other serious medical problems have occurred when people were accidentally exposed to DURAGESIC®. Examples of accidental exposure include transfer of a DURAGESIC® patch from an adult's body to a child while hugging, accidental sitting on a patch and possible accidental exposure of a caregiver's skin to the medication in the patch while the caregiver was applying or removing the patch.

Placing DURAGESIC® in the mouth, chewing it, swallowing it, or using it in ways other than indicated may cause choking or overdose that could result in death.

Misuse, Abuse and Diversion of Opioids

Fentanyl is an opioid agonist of the morphine-type. Such drugs are sought by drug abusers and people with addiction disorders and are subject to criminal diversion.

Fentanyl can be abused in a manner similar to other opioids, legal or illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing DURAGESIC® in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse or diversion.

DURAGESIC® has been reported as being abused by other methods and routes of administration. These practices will result in uncontrolled delivery of the opioid and pose a significant risk to the abuser that could result in overdose and death (see WARNINGS and DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION).

Concerns about abuse, addiction and diversion should not prevent the proper management of pain. However, all patients treated with opioids require careful monitoring for signs of abuse and addiction, since use of opioid analgesic products carries the risk of addiction even under appropriate medical use.

Healthcare professionals should contact their state professional licensing board or state controlled substances authority for information on how to prevent and detect abuse or diversion of this product.

Hypoventilation (Respiratory Depression)

Serious or life-threatening hypoventilation may occur at any time during the use of DURAGESIC® especially during the initial 24-72 hours following initiation of therapy and following increases in dose.

Because significant amounts of fentanyl are absorbed from the skin for 17 hours or more after the patch is removed, hypoventilation may persist beyond the removal of DURAGESIC®. Consequently, patients with hypoventilation should be carefully observed for degree of sedation and their respiratory rate monitored until respiration has stabilized.

The use of concomitant CNS active drugs requires special patient care and observation.

Respiratory depression is the chief hazard of opioid agonists, including fentanyl the active ingredient in DURAGESIC®. Respiratory depression is more likely to occur in elderly or debilitated patients, usually following large initial doses in non- tolerant patients, or when opioids are given in conjunction with other drugs that depress respiration.

Respiratory depression from opioids is manifested by a reduced urge to breathe and a decreased rate of respiration, often associated with the "sighing" pattern of breathing (deep breaths separated by abnormally long pauses). Carbon dioxide retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. This makes overdoses involving drugs with sedative properties and opioids especially dangerous.

DURAGESIC® should be used with extreme caution in patients with significant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cor pulmonale, and in patients having a substantially decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression. In such patients, even usual therapeutic doses of DURAGESIC® may decrease respiratory drive to the point of apnea. In these patients, alternative non-opioid analgesics should be considered, and opioids should be employed only under careful medical supervision at the lowest effective dose.

Chronic Pulmonary Disease

Because potent opioids can cause serious or life-threatening hypoventilation, DURAGESIC® should be administered with caution to patients with pre-existing medical conditions predisposing them to hypoventilation. In such patients, normal analgesic doses of opioids may further decrease respiratory drive to the point of respiratory failure.

Head Injuries and Increased Intracranial Pressure

DURAGESIC® should not be used in patients who may be particularly susceptible to the intracranial effects of CO2 retention such as those with evidence of increased intracranial pressure, impaired consciousness, or coma. Opioids may obscure the clinical course of patients with head injury. DURAGESIC® should be used with caution in patients with brain tumors.

Interactions with other CNS Depressants

The concomitant use of DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) with other central nervous system depressants, including but not limited to other opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers (e.g., benzodiazepines), general anesthetics, phenothiazines, skeletal muscle relaxants, and alcohol, may cause respiratory depression, hypotension, and profound sedation or potentially result in coma. When such combined therapy is contemplated, the dose of one or both agents should be significantly reduced.

Interactions with Alcohol and Drugs of Abuse

Fentanyl may be expected to have additive CNS depressant effects when used in conjunction with alcohol, other opioids, or illicit drugs that cause central nervous system depression.

Interactions with CYP3A4 Inhibitors

The concomitant use of DURAGESIC® with potent cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors (ritonavir, ketoconazole, itraconazole, troleandomycin, clarithromycin, nelfinavir, and nefazodone) may result in an increase in fentanyl plasma concentrations, which could increase or prolong adverse drug effects and may cause potentially fatal respiratory depression. Patients receiving DURAGESIC® and potent CYP3A4 inhibitors should be carefully monitored for an extended period of time and dosage adjustments should be made if warranted. (See BOX WARNING, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY - Drug Interactions, PRECAUTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION for further information.)

General

DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) should not be used to initiate opioid therapy in patients who are not opioid-tolerant. Children converting to DURAGESIC® should be opioid-tolerant and 2 years of age or older (see BOX WARNING.)

Patients, family members and caregivers should be instructed to keep patches (new and used) out of the reach of children and others for whom DURAGESIC® was not prescribed. A considerable amount of active fentanyl remains in DURAGESIC® even after use as directed. Accidental or deliberate application or ingestion by a child or adolescent will cause respiratory depression that could result in death.

Cardiac Disease

Fentanyl may produce bradycardia. Fentanyl should be administered with caution to patients with bradyarrhythmias.

Hepatic or Renal Disease

Insufficient information exists to make recommendations regarding the use of DURAGESIC® in patients with impaired renal or hepatic function. If the drug is used in these patients, it should be used with caution because of the hepatic metabolism and renal excretion of fentanyl.

Patients with Fever/External Heat

Based on a pharmacokinetic model, serum fentanyl concentrations could theoretically increase by approximately one-third for patients with a body temperature of 40°C (104°F) due to temperature-dependent increases in fentanyl released from the system and increased skin permeability. Therefore, patients wearing DURAGESIC® systems who develop fever should be monitored for opioid side effects and the DURAGESIC® dose should be adjusted if necessary.

All patients and their caregivers should be advised to avoid exposing the DURAGESIC® application site to direct external heat sources, such as heating pads or electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, and heated water beds, etc., while wearing the system. There is a potential for temperature-dependent increases in fentanyl release from the system.

Use in Pancreatic/Biliary Tract Disease

DURAGESIC® may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi and should be used with caution in patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis. Opioids like DURAGESIC® may cause increases in the serum amylase concentration.

