Fentanyl

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Fentanyl Transdermal System

The fentanyl transdermal system is an adhesive patch that slowly transmits a strong pain relief medication, known as fentanyl, via the skin over extended periods of time. Fentanyl is about 81 times stronger than morphine and, as a result, should only be used when and as prescribed.

Use of the fentanyl transdermal system is typically only indicated for those with:

breakthrough cancer pain (i.e. pain that doesn't respond to other, milder pain relievers)
breakthrough chronic pain

Fentanyl Transdermal System Doses

The appropriate fentanyl dose for an individual will depend on his or her:

condition
the severity of the condition
medical history
known tolerance to pain medications

Fentanyl transdermal patches come in five different strengths and sizes – the stronger the fentanyl dose, the larger the patch (as more of the skin's surface needs to be covered to allow for more absorption of the drug).

Dose options include:

fentanyl transdermal system 12.5 mg h (micrograms/hr, also noted as µg/h or mcg hr)
fentanyl transdermal system 25 mg hr
fentanyl transdermal system 50 mcg hr
fentanyl transdermal system 75 mcg hr
fentanyl transdermal system 100 mg hr

Doctors will inform patients of the most appropriate sites for placing these patches. Typically, patch placement will need to be rotated to ensure the most effective absorption of the fentanyl drug.

Fentanyl Transdermal System Side Effects

Although fentanyl is a potent, effective pain reliever, it's also known to cause a few serious, potentially fatal side effects, including:

addiction (A history of drug or alcohol addiction can cause people to attempt getting high off the fentanyl pain patch, as this medication reportedly has similar effects to heroin.)
liver damage
respiratory depression (not inhaling sufficient oxygen)
severe allergic reaction, marked by hives, breathing difficulties and facial swelling
death

Individuals most likely to develop severe fentanyl side effects include those with a history of:

alcohol or drug addiction
arrhythmia
breathing disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
depression
epilepsy
hallucinations
head or brain injury
liver or kidney disorders
low blood pressure

To allow specialists to thoroughly evaluate and minimize the risk of these side effects, it's vital that patients discuss their complete medical history with their doctor before starting the fentanyl transdermal system.

Fentanyl Transdermal System Abuse

The potency of fentanyl has led some to try to find ways of abusing this pain medication. Reported to have an effect similar to heroin, fentanyl has been used illicitly in the same ways as heroin – as addicts have been known to try to extract fentanyl and smoke, snort or inject it.

Fentanyl transdermal system abuse can be deadly, so it's crucial that patients only use fentanyl as directed. Individuals who aren't prescribed this medication should never use it.

Fentanyl Lawsuits

Anyone injured after using the fentanyl transdermal system – as well as families of deceased fentanyl patients – should meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer to:

Evaluate their legal claim.
Find out if they're entitled to compensation for their injuries.
Learn more about the process of winning a fentanyl lawsuit.
Decide whether they want to file an individual case or join a class-action lawsuit, based on their needs and situation.

To encourage injured parties to learn more about their legal rights, these initial consultations are free.

Have you or a loved one been injured after using Fentanyl? If so, contact a Fentanyl lawyer today for help.

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