The pain that comes after a major surgery is sometimes so severe that it is hard to put into words, isn't it? There are times when the painkillers we usually use cannot control that pain. In such cases, in this article, we are going to talk about a special, powerful painkiller that doctors use in a hospital. This is called the Fentanyl Skin System.
Simply put, what is this Fentanyl Skin System?
This is, in simple terms, a device that delivers medication to the body through the skin. It contains a powerful painkiller called Fentanyl . It belongs to a class of drugs called Opioids . When you are in severe pain, this medication works by blocking pain signals from going to the brain, reducing the sensation of pain.
Imagine you have severe pain after surgery, but other painkillers don't work for you or have too many side effects, your doctor may recommend this method. But remember, this is only used for severe pain and always under medical supervision in a hospital setting.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
It is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health history before using this medicine. Because some medical conditions can cause problems when using this medicine. See the table below.
| Tell your doctor if you have these conditions. | Why is that? (brief explanation) |
|---|---|
| Drug or alcohol addiction | To manage the risk of addiction due to an opioid class of medication. |
| A head injury or brain tumor | Because this medicine may increase pressure in the brain. |
| Lung disease (such as asthma) or breathing difficulties | This medicine can slow breathing. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Because the process of removing the drug from the body may be affected. |
| Low blood pressure | Because this medicine can lower blood pressure even further. |
| Heart disease, seizures, mental illness | Due to the risk of aggravating these conditions or causing side effects. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | Because the medicine can affect the baby. |
How do you use this medicine?
This is something that is used externally on the skin. It will only be given to you in a hospital . Your doctor or nursing staff will explain to you how to use it.
Attention: Never share this medicine with anyone else. It has been prescribed for you only.
What if the dosage of the medicine increases?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you experience difficulty breathing or excessive drowsiness while using this medicine, it may be an overdose. If this happens , inform the medical staff immediately . Also, if you accidentally ingest such a medicine at home, you should immediately take it to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . If necessary, you can also call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Because Fentanyl is a powerful drug, it can interact with other medications you are taking. This can increase side effects or change how the medication works.
In particular, it is completely forbidden to take this with the drug Mifepristone .
Additionally, it can be very dangerous when used with other medications that cause drowsiness (e.g. antihistamines ), antidepressants, antifungals, some antibiotics, anesthetics, and alcohol.
Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you take (including vitamins, traditional medicines, and supplements) without hiding anything.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- Be aware of pain: If your pain does not subside, or if it increases, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
- The difference between tolerance and addiction: When you use a drug like this for a while, the dose you were previously taking may no longer be enough to control your pain. This is called tolerance . This is normal, not addiction. Addiction is the use of a drug for the purpose of getting high without a medical reason. You have a medical reason to take this drug because you are in pain.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause discomfort to your body. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will do so by gradually reducing the dose.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, while using this medicine. If you are an elderly person, do not get up suddenly from a standing or sitting position.
- Alcohol: Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Constipation: Constipation is a common side effect of this medication. If you don't have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, talk to your doctor.
- Other medical tests: If you are having an MRI or CT scan , tell the medical team that you are using this Fentanyl system. It may need to be removed before the test.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medication, Fentanyl can cause side effects. Some are minor, but others require immediate attention.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor/nurse immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Slow breathing (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, and confusion. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Dizziness and drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Headache, nausea, and vomiting |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, please inform your medical team.
Take-Home Message
- Fentanyl Skin System is a powerful painkiller used only in a hospital setting for severe pain caused by surgery.
- Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medications you are taking .
- Avoid activities that require alertness as drowsiness and dizziness may occur while using the medicine. Avoid alcohol completely.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, excessive drowsiness, or allergies , notify the medical staff immediately.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only . Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
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