Sometimes we experience unbearable pain, don't we? Especially with conditions like cancer. When this pain cannot be controlled with regular painkillers, doctors may prescribe a powerful drug like Fentanyl. Since it is very powerful, it is very important to be aware of it and use it properly. So today, let's talk about what this Fentanyl is and what things to be careful about when using it.
What kind of drug is Fentanyl?
Simply put, fentanyl is a very powerful painkiller . It belongs to a class of drugs called opioids . It works by blocking the signals that our brain receives from pain.
This medication is usually given to someone who is already taking other long-acting painkillers to control breakthrough pain that has stopped working. This is not a medication for regular pain. It is a medication that is used only in special cases, under the strict supervision of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing fentanyl to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.
| Disease or condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Addictions | If you have a history of addiction to drugs or other medications. |
| Alcohol use | If you are a frequent drinker. |
| Head and brain problems | Conditions such as a brain tumor, head injury, or seizures. |
| Respiratory system diseases | Lung or breathing diseases such as asthma. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Problems with liver or kidney function. |
| Other medical conditions | Heart disease, low blood pressure, gallbladder disease, intestinal problems, difficulty urinating, mental illness. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to fentanyl or any other medicines, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
This is a sublingual tablet, so it is very important to know the correct way to use it.
- Keep the pill in the sealed blister pack until you are ready to take it.
- When you are ready to take the pill, carefully open the pack with dry hands and take out the pill.
- Take the pill and place it directly under your tongue .
- Now open it and let it dissolve. Do not suck, swallow, or chew this pill. Doing so may change the way the medicine works.
- If your doctor has instructed you to take more than one pill, place the pills under your tongue, spaced slightly apart.
- Never take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
Important: You will receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) with this medicine. Read it carefully each time.
What to do if you overdose?
This is a very strong medicine, so taking more than the prescribed dose is very dangerous. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to a hospital Emergency Unit (ETU) immediately or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This is a medicine that is prescribed for you only. Never give it to anyone else. Doing so is illegal and can be dangerous to that person's life.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Pain and tolerance
When you take this medicine for a long time, the dose you used to take to relieve your pain may no longer be enough. This is called tolerance. This is normal. This is not addiction. Addiction is the use of a medicine without a medical reason. You have pain, so there is a medical reason for you to take the medicine. If your pain does not go away, talk to your doctor about it.
Stopping the medication
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Doing so may cause severe withdrawal symptoms. If your doctor wants to stop you, he or she will gradually reduce your dose.
Drowsiness and alcohol
This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness . Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid getting up or sitting down suddenly, especially if you are elderly. Drinking alcohol can increase the effects of this medicine and make it dangerous. Therefore, avoid drinking alcohol completely.
Be aware of Naloxone
Naloxone is an emergency treatment that can reverse the effects of an overdose of opioids, such as fentanyl. Ask your doctor how to use it and where to get it. It is important to tell your family members about it and where it is available. Even after giving naloxone, you should still call emergency medical services.
Possible side effects
Like all medications, fentanyl can cause side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Breathing difficulties (CNS Depression) | Breathing is very slow, shallow, excessive sleepiness, unconsciousness, and difficulty waking up. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Decreased function of the adrenal glands | Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, dizziness. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | If you haven't gone to the toilet for 3 days, tell the doctor. |
| General inconveniences | Dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience any other unusual symptoms, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
This is very important. Fentanyl is not a good drug to keep in places where children and pets can get to it.
- Keep this medicine in a safe, locked place out of reach of children and pets .
- Protect this medicine from theft.
- It is very important to properly dispose of unused or expired medication. This can be fatal if it gets into the hands of another adult, child, or pet.
- Ask your doctor or the nearest public hospital about medication take-back programs.
- If there is no way to hand it over, some countries advise flushing the medicine down the toilet. However, in Sri Lanka, ask your doctor about this and find out the correct method.
Take-Home Message
- Fentanyl is a very powerful drug that is used for severe pain only on the advice of a doctor.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on how to use the medicine and the dosage exactly. Do not chew the tablet, do not swallow it, place it under your tongue and let it dissolve.
- If you experience severe side effects such as excessive drowsiness or difficulty breathing, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- Keep this medicine locked up in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets.
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