Duragesic Patch

On 7/25/2009 SharonR wrote:

My Mom has pancreatic and lung ca....The Dr. prescribed a pain patch ths week.....Now, Mom can't get up on her own or walk....Has anyone had side effects like this?????.....Sharon

On 7/25/2009 SharonR wrote:

My Mom has pancreatic and lung ca....The Dr. prescribed a pain patch ths week.....Now, Mom can't get up on her own or walk....Has anyone had side effects like this?????.....Sharon

Duragesic, also known as Fentanyl, is a strong narcotic which is administered on the skin and is time released over 72 hours.  The advantage is sustained pain management to avoid the highs and lows or hourly narcotic doses.  This drug is not for everyone as it does have side effects such as what you are describing.  My advice is to speak with Mom's doctor and switch her to another drug.  Pain management is a tricky endeavor and everyone reacts differently to medications.  She needs to find the right balance.  Good luck and God Bless.

On 7/27/2009 peaceprayer wrote:

 

On 7/25/2009 SharonR wrote:

My Mom has pancreatic and lung ca....The Dr. prescribed a pain patch ths week.....Now, Mom can't get up on her own or walk....Has anyone had side effects like this?????.....Sharon

Thank you, Hospice and our oncologist are prescribing a lower dose and they said as you did, it is difficult at times to find that balance of pain management ....We just want to Mom to be comfortable, but this totally knocked her out of commission for about  48hrs...Hopefully this lower dose will be less debiltating for her...Sharon

Duragesic, also known as Fentanyl, is a strong narcotic which is administered on the skin and is time released over 72 hours.  The advantage is sustained pain management to avoid the highs and lows or hourly narcotic doses.  This drug is not for everyone as it does have side effects such as what you are describing.  My advice is to speak with Mom's doctor and switch her to another drug.  Pain management is a tricky endeavor and everyone reacts differently to medications.  She needs to find the right balance.  Good luck and God Bless.