Tolerance

Tolerance is a state of adaptation in which exposure to a drug induces changes that result in a diminution of one or more of the drug's effects over time. Tolerance may occur to both the desired and undesired effects of drugs, and may develop at different rates for different effects.

Physical Dependence

Physical dependence is a state of adaptation that is manifested by an opioid specific withdrawal syndrome that can be produced by abrupt cessation, rapid dose reduction, decreasing blood level of the drug, and/or administration of an antagonist. The opioid abstinence or withdrawal syndrome is characterized by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, piloerection, myalgia, mydriasis, irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased blood pressure, respiratory rate, or heart rate. In general, opioids should not be abruptly discontinued (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Cessation of Therapy).

Ambulatory Patients

Strong opioid analgesics impair the mental or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially dangerous tasks, such as driving a car or operating machinery. Patients who have been given DURAGESIC® should not drive or operate dangerous machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of the drug.

Information for Patients

A patient information sheet is included in the package of DURAGESIC® patches dispensed to the patient.

Patients receiving DURAGESIC® patches should be given the following instructions by the physician:

1. Patients should be advised that DURAGESIC® patches contain fentanyl, an opioid pain medicine similar to morphine, hydromorphone, methadone, oxycodone, and oxymorphone.
2. Patients should be advised that each DURAGESIC® patch may be worn continuously for 72 hours, and that each patch should be applied to a different skin site after removal of the previous transdermal patch.
3. Patients should be advised that DURAGESIC® patches should be applied to intact, non-irritated, and non-irradiated skin on a flat surface such as the chest, back, flank, or upper arm. Additionally, patients should be advised of the following:
   • In young children or persons with cognitive impairment, the patch should be put on the upper back to lower the chances that the patch will be removed and placed in the mouth.
   • Hair at the application site should be clipped (not shaved) prior to patch application.
   • If the site of DURAGESIC® application must be cleansed prior to application of the patch, do so with clear water.
   • Do not use soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or any other agents that might irritate the skin or alter its characteristic.
   • Allow the skin to dry completely prior to patch application.
4. Patients should be advised that DURAGESIC® should be applied immediately upon removal from the sealed package and after removal of the protective liner. Additionally the patient should be advised of the following:
   • The DURAGESIC® patch should not be used if the seal is broken, or if it is altered, cut, or damaged in any way prior to application. This could lead to the rapid release of the contents of the DURAGESIC® patch and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of fentanyl. The transdermal patch should be pressed firmly in place with the palm of the hand for 30 seconds, making sure the contact is complete, especially around the edges.
   • The patch should not be folded so that only part of the patch is exposed.
5. Patients should be advised that while wearing the patch, they should avoid exposing the DURAGESIC® application site to direct external heat sources, such as:
   • heating pads,
   • electric blankets,
   • heat lamps,
   • saunas,
   • hot tubs, and
   • heated water beds, etc.,
6. Patients should be advised that there is a potential for temperature-dependent increase in fentanyl release from the patch that could result in an overdose of fentanyl; therefore, if patients develop a high fever while wearing the patch they should contact their physician.
7. Patients should be advised to fold (so that the adhesive side adheres to itself) and immediately flush down the toilet used DURAGESIC® patches after removal from the skin.
8. Patients should be instructed that, if the gel from the drug reservoir accidentally contacts the skin, the area should be washed clean with clear water and not soap, alcohol, or other chemicals, because these products may increase the ability of fentanyl to go through the skin.
9. Patients should be advised that the dose of DURAGESIC® should NEVER be adjusted without the prescribing health care professional's instruction.
10. Patients should be advised that DURAGESIC® may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating machinery).
11. Patients should be advised to refrain from any potentially dangerous activity when starting on DURAGESIC® or when their dose is being adjusted, until it is established that they have not been adversely affected.
12. Patients should be advised that DURAGESIC® should not be combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants (e.g. sleep medications, tranquilizers) because dangerous additive effects may occur, resulting in serious injury or death.
13. Patients should be advised to consult their physician or pharmacist if other medications are being or will be used with DURAGESIC®.
14. Patients should be advised of the potential for severe constipation.
15. Patients should be advised that if they have been receiving treatment with DURAGESIC® and cessation of therapy is indicated, it may be appropriate to taper the DURAGESIC® dose, rather than abruptly discontinue it, due to the risk of precipitating withdrawal symptoms.
16. Patients should be advised that DURAGESIC® contains fentanyl, a drug with high potential for abuse.
17. Patients, family members and caregivers should be advised to protect DURAGESIC® from theft or misuse in the work or home environment.
18. Patients should be advised that DURAGESIC® should never be given to anyone other than the individual for whom it was prescribed because of the risk of death or other serious medical problems to that person for whom it was not intended.
19. Patients should be instructed to keep DURAGESIC® in a secure place out of the reach of children due to the high risk of fatal respiratory depression.
20. When DURAGESIC® is no longer needed, the unused patches should be removed from their pouches, folded so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself, and flushed down the toilet.
21. Women of childbearing potential who become, or are planning to become pregnant, should be advised to consult a physician prior to initiating or continuing therapy with DURAGESIC®.
22. Patients should be informed that accidental exposure or misuse may lead to death or other serious medical problems.
23. Patients should be informed that, if the patch dislodges and accidentally sticks to skin of another person, they should immediately take the patch off, wash the exposed area with water and seek medical attention for the accidentally exposed individual.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, and Impairment of Fertility

Studies in animals to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of fentanyl HCl have not been conducted. There was no evidence of mutagenicity in the Ames Salmonella mutagenicity assay, the primary rat hepatocyte unscheduled DNA synthesis assay, the BALB/c 3T3 transformation test, and the human lymphocyte and CHO chromosomal aberration in-vitro assays.

The potential effects of fentanyl on male and female fertility were examined in the rat model via two separate experiments. In the male fertility study, male rats were treated with fentanyl (0, 0.025, 0.1 or 0.4 mg/kg/day) via continuous intravenous infusion for 28 days prior to mating; female rats were not treated. In the female fertility study, female rats were treated with fentanyl (0, 0.025, 0.1 or 0.4 mg/kg/day) via continuous intravenous infusion for 14 days prior to mating until day 16 of pregnancy; male rats were not treated. Analysis of fertility parameters in both studies indicated that an intravenous dose of fentanyl up to 0.4 mg/kg/day to either the male or the female alone produced no effects on fertility (this dose is approximately 1.6 times the daily human dose administered by a 100 mcg/hr patch on a mg/m² basis). In a separate study, a single daily bolus dose of fentanyl was shown to impair fertility in rats when given in intravenous doses of 0.3 times the human dose for a period of 12 days.

