What are the side effects of Duragesic Pain Patches and Fentanyl?

Like any other prescription drug, Duragesic patches and fentanyl will have unfavorable side effects. These consequences could include rare circumstances like vision loss or more common complications such as impaired breathing. It is important for patients to be fully aware of the different side effects Duragesic patches and fentanyl may have on their bodies.

In extreme cases, the use of Duragesic patches could lead to death as a result of hypoventilation. This is part of the reason the manufacturers of Duragesic patches have issued a recall of certain lots of the drug. Use of Duragesic patches or fentanyl in high doses may cause a slowing or cessation of breathing, resulting in coma or death.

If you or someone you care about is taking Duragesic or fentanyl, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the potential risks and side effects of the drug. Being able to recognize the possible dangers of Duragesic will help you be better prepared for and more likely to prevent unfortunate future occurrences.

Death

The most extreme potential side effect of Duragesic pain patches is death. Though rare, there have been cases where the use of this painkiller has been linked to fatalities of users. This has been a result of the misuse of the drug, which can cause severe breathing problems such as hypoventilation.

Hypoventilation is the medical term for respiratory depression, or the slowing of breathing. Hypoventilation may occur at any time during the use of Duragesic, but is particularly common during the initial 24-72 hours following the initiation of therapy and following increases in dose strength. Other Duragesic dangers that can be fatal include the use of the drug with other central nervous system depressants and the misuse or abuse of the drug.

Although Duragesic pain patches are intended to ease the chronic pain of patients, under certain circumstances they can be lethal. If you or someone you care about has been prescribed the Duragesic pain patch, be certain to carefully follow the instructions on the package and those given by your physician. The consequences of not obeying these guidelines could be catastrophic.

Hypoventilation

Hypoventilation occurs when ventilation is inadequate to perform gas exchange, the inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide. Hypoventilation may be potentially life threatening and could cause an individual to cease breathing completely, resulting in death.

Duragesic pain patches can cause hypoventilation to occur at any time. This is particularly common during the first 24-72 hours following the first use of the patches and also frequently takes place following increases in dosage. The risk of hypoventilation is very high when people use other central nervous system depressants such as alcohol in conjunction with Duragesic patches.

If you are using a Duragesic patch, it is important to be very aware and cautious of the risks of hypoventilation while using the drug. This potentially fatal circumstance can be avoided through careful and responsible use based on your doctor's instructions. If you experience hypoventilation as a result of Duragesic pain patches, seek medical attention immediately.

Fentanyl Overdose

Users who take too much Fentanyl or combine their use of Duragesic with another narcotic may be susceptible to an overdose. Such an overdose can cause severe breathing problems, unconsciousness, or death. Breathing may stop, putting the patient in a coma or killing him or her.

Serious signs of an overdose include very slow breathing and drowsiness so severe that the person is unresponsive. Other signs of an overdose include cold and clammy skin, low blood pressure, pinpoint pupils of eyes, and slow heartbeat. It is important to remember that Duragesic contains fentanyl, an opioid strikingly similar to heroin. Overdoses must be managed quickly and effectively to prevent fatality.

Overdosing on any drug, including prescription drugs, is an entirely preventable tragedy. If you have reason to believe that someone you know has overdosed on fentanyl or Duragesic patches, seek medical attention immediately. Your fast thinking could save that person's life.