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Fentanyl Transdermal Generic Name & Formulations
Legal Class
CII
General Description
Fentanyl 12mcg/hr, 25mcg/hr, 50mcg/hr, 75mcg/hr, 100mcg/hr; transdermal system.
Pharmacological Class
Opioid agonist.
How Supplied
Contact supplier
Manufacturer
Fentanyl Transdermal Indications
Indications
Management of pain in opioid-tolerant patients, severe enough to require daily, around-the-clock, long-term analgesia for which alternative opioid therapies are inadequate.
Limitations of Use
Use only if alternative treatment options (eg, non-opioid analgesics, immediate-release opioids) are ineffective, not tolerated, or otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain. Not for use as an as-needed (prn) analgesic.
Fentanyl Transdermal Dosage and Administration
Adults and Children
Use lowest effective dose for shortest duration. Apply to clean, dry, intact, non-irradiated skin (upper back preferred for children; monitor adhesion); hold in place for 30 seconds; may be worn for 72hrs. Cleanse application site with water only. Do not cut patch. <2yrs: not established. ≥2yrs: Individualize. Base initial dose on previous daily oral opioid (eg, morphine) dose; see full labeling for conversion from other opioids. Mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment: initiate at ½ the usual dose. Concomitant use or discontinuation of CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers: monitor closely and consider dose adjustments (see full labeling). If adverse reactions occur, monitor for ≥24hrs after patch is removed. Withdraw gradually (esp. if opioid-dependent), taper by ≤25% every 2–4 weeks.
Fentanyl Transdermal Contraindications
Contraindications
Opioid non-tolerant patients. Acute or post-op pain, or mild or intermittent pain that can be managed by lesser means. Significant respiratory depression. Acute or severe bronchial asthma in an unmonitored setting or in the absence of resuscitative equipment. Known or suspected GI obstruction, including paralytic ileus.
Fentanyl Transdermal Boxed Warnings
Boxed Warning
Addiction, abuse, and misuse. Risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). Life-threatening respiratory depression. Accidental exposure. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Cytochrome P450 3A4 interaction. Risks of increased fentanyl absorption with application of external heat. Risks from concomitant use with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants.
Fentanyl Transdermal Warnings/Precautions
Warnings/Precautions
Assess the potential need for access to naloxone when initiating and renewing therapy. Consider prescribing naloxone based on risk factors for overdose (eg, history of opioid use disorder, prior opioid overdose, household members or other close contacts at risk for accidental ingestion or overdose). Abuse potential (monitor). Life-threatening respiratory depression; monitor within first 24–72hrs of initiating therapy and following dose increases. Accidental exposure may cause fatal overdose (esp. in children). Sleep-related breathing disorders (including central sleep apnea (CSA), sleep-related hypoxemia); consider dose reduction if CSA develops. COPD, cor pulmonale, decreased respiratory reserve, hypoxia, hypercapnia, or pre-existing respiratory depression; monitor and consider non-opioid analgesics. Severe hepatic or renal impairment: not recommended. Avoid external heat sources or strenuous exertion that leads to increased core body temperature. Fever. Adrenal insufficiency. Head injury. Increased intracranial pressure, brain tumors; monitor. Seizure disorders. CNS depression. Impaired consciousness, coma, shock; avoid. Bradyarrhythmias. Biliary tract disease. Acute pancreatitis. Drug abusers. Reevaluate periodically. Avoid abrupt cessation. Dispose properly. Elderly. Cachectic. Debilitated. Children: monitor. Pregnancy; potential neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome during prolonged use. Labor & delivery, nursing mothers: not recommended.
REMS
Fentanyl Transdermal Pharmacokinetics
See Literature
Fentanyl Transdermal Interactions
Interactions
Increased risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, sedation with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (eg, non-benzodiazepine sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, antipsychotics, alcohol, other opioids); reserve concomitant use in those for whom alternative options are inadequate; limit dosages/durations to minimum required; monitor closely; consider prescribing naloxone if concomitant use is warranted. During or within 14 days of MAOIs: not recommended. Risk of serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs (eg, SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, triptans, 5-HT3 antagonists, mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol, cyclobenzaprine, metaxalone, MAOIs, linezolid, IV methylene blue); monitor and discontinue if suspected. Avoid concomitant mixed agonist/antagonist opioids (eg, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine) or partial agonist (eg, buprenorphine); may reduce effects and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Potentiated by CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, macrolides, azole antifungals, protease inhibitors, grapefruit juice). Antagonized by CYP3A4 inducers (eg, rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin). May antagonize diuretics; monitor. Paralytic ileus may occur with anticholinergics.
Fentanyl Transdermal Adverse Reactions
Adverse Reactions
Nausea, vomiting, somnolence, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, hyperhidrosis, fatigue, feeling cold, anorexia, headache, diarrhea; respiratory depression, severe hypotension, syncope.
Fentanyl Transdermal Clinical Trials
See Literature
Fentanyl Transdermal Note
Notes
Formerly known under the brand name Duragesic.
Fentanyl Transdermal Patient Counseling
See Literature
