Has your doctor prescribed you this drug called Fentanyl to control severe pain? This is a very strong, special painkiller, so it is essential to be fully aware of it and use it very carefully. This is not like a regular painkiller. So let's talk about this simply and clearly.
What is this Fentanyl Lozenge?
Simply put, fentanyl is a very strong painkiller that belongs to the opioid class. It is usually prescribed for breakthrough pain that cannot be controlled even with your regular painkillers . Imagine that you are taking medication for chronic pain caused by a medical condition like cancer, but suddenly you experience unbearable pain. That is when doctors prescribe this medicine.
This works by blocking pain signals to the brain. It comes in the form of a lozenge with a handle that looks like a small lollipop.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Since this is a very powerful medicine, it is very important to inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have. If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Disease or condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Headaches, brain tumors | Because these medications can increase pressure in the brain. |
| Drug or alcohol abuse | Since this is also a medication with a risk of addiction, it is important to make your doctor aware of it. |
| Kidney or Liver disease | These organs remove drugs from the body. If their function is impaired, drugs can accumulate in the body and become dangerous. |
| Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma | This medicine can slow breathing, making it dangerous for people with respiratory problems. |
| Low blood pressure, Heart disease | These situations can get worse. |
| Diabetes | Sometimes blood sugar levels can be affected. |
| Mental illness, seizures, intestinal problems | These conditions can be affected by medication. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is essential to talk to your doctor about this as it could harm the baby. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The way you use this is very important. Follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
1. Only when the pain comes: This is a medicine that is used only when there is pain.
2. How to open the packet: Do not open the packet until you are ready to use it. When you are ready, use scissors to carefully cut the packet and remove the lozenge.
3. How to hold it in your mouth: Place the lozenge in your mouth, between your cheek and gum . Hold it there and suck it gently.
4. Do not chew: Never chew or swallow this. The medicine in it needs to be absorbed into the body.
5. Change the position: Move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other every few minutes. It's also a good idea to hold it by the handle and rotate it.
6. 15 minutes: It usually takes about 15 minutes for this lozenge to completely dissolve.
7. Before buying a second one:Wait at least 15 minutes after using one lozenge, and only take a second one if the pain is still there, and only if your doctor has advised you to.
Most importantly: If you feel dizzy or nauseous while taking the medicine, remove the lozenge from your mouth.
How to safely dispose of leftover medicine?
This is the most dangerous and important thing about this drug. A used, partially used, or unused fentanyl lozenge can be fatal if it gets into the hands of a small child or a pet in the house.
- Half-used lozenge: If you can't finish the entire lozenge, rinse the medicine in the handle under a hot tap until it's completely dissolved. Then, throw the handle alone in the trash, out of reach of children.
- Never leave it out: Never leave used gloves or leftover medicine where children or animals can get hold of it.
- Best practice: Ask your doctor or hospital about how to safely dispose of leftover, unused medicine. They will advise you on the best way to do this.
What to do if you overdose on medication?
If you have the slightest suspicion that you or someone else has overdosed on this medication, treat it as an emergency .
- Call the ambulance service (1990) immediately or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- If possible, call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
- Naloxone: This is an emergency treatment for an opioid overdose . It can reverse the effects of this medication. If you are a user of a strong opioid, talk to your doctor about whether you should keep Naloxone on hand and how to use it.
Be careful of these things when taking medicine.
Pain and tolerance
When you take this medicine for a long time, you may feel that the dose that used to control your pain is no longer enough. This is called tolerance. This is normal with this type of medicine. If you feel this way, tell your doctor. He or she will adjust the dose to suit you.
The difference between addiction and dependence: Your body becomes accustomed to the drug. That doesn't mean you're "addicted" to it. Addiction is when you mentally crave a drug without a medical reason. You're in pain. That means there's a medical reason for taking the drug. So it's normal for your body to become accustomed to the drug. Never stop taking the drug suddenly without your doctor's advice. You may experience withdrawal symptoms .
Other important points
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication can make you feel very sleepy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid doing anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. It can increase side effects and cause dangerous conditions such as respiratory arrest.
- Constipation: This is a common side effect of these medications. If you have difficulty passing stools for more than 3 days, tell your doctor. Drinking plenty of water and eating foods high in fiber can help.
- Dry mouth: If your mouth is dry, chewing sugar-free gum and drinking water can help.
Possible side effects
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| |
| Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
|
Don't forget: Tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies), what you drink, and what you smoke. Fentanyl can interact with many other medications.
Take-Home Message
- Fentanyl is a very strong painkiller. It should only be used if prescribed by a doctor, exactly as he says, and in the prescribed dosage.
- Never share this medicine with others. It is illegal and very dangerous.
- Keep it locked in a very safe place, out of reach of children and pets.
- Avoid driving and performing tasks that require attention as the medication may cause drowsiness and dizziness.
- Be sure to ask your doctor how to safely dispose of leftover or used medicine.
- If you suspect an overdose, consider it an emergency and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) or call 1990.
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