Pregnancy - Pregnancy Category C

No epidemiological studies of congenital anomalies in infants born to women treated with fentanyl during pregnancy have been reported.

The potential effects of fentanyl on embryo-fetal development were studied in the rat, mouse, and rabbit models. Published literature reports that administration of fentanyl (0, 10, 100, or 500 µg/kg/day) to pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats from day 7 to 21 via implanted microosmotic minipumps did not produce any evidence of teratogenicity (the high dose is approximately 2 times the daily human dose administered by a 100 mcg/hr patch on a mg/m² basis). In contrast, the intravenous administration of fentanyl (0, 0.01, or 0.03 mg/kg) to bred female rats from gestation day 6 to 18 suggested evidence of embryotoxicity and a slight increase in mean delivery time in the 0.03 mg/kg/day group. There was no clear evidence of teratogenicity noted.

Pregnant female New Zealand White rabbits were treated with fentanyl (0, 0.025, 0.1, 0.4 mg/kg) via intravenous infusion from day 6 to day 18 of pregnancy. Fentanyl produced a slight decrease in the body weight of the live fetuses at the high dose, which may be attributed to maternal toxicity. Under the conditions of the assay, there was no evidence for fentanyl induced adverse effects on embryo-fetal development at doses up to 0.4 mg/kg (approximately 3 times the daily human dose administered by a 100 mcg/hr patch on a mg/m² basis).

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. DURAGESIC® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nonteratogenic Effects

Chronic maternal treatment with fentanyl during pregnancy has been associated with transient respiratory depression, behavioral changes, or seizures characteristic of neonatal abstinence syndrome in newborn infants. Symptoms of neonatal respiratory or neurological depression were no more frequent than expected in most studies of infants born to women treated acutely during labor with intravenous or epidural fentanyl. Transient neonatal muscular rigidity has been observed in infants whose mothers were treated with intravenous fentanyl.

The potential effects of fentanyl on prenatal and postnatal development were examined in the rat model. Female Wistar rats were treated with 0, 0.025, 0.1, or 0.4 mg/kg/day fentanyl via intravenous infusion from day 6 of pregnancy through 3 weeks of lactation. Fentanyl treatment (0.4 mg/kg/day) significantly decreased body weight in male and female pups and also decreased survival in pups at day 4. Both the mid-dose and high-dose of fentanyl animals demonstrated alterations in some physical landmarks of development (delayed incisor eruption and eye opening) and transient behavioral development (decreased locomotor activity at day 28 which recovered by day 50). The mid-dose and the high-dose are 0.4 and 1.6 times the daily human dose administered by a 100 mcg/hr patch on a mg/m² basis.

Labor and Delivery

Fentanyl readily passes across the placenta to the fetus; therefore, DURAGESIC® is not recommended for analgesia during labor and delivery.

Nursing Mothers

Fentanyl is excreted in human milk; therefore, DURAGESIC® is not recommended for use in nursing women because of the possibility of effects in their infants.

Pediatric Use

The safety of DURAGESIC® was evaluated in three open-label trials in 291 pediatric patients with chronic pain, 2 years of age through 18 years of age. Starting doses of 25 mcg/h and higher were used by 181 patients who had been on prior daily opioid doses of at least 45 mg/day of oral morphine or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid. Initiation of DURAGESIC® therapy in pediatric patients taking less than 60 mg/day of oral morphine or an equianalgesic dose of another opioid has not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials. Approximately 90% of the total daily opioid requirement (DURAGESIC® plus rescue medication) was provided by DURAGESIC®.

DURAGESIC® was not studied in children under 2 years of age.

DURAGESIC® should be administered to children only if they are opioid-tolerant and 2 years of age or older (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and BOX WARNING).

To guard against accidental ingestion by children, use caution when choosing the application site for DURAGESIC® (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION) and monitor adhesion of the system closely.

Geriatric Use

Information from a pilot study of the pharmacokinetics of IV fentanyl in geriatric patients (N=4) indicates that the clearance of fentanyl may be greatly decreased in the population above the age of 60. The relevance of these findings to DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) is unknown at this time.

Since elderly, cachectic, or debilitated patients may have altered pharmacokinetics due to poor fat stores, muscle wasting, or altered clearance, they should not be started on DURAGESIC® doses higher than 25 mcg/h unless they are already tolerating an around-the-clock opioid at a dose and potency comparable to DURAGESIC®-25 (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).

Respiratory depression is the chief hazard in elderly or debilitated patients, usually following large initial doses in non-tolerant patients, or when opioids are given in conjunction with other agents that depress respiration.

Last updated on RxList: 7/2/2007

Clinical Presentation

The manifestations of fentanyl overdosage are an extension of its pharmacologic actions with the most serious significant effect being hypoventilation.

Treatment

For the management of hypoventilation, immediate countermeasures include removing the DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) system and physically or verbally stimulating the patient. These actions can be followed by administration of a specific narcotic antagonist such as naloxone. The duration of hypoventilation following an overdose may be longer than the effects of the narcotic antagonist's action (the half-life of naloxone ranges from 30 to 81 minutes). The interval between IV antagonist doses should be carefully chosen because of the possibility of re-narcotization after system removal; repeated administration of naloxone may be necessary. Reversal of the narcotic effect may result in acute onset of pain and the release of catecholamines.

Always ensure a patent airway is established and maintained, administer oxygen and assist or control respiration as indicated and use an oropharyngeal airway or endotracheal tube if necessary. Adequate body temperature and fluid intake should be maintained.

If severe or persistent hypotension occurs, the possibility of hypovolemia should be considered and managed with appropriate parenteral fluid therapy.

Because serious or life-threatening hypoventilation could occur, DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) is contraindicated:

• in patients who are not opioid-tolerant
• in the management of acute pain or in patients who require opioid analgesia for a short period of time
• in the management of post-operative pain, including use after out-patient or day surgeries, (e.g., tonsillectomies)
• in the management of mild pain
• in the management of intermittent pain (e.g., use on an as needed basis [prn])
• in situations of significant respiratory depression, especially in unmonitored settings where there is a lack of resuscitative equipment
• in patients who have acute or severe bronchial asthma

DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) is contraindicated in patients who have or are suspected of having paralytic ileus.

DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to fentanyl or any components of this product.

Last updated on RxList: 6/29/2007

Pharmacology

Fentanyl is an opioid analgesic. Fentanyl interacts predominately with the opioid mu-receptor. These mu-binding sites are discretely distributed in the human brain, spinal cord, and other tissues. In clinical settings, fentanyl exerts its principal pharmacologic effects on the central nervous system.

In addition to analgesia, alterations in mood, euphoria, dysphoria, and drowsiness commonly occur. Fentanyl depresses the respiratory centers, depresses the cough reflex, and constricts the pupils. Analgesic blood levels of fentanyl may cause nausea and vomiting directly by stimulating the chemoreceptor trigger zone, but nausea and vomiting are significantly more common in ambulatory than in recumbent patients, as is postural syncope.

Opioids increase the tone and decrease the propulsive contractions of the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract. The resultant prolongation in gastrointestinal transit time may be responsible for the constipating effect of fentanyl. Because opioids may increase biliary tract pressure, some patients with biliary colic may experience worsening rather than relief of pain.

While opioids generally increase the tone of urinary tract smooth muscle, the net effect tends to be variable, in some cases producing urinary urgency, in others, difficulty in urination. At therapeutic dosages, fentanyl usually does not exert major effects on the cardiovascular system. However, some patients may exhibit orthostatic hypotension and fainting.

Histamine assays and skin wheal testing in clinical studies indicate that clinically significant histamine release rarely occurs with fentanyl administration. Clinical assays show no clinically significant histamine release in dosages up to 50 mcg/kg.

Pharmacokinetics

(see graph and tables)

DURAGESIC® (fentanyl transdermal system) releases fentanyl from the reservoir at a nearly constant amount per unit time. The concentration gradient existing between the saturated solution of drug in the reservoir and the lower concentration in the skin drives drug release. Fentanyl moves in the direction of the lower concentration at a rate determined by the copolymer release membrane and the diffusion of fentanyl through the skin layers. While the actual rate of fentanyl delivery to the skin varies over the 72-hour application period, each system is labeled with a nominal flux which represents the average amount of drug delivered to the systemic circulation per hour across average skin.

While there is variation in dose delivered among patients, the nominal flux of the systems (12.5, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mcg of fentanyl per hour) is sufficiently accurate as to allow individual titration of dosage for a given patient. The small amount of alcohol which has been incorporated into the system enhances the rate of drug flux through the rate-limiting copolymer membrane and increases the permeability of the skin to fentanyl.

Following DURAGESIC® application, the skin under the system absorbs fentanyl, and a depot of fentanyl concentrates in the upper skin layers. Fentanyl then becomes available to the systemic circulation. Serum fentanyl concentrations increase gradually following initial DURAGESIC® application, generally leveling off between 12 and 24 hours and remaining relatively constant, with some fluctuation, for the remainder of the 72-hour application period. Peak serum concentrations of fentanyl generally occurred between 24 and 72 hours after initial application (see Table A). Serum fentanyl concentrations achieved are proportional to the DURAGESIC® delivery rate. With continuous use, serum fentanyl concentrations continue to rise for the first few system applications. After several sequential 72-hour applications, patients reach and maintain a steady state serum concentration that is determined by individual variation in skin permeability and body clearance of fentanyl (see graph and Table B).

After system removal, serum fentanyl concentrations decline gradually, falling about 50% in approximately 17 (range 13-22) hours. Continued absorption of fentanyl from the skin accounts for a slower disappearance of the drug from the serum than is seen after an IV infusion, where the apparent half-life is approximately 7 (range 3-12) hours.

Serum Fentanyl Concentrations
Following Multiple Applications of DURAGESIC® 100 mcg/h (n=10)

TABLE A
FENTANYL PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS
FOLLOWING FIRST 72-HOUR APPLICATION OF DURAGESIC®

NOTE: After system removal there is continued systemic absorption from residual fentanyl in the skin so that serum concentrations fall 50%, on average, in 17 hours.

TABLE B
RANGE OF PHARMACOKINETIC PARAMETERS OF INTRAVENOUS FENTANYL IN PATIENTS

NOTE: Information on volume of distribution and half-life not available for renally impaired patients.

Fentanyl plasma protein binding capacity decreases with increasing ionization of the drug. Alterations in pH may affect its distribution between plasma and the central nervous system. Fentanyl accumulates in the skeletal muscle and fat and is released slowly into the blood. The average volume of distribution for fentanyl is 6 L/kg (range 3-8; N=8).

In 1.5 to 5 year old, non-opioid-tolerant pediatric patients, the fentanyl plasma concentrations were approximately twice as high as that of adult patients. In older pediatric patients, the pharmacokinetic parameters were similar to that of adults. However, these findings have been taken into consideration in determining the dosing recommendations for opioid-tolerant pediatric patients (2 years of age and older). For pediatric dosing information, refer to DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION section.

The kinetics of fentanyl in geriatric patients have not been well studied, but in geriatric patients the clearance of IV fentanyl may be reduced and the terminal half-life greatly prolonged (see PRECAUTIONS).

Fentanyl is metabolized primarily via human cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzyme system. In humans, the drug appears to be metabolized primarily by oxidative N-dealkylation to norfentanyl and other inactive metabolites that do not contribute materially to the observed activity of the drug. Within 72 hours of IV fentanyl administration, approximately 75% of the dose is excreted in urine, mostly as metabolites with less than 10% representing unchanged drug. Approximately 9% of the dose is recovered in the feces, primarily as metabolites. Mean values for unbound fractions of fentanyl in plasma are estimated to be between 13 and 21%.

Skin does not appear to metabolize fentanyl delivered transdermally. This was determined in a human keratinocyte cell assay and in clinical studies in which 92% of the dose delivered from the system was accounted for as unchanged fentanyl that appeared in the systemic circulation.

Drug Interactions

The interaction between ritonavir and fentanyl was investigated in eleven healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. Subjects received oral ritonavir or placebo for 3 days. The ritonavir dose was 200 mg tid on Day 1 and 300 mg tid on Day 2 followed by one morning dose of 300 mg on Day 3. On Day 2, fentanyl was given as a single IV dose at 5 mcg/kg two hours after the afternoon dose of oral ritonavir or placebo. Naloxone was administered to counteract the side effects of fentanyl. The results suggested that ritonavir might decrease the clearance of fentanyl by 67%, resulting in a 174% (range 52%-420%) increase in fentanyl AUC_0-∞. Coadministration of ritonavir in patients receiving DURAGESIC® has not been studied; however, an increase in fentanyl AUC is expected. (See BOX WARNING, WARNINGS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and PRECAUTIONS.)

Pharmacodynamics

Ventilatory Effects

Because of the risk for serious or life-threatening hypoventilation, DURAGESIC® is CONTRAINDICATED in the treatment of post-operative and acute pain and in patients who are not opioid-tolerant. In clinical trials of 357 patients with acute pain treated with DURAGESIC®, 13 patients experienced hypoventilation. Hypoventilation was manifested by respiratory rates of less than 8 breaths/minute or a pCO₂ greater than 55 mm Hg. In these studies, the incidence of hypoventilation was higher in nontolerant women (10) than in men (3) and in patients weighing less than 63 kg (9 of 13). Although patients with impaired respiration were not common in the trials, they had higher rates of hypoventilation. In addition, post-marketing reports have been received that describe opioid-naive post-operative patients who have experienced clinically significant hypoventilation and death with DURAGESIC®.

While most adult and pediatric patients using DURAGESIC® chronically develop tolerance to fentanyl induced hypoventilation, episodes of slowed respirations may occur at any time during therapy. Hypoventilation can occur throughout the therapeutic range of fentanyl serum concentrations, especially for patients who have an underlying pulmonary condition or who receive usual doses of opioids or other CNS drugs associated with hypoventilation in addition to DURAGESIC®. The use of DURAGESIC® is contraindicated in patients who are not tolerant to opioid therapy. The use of DURAGESIC® should be monitored by clinical evaluation, especially within the initial 24-72 hours when serum concentrations from the initial patch will peak, and following increases in dosage. DURAGESIC® should be administered to children only if they are opioid-tolerant and 2 years of age or older.

See BOX WARNING, CONTRAINDICATIONS, WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, ADVERSE REACTIONS, and OVERDOSAGE for additional information on hypoventilation.

Cardiovascular Effects

Fentanyl may infrequently produce bradycardia. The incidence of bradycardia in clinical trials with DURAGESIC® was less than 1%.

CNS Effects

Central nervous system effects increase with increasing serum fentanyl concentrations.

Last updated on RxList: 6/29/2007

DURAGESIC
(FENTANYL TRANSDERMAL SYSTEM)

This leaflet contains important information about DURAGESIC® (Dur-ah-GEE-zik). Read this Patient Information carefully before you start using DURAGESIC®. Read it each time you get a prescription. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your health care provider about your medical condition or your treatment. Only your health care provider can decide if DURAGESIC® is the right treatment for you. If you do not understand some of this information or have questions, talk with your health care provider.

What is the most important information I should know about DURAGESIC®?

• DURAGESIC® contains fentanyl, a strong opioid narcotic pain medicine. DURAGESIC® can cause serious side effects, including trouble breathing, which can be fatal, especially if used the wrong way.
• DURAGESIC® is only for patients with chronic (around the clock) pain that is moderate to severe and expected to last for weeks or longer. DURAGESIC® should only be started if you are already using other opioid narcotic medicines.
• DURAGESIC® is not for patients who need opioid pain medicines for only a short time. This includes the pain that happens with surgery (such as tonsillectomies), medical, or dental procedures (such as wisdom tooth removal).
• DURAGESIC® is not for occasional ("as needed") use.
• You should NOT use DURAGESIC® unless you are opioid tolerant. You are opioid tolerant if you have been taking at least 60 milligrams (mg) of oral morphine daily, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily, or an equally strong dose of another opioid for a week or longer before starting DURAGESIC®. If you are unsure if you are opioid-tolerant, discuss this with your health care provider.
• DURAGESIC® is only for adults and children 2 years of age or older who have already been using opioid narcotic pain medicines for a week or more. Children should ONLY use DURAGESIC® if they have been taking at least 60 milligrams (mg) of oral morphine daily or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily or at least 8 mg oral hydromorphone daily or an equally strong dose of another opioid for a week or longer before starting DURAGESIC®.
• Do not use the DURAGESIC® patch if the seal is broken or the patch is cut, damaged or changed in any way. Using a patch that is cut, damaged, or changed in any way can expose you to the contents of the patch, which contains a potentially fatal dose of medicine.
• Keep DURAGESIC® in a safe place away from children. Accidental use by a child is a medical emergency and can result in death. If a child accidentally is exposed to a DURAGESIC® patch, call your local Poison Control Center or the nearest emergency room right away.
• DURAGESIC® is an opioid (narcotic) pain medicine. There is a chance you could get addicted to DURAGESIC®. The chance is higher if you are or have been addicted to or abused other medicines, street drugs, or alcohol, or if you have a history of mental problems.
• Keep your DURAGESIC® in a safe place to protect it from being stolen since it can be a target for people who abuse narcotic medicines or street drugs. Never give DURAGESIC® to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them and cause death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
• Some medicines may cause serious or life-threatening side effects when used with DURAGESIC®. Talk to your health care provider about all the medicines you are taking.

What is DURAGESIC®?

DURAGESIC® is a prescription medicine that contains fentanyl. DURAGESIC® is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it is a strong opioid narcotic pain medicine that can be abused by people who abuse prescription medicines or street drugs.

DURAGESIC® is only for patients with chronic (around the clock) pain that is moderate to severe and expected to last for weeks or longer.

You should ONLY use DURAGESIC® if you have been taking at least 60 milligrams (mg) of oral morphine daily, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily, or an equally strong dose of another opioid for a week or longer before starting DURAGESIC®.

DURAGESIC® is not for patients who need opioid pain medicines for only a short time. This includes the pain that happens with surgery (such as tonsillectomies), medical, or dental procedures (such as wisdom tooth removal).

DURAGESIC® is not for occasional ("as needed") use.

DURAGESIC® should not be the first opioid (narcotic) pain medicine that is prescribed for your pain.

DURAGESIC® is only for opioid tolerant children 2 years of age or older who are already using other opioid narcotic pain medicines. Pediatric patients 2 years of age or older are opioid tolerant if they are taking at least 60 milligrams (mg) of oral morphine daily, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily, or an equally strong dose of another opioid for a week or longer before starting DURAGESIC®.

Who should not use DURAGESIC®?

