Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is a Fentanyl patch. It is an opioid pain medicine that treats long term severe pain. It helps to keep a steady level of medicine in your body around-the-clock. It is not used to treat sudden pain.

Fentanyl is a patch that is applied topically to the skin. It is often applied once every 3 days. You should use the patches exactly as your doctor tells you. It is important to read the "Instructions for Use" for full information. If you still have questions, your doctor or pharmacist can help.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a headache, nausea, constipation, and redness or itching at the application site. Fentanyl can also make you feel drowsy or dizzy. You should wait until you know how this medicine affects you before you do activities that require you to be alert, like driving. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You should not stop taking this medicine suddenly unless your doctor says it's okay.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. It is important to read the Medication Guide to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report changes. Get emergency medical help right away if you take too much fentanyl or have trouble breathing.
Fentanyl can have dangerous drug interactions. You should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines or drinking alcohol. Also, you should avoid things that can make you overheated, like electric blankets, direct sunlight and over exercise.
Fentanyl can be harmful to babies. Women must talk to their doctors before taking this medicine during pregnancy. Women should not breastfeed.
This medicine is controlled by federal law. It can put you at risk for addiction, abuse, misuse, overdose, and death. It can be dangerous to others, so store it in a safe place. After you stop taking it you should dispose of it properly. Ask your pharmacist about proper disposal options in your area or go to the FDA.gov website for more information.

For best results, read the Medication Guide for full information.