For those of you currently using fentanyl patches (usually marked as Duralgesic patches), please read the article in the news section of the OCF web site:

http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/news/story.asp?newsId=858

The FDA has issued a public health advisory about these patches and is concerned that patients and doctors may not be aware of the potential serious side effects and what to watch out for. It seems that the side effects of the patches can be worsened by exposure to heat, drinking alcohol, taking antifungal druges and so forth.

During my treatment, I was up to 175 mcg. of Fentanyl, the