Do not use DURAGESIC®:

• If you are NOT already using other opioid narcotic medicines
• If you need opioid pain medicines for only a short time
• For pain from surgery, medical or dental procedures
• If your pain can be taken care of by occasional use of other pain medicines.
• In children who are less than 2 years of age
• In children 2 years of age or older who are not already using other opioid narcotic pain medicines (opioid tolerant).
• If you have acute (sudden) or severe asthma
• If you have a gastrointestinal problem called paralytic ileus
• If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in DURAGESIC®.

What should I tell my health care provider before starting DURAGESIC®?

Tell your health care provider about all of your medical problems, especially if you have:

• trouble breathing or lung problems such as asthma, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• a head injury or brain problems
• a heart problem called bradycardia (slow heart beat)
• liver or kidney problems
• seizures (convulsions or fits)
• gallbladder problems
• low thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• low blood pressure
• problems urinating
• major depression
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not seen by other people)
• adrenal gland problems such as Addison's disease
• a past or present drinking problem or alcoholism, or a family history of this problem
• a past or present drug abuse or addiction problem, or a family history of this problem
• Have skin reactions to the adhesives (glues) used in DURAGESIC®. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of all the ingredients in DURAGESIC®.

Tell your health care provider if you:

• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. DURAGESIC® may harm your unborn baby.
• Are breast feeding. The medicine in DURAGESIC® passes into your milk and can harm your baby.

Some medicines may cause serious or life-threatening side effects when used with DURAGESIC®. Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Sometimes, the doses of certain medicines and DURAGESIC® need to be changed when used together. Be especially careful about other medicines that make you sleepy such as other pain medicines, sleeping pills, anxiety medicines, antihistamines, or tranquilizers.

Do not start any new prescription medicine, non-prescription medicine, or herbal supplement while using DURAGESIC® until you have talked to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you if it is safe to take other medicines while you are using DURAGESIC®.

What should I know about using DURAGESIC® in children?

DURAGESIC® can be used in children 2 years of age or older only if they are already using other opioid narcotic pain medicines for a week or more. Children should ONLY use DURAGESIC® if they have been taking at least 60 milligrams (mg) of oral morphine daily, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily, or an equally strong dose of another opioid for a week or longer before starting DURAGESIC®.

When DURAGESIC ® is used in young children; put the patch on the child's upper back. This will lower the chances that the child will remove the patch and put it in their mouth.

Keep DURAGESIC® in a safe place. Keep DURAGESIC® out of the reach of children. Accidental use in children is a medical emergency and can result in death. If a child accidentally takes DURAGESIC®, call your local Poison Control Center or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

How do I use DURAGESIC®?

• Follow your health care provider's directions exactly. Your health care provider may change your dose after seeing how the medicine affects you.
• Do not use the DURAGESIC® patch if the seal is broken or the patch is cut, damaged or changed in any way. Using a patch that is cut, damaged, or changed in any way can expose you to the contents of the patch, which contains a potentially fatal dose of medicine.
• Do not change your dose or stop using DURAGESIC® unless your health care provider tells you to. Do not use DURAGESIC® more often than prescribed. (See the end of this leaflet for "How and when to apply DURAGESIC®.")
• Do not wear more than one DURAGESIC® patch at a time, unless your health care provider tells you to do so.
• Call your health care provider right away if you get a fever higher than 102°F. A fever may cause too much of the medicine in DURAGESIC® to pass into your body. Your health care provider may tell you to use a lower dose while you have a fever.
• If you use more DURAGESIC® than your health care provider has prescribed or overdose, get emergency medical help right away.
• If you have concerns about abuse or addiction when using your pain medicine or if you have experienced drug or alcohol abuse or addiction in the past, or have a family history of these problems, talk to your health care provider.
• After you have stopped using a patch, be sure to fold the sticky sides of the patch together and flush it down the toilet. Do not put used DURAGESIC® patches in a garbage can.
• If your health care provider tells you to stop using DURAGESIC®, throw away the unused packages. Open the unused packages and fold the sticky sides of the patches together, and flush them down the toilet. (See "What should I avoid while using DURAGESIC®")

What should I avoid while using DURAGESIC®?

• Do not use heat sources such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, or heated waterbeds. Do not take long hot baths or sun bathe. All of these can make your temperature rise and cause too much of the medicine in DURAGESIC® to be released at once and this can be dangerous.
• Do not drink any alcohol while using DURAGESIC®. It can increase your chances of having dangerous side effects.
• Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other possibly dangerous activities until you know how DURAGESIC® affects you. DURAGESIC® can make you sleepy. Ask your health care provider to tell you when it is okay to do these activities.
• Do not stop using DURAGESIC® suddenly. Your body can develop a physical dependence on DURAGESIC®. If your healthcare provider decides you no longer need DURAGESIC®, ask how to slowly reduce this medicine so you don't have withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop taking DURAGESIC® without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping DURAGESIC® suddenly can make you sick with withdrawal symptoms.
• Do not breast feed unless your health care provider tells you it is okay. DURAGESIC® passes into your milk and can cause serious problems for your baby.
• Do not take other medicines without talking to your health care provider. Other medicines include prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Be especially careful about other medicines that make you sleepy.

What are the possible side effects of DURAGESIC®?

• DURAGESIC® can cause serious side effects, including trouble breathing, which can be fatal, especially if used the wrong way. See "What is the most important information I should know about DURAGESIC®?"

Call your healthcare provider right away or get emergency medical help if you:

• Have trouble breathing
• Have extreme drowsiness with slowed breathing
• Have shortness of breath (little chest movement with breathing)
• Feel faint, dizzy, confused, or have other unusual symptoms

These can be symptoms that you have taken too much (overdose) DURAGESIC® or the dose is too high for you. These symptoms may lead to serious problems or death if not treated right away.

Some medicines may cause serious or life-threatening side effects when used with DURAGESIC®. Talk to your health care provider about all the medicines you are taking.

You can develop physical dependence on DURAGESIC®. Stopping DURAGESIC® suddenly can make you sick with withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider about slowly stopping DURAGESIC®.

There is a chance you could get addicted to DURAGESIC®. The chance is higher if you are or have been addicted to or abused other medicines, street drugs, or alcohol, or if you have a history of mental problems.

DURAGESIC® can cause your blood pressure to drop. This can make you feel dizzy if you get up too fast from sitting or lying down.

The common side effects with DURAGESIC® are nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, sleepiness, confusion, weakness, and sweating. Although uncommon, trouble sleeping and seizures were reported in children. These are not all the possible side effects of DURAGESIC®. For a complete list, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

Constipation (less frequent than usual or hard bowel movements) is a very common side effect of opioids including DURAGESIC® and is unlikely to go away without treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider about the use of laxatives (medicines to treat constipation) and stool softeners to prevent or treat constipation while taking DURAGESIC®.

• Talk to your health care provider about any side effect that concerns you.

How and where to apply DURAGESIC®

In the hospital, your health care provider or other medical person will apply DURAGESIC® for you. At home, you or a member of your family may apply DURAGESIC® to your skin. You need to check the patches often to make sure that they are sticking well to the skin. In young children and people who have impaired thinking, put the patch on the upper back. This will lower the chances that the patch will be removed

• Each DURAGESIC® patch is sealed in its own protective pouch. Do not remove the DURAGESIC® patch from the pouch until you are ready to use it. When you are ready to put on DURAGESIC®, tear open the pouch along the dotted line, starting at the slit, and remove the DURAGESIC® patch.
• Do not put the DURAGESIC® patch on skin that is very oily, burned, broken out, cut, irritated, or damaged in any way.
• If you have any questions about where on your body you should or should not apply the patch, please ask your health care provider.
• DURAGESIC® may not stick to all patients. If the patch does not stick well or comes lose after applying, tape the edges down with first aid tape. If the patch falls off, throw it away and put a new one on at a different skin site (see "Disposing of DURAGESIC®").
• Wash your hands when you have finished applying DURAGESIC®.
• Remove DURAGESIC® after wearing it for 3 days (see "Disposing of DURAGESIC®"). Choose a different place on the skin to apply a new DURAGESIC® patch and repeat Steps 1 through 3. Do not apply the new patch to the same place as the last one.

When to apply DURAGESIC®

• You can apply DURAGESIC® at any time of the day. Change it at about the same time of day 3 days later or as directed by your health care provider.
• Do not apply the new DURAGESIC® patch to the same place where you removed the last DURAGESIC® patch.
• Your health care provider may increase your DURAGESIC® dose if your pain is not controlled well. If you continue to have pain, call your health care provider.

Water and DURAGESIC®

You can bathe, swim or shower while you are wearing DURAGESIC®. If the patch falls off, put a new DURAGESIC® patch on your skin. Make sure the new skin area you have chosen is dry before putting on a new DURAGESIC® patch.

Disposing of DURAGESIC®

• Before putting on a new DURAGESIC® patch, remove the patch you have been wearing.
• Fold the used DURAGESIC® patch in half so that the sticky side sticks to itself. Flush the used DURAGESIC® down the toilet right away. A used DURAGESIC® patch may be dangerous for or even lead to death in babies, children, pets, and adults who have not been prescribed DURAGESIC®.
• Throw away any DURAGESIC® patches that are left over from your prescription as soon as they are no longer needed. Remove the leftover patches from their protective pouch and remove the protective liner. Fold the patches in half with the sticky sides together, and flush the patches down the toilet. Do not flush the pouch or the protective liner down the toilet. These items can be thrown away in a garbage can.

Safety and handling of DURAGESIC®

DURAGESIC® is a patch with a drug-containing gel sealed inside. This design keeps the gel from getting on your hands or body. If the gel from the drug reservoir accidentally contacts the skin, the area should be washed with large amounts of water. Do not use soap, alcohol, or other solvents to remove the gel because they may increase the drug's ability to go through the skin.

Do not use the DURAGESIC® patch if the seal is broken or the patch is cut, damaged or changed in any way. Using a patch that is cut, damaged, or changed in any way can expose you to the contents of the patch, which contains potentially fatal dose of medicine.

The patch must be used only on the skin of the person for whom it was prescribed. If the patch comes off and accidentally sticks to the skin of another person, take the patch off of that person right away, wash the area with water, and seek immediate medical attention. Call a health care provider or poison control center.

Prevent theft and misuse. DURAGESIC® contains an opioid narcotic pain medicine that can be a target for people who abuse prescription medicines. Keep your DURAGESIC® in a safe place, to protect it from theft. Never give DURAGESIC® to anyone else because it may be dangerous to them. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

How should DURAGESIC® be stored?

Store DURAGESIC® below 77° F (25° C). Remember, the inside of your car can reach temperatures much higher than this in the summer.

Keep DURAGESIC® in its protective pouch until you are ready to use it.

Keep DURAGESIC ® in a safe place. Keep DURAGESIC® out of the reach of children. Accidental use in children is a medical emergency and can result in death. If a child accidentally takes DURAGESIC®, call your local Poison Control Center or get emergency medical help right away.

General information about the safe and effective use of DURAGESIC®

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use DURAGESIC® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give DURAGESIC® to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. DURAGESIC® can harm other people and even cause death. Sharing DURAGESIC® is against the law.

Keep DURAGESIC® out of the reach of children and pets. Accidental use in children and pets is a medical emergency and can result in death. If a child or pet accidentally takes DURAGESIC ®, call your local Poison Control Center or get emergency medical help right away.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about DURAGESIC®. If you would like more information, talk with your health care provider. You can ask your health care provider or pharmacist for information about DURAGESIC® that is written for health professionals.

For questions about DURAGESIC® call the JANSSEN Customer Action Center at 1-800-JANSSEN (1-800-526-7736) 9A.M. to 5 P.M. EST, Monday through Friday.

This patient information has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

What are the ingredients of DURAGESIC®?

Active Ingredient: fentanyl

Inactive ingredients: alcohol*, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer membrane, hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyester film backing, silicone adhesive.

*Less than 0.2 mL of alcohol is released from the patch during use.

Last updated on RxList: 6/29/2007

IMPORTANT NOTE: This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your health care professional. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your health care professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you.

FENTANYL - TRANSDERMAL

(FEN-tuh-nill)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Duragesic

WARNING: This medication is a strong narcotic pain reliever. It should only be used for patients who have been using moderate-to-large amounts of a powerful narcotic medication (e.g., morphine) regularly.

Use of this medication by someone who is not regularly taking narcotic pain relievers can cause serious (possibly fatal) breathing problems (e.g., very slow and shallow breathing).

This medication should not be used for the relief of acute pain, pain after surgery, or mild pain that lasts only for a short time. Fentanyl patch should be used only for ongoing pain that requires strong narcotic pain medications at all times for an extended period and for pain that cannot be relieved by quick-acting narcotics (for use as needed) or non-narcotic pain relievers.

Although it is very unlikely to occur, this medication may result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). You may be at higher risk for addiction if you have abused alcohol or drugs in the past or have a history of mental problems. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted. Be sure to store your fentanyl safely to prevent others from taking it.

Do not cut or damage the patch. Broken, cut, or damaged patches may release large (possibly life-threatening) amounts of medication into your body or into anyone handling the cut/damaged patch.

This medication is not recommended for children under 2 years of age. Children 2 years of age and older should use this medication only if they have been taking narcotic pain medications regularly.

Make sure your physician knows all the medications you are taking especially, drugs that affect liver enzymes that remove this medication from your body such as azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, clarithromycin, troleandomycin), certain HIV medications (protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, nelfinavir), and nefazodone. Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while being treated with this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Grapefruit can increase the amount of this medication in your bloodstream. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Your physician will want to monitor you more closely or may decrease the dose of your medications. Do not stop or start any medications without talking with your doctor. (See also Drug Interactions Section)

See also Precaution section.

USES: See also the Warning section.

Fentanyl patch is used to treat moderate-to-severe chronic pain (e.g., cancer pain). This medication acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. It is known as a narcotic pain reliever (opiate-type).

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Learn how to properly use, store, and discard the patches. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and previous use of narcotics. Do not use more patches or change them more frequently than prescribed without your doctor's approval.

Apply this medication to the skin on a non-irritated, hairless area on your chest, back, or upper arm. The patch is usually changed every 72 hours or as directed by your doctor. Do not apply the patch on burns, cuts, or irritated skin. If needed, clip (do not shave) the hair in the area prior to application. To avoid irritation, use a different area each time and wait at least 3 days before re-using the same area. Remember to remove the old patch before applying a new patch. The used patch should be folded in half with the sticky sides together and discarded properly. For more information, read the Medication Guide.

In young children, apply the patch on the upper back. This reduces the chance of your child removing the patch and placing it in the mouth.

Before applying the patch, clean the area with water and pat dry. Do not use soap, oils, lotions or alcohol on the application site.

Do not use the patch if it appears broken, cut, or damaged. Use the patch immediately after removing it from the sealed package. Peel off the sticky backing, apply the patch to the skin, and press firmly for at least 30 seconds to make sure the patch sticks well, especially around the edges. If your prescribed dose is more than one patch, make sure the edges of the patches do not touch or overlap. Wash your hands after applying the patch.

This patch contains a very strong narcotic pain medication. Depending on the manufacturer, the drug may be in the sticky layer, or it may be in a separate layer of gel as well as in the sticky layer. If you accidentally touch the adhesive drug layer to your skin or handle a cut or damaged patch, wash the exposed area with clear water. If you touch the gel or if the gel leaks from the patch, wash the exposed area with plenty of water. Do not use soap, alcohol, or other products to remove the gel. Wear rubber gloves or use a tissue to remove a cut, damaged or leaking patch. Consult your pharmacist if you have questions.

It may take up to 24 hours before you have pain relief. Take immediate-release narcotic pain medications (e.g., oxycodone) for acute/breakthrough pain as directed by your doctor. Follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instruction for the safe use of non-narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen). If you have been using other long-acting narcotic pain medications regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist since they may need to be stopped before starting this medication.

This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. If you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions (e.g., anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, diarrhea, or shivering) may occur. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you use this medication for an extended period of time, it may not work as well and you will need a different dose. Talk with your doctor if you think this medication has stopped working well.

Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, mild itching/redness on the application site, or weakness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using this drug, consult your pharmacist for help in selecting a laxative (e.g., stimulant-type and stool softener).

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/irregular/shallow breathing, fainting, mental/mood changes, uncontrolled muscle movements (tremors), change in the amount of urine, fast/pounding heartbeat.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe stomach/abdominal pain, slow/irregular heartbeat, seizures, vision changes.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you may call Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: See also the Warning section.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other opioid medications (e.g., meperidine, sufentanil); or to adhesives; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: serious breathing problems (e.g., severe asthma or respiratory depression), certain bowel diseases (e.g., paralytic ileus), certain brain conditions (e.g., increased intracranial pressure, coma), intoxication with medications which depress the nervous system or your breathing (CNS/respiratory depressants such as alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal gland problems (e.g., Addison's disease), brain disorders (e.g., brain tumor, head injury, seizures), difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate, urethral stricture), lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypercapnia, hypoxia), heart problems (e.g., slow/irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure), stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., gallbladder disease, severe constipation), kidney or liver disease, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances, psychiatric problems (e.g., major depression, toxic psychosis), spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Avoid exposing your skin to direct heat sources such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, or saunas while wearing fentanyl patch. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop a fever while using this medication. A fever or heat sources may cause more drug to be released into your body and increase the chance of side effects.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages because they may increase the risk of this drug's side effects.

To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its side effects (e.g., slow/shallow breathing).

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Inform your doctor immediately if you are or think you are pregnant. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication should not be started near or at the time of delivery because of possible side effects in the newborn (e.g., slow/shallow breathing). If prescribed, follow your doctor's instructions closely and do not suddenly stop taking this drug. Infants born to mothers who have been using this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable affects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning Section.

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: naltrexone, sibutramine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine).

Avoid taking MAO inhibitors within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal drug interaction may occur.

If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting fentanyl.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: anticholinergic medications (e.g., atropine, scopolamine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), cimetidine, drugs that lower blood pressure (e.g., diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide), other pain relievers (e.g., buprenorphine, butorphanol, pentazocine, tramadol)., pyridostigmine, rifamycins (e.g., rifabutin), sodium oxybate, St. John's wort.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), medicines for sleep (e.g., zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol, methocarbamol), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers.

Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, remove the patch. This medicine may be harmful if accidentally swallowed. Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/shallow breathing, excessive drowsiness, persistent dizziness/fainting.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. It is against the law.

This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases.

Follow your pharmacist's instructions and discard any unused medication. Do not save unused patches for future use.

MISSED DOSE: If you forget to apply a patch, use it as soon as you remember. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store the US product at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Store the Canadian product at room temperature between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed (See also How to Use section). Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised July 2008 Copyright(c) 2008 First DataBank, Inc.