Durogesic
Durogesic patches help relieve very strong and long-lasting pain.
How to Use
Dosage
Each patch contains medicine for 3 days (72 hours). You should change the patch every three days, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Method
Apply the patch to a flat area on your upper body or arm, not on a joint. For children, apply to the upper back to prevent removal.
Your doctor will decide the right strength for you. Do not change the patch's strength or frequency (one patch for 3 days) without talking to your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
- •Nausea, vomiting, constipation, feeling sleepy, dizziness, headache, allergic reaction, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, depression, feeling anxious or confused, seeing or hearing things that aren't there (hallucinations), muscle tremors or spasms, unusual skin sensations like tingling, feeling like spinning, fast or uneven heartbeat, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, diarrhea, dry mouth, stomach ache, indigestion, heavy sweating, itchy skin, rash, redness of skin, trouble urinating, severe tiredness, weakness, general feeling of being unwell, feeling cold, swelling in hands, ankles, or feet.
- •Feeling agitated or confused about time/place, intense feeling of happiness (euphoria), reduced sense of touch or sensitivity, memory loss, blurred vision, slow heartbeat or low blood pressure, bluish skin due to low oxygen, bowel obstruction, itchy rash (eczema), allergic reaction or other skin issues where the patch was applied, flu-like illness, changes in body temperature, fever, muscle twitching, trouble getting or keeping an erection, difficulty swallowing, constricted pupils, temporary stops in breathing during sleep (apnea), male hormone deficiency, delirium (confusion, restlessness, disorientation, seeing/hearing things that aren't there, sleep problems, nightmares), dependence or addiction to the medicine.
Important Warnings
- This medicine can be dangerous for people who do not regularly take strong pain medicines. It is also very dangerous for children; even used patches can harm or kill a child if they stick to their skin or are put in their mouth.
- Only the person for whom the patch was prescribed should wear it. If a patch accidentally sticks to another person's skin, especially a child, remove it immediately and contact a doctor.
- Keep all patches (new and used) out of reach and sight of children in their original pouch.
- Do not use if you are allergic to fentanyl or any other ingredient, for short-term pain (like sudden pain or after surgery), or if you have breathing problems (like slow or shallow breathing).
- If you or someone else notices unusual sleepiness, slow or shallow breathing, or sudden swelling of the face/throat, severe skin irritation, redness, or blisters, remove the patch and get urgent medical help.
Show 5 more warnings
- Do not drink alcohol or use other calming medicines (like sedatives) without talking to your doctor, as this can cause severe sleepiness, breathing problems, or coma.
- Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding without your doctor's advice. Do not breastfeed for at least three days after removing the patch.
- Avoid exposing the patch to direct heat, such as heating pads, hot water bottles, sunbathing, saunas, or hot baths, as this can release too much medicine.
- This medicine can make you feel sleepy or dizzy. Do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.
- This medicine can cause dependence or addiction.
Use in Elderly Patients
Avoid use in older adults. Sedative. Serotonergic. Intended for the treatment of cancer pain. Not suitable for initiating opioid medication. Low transdermal efficacy in cachectic patients. Increases the risk of confusion and falling. Need for laxative is often necessary. Consider potential significant interactions. (updated 24.3.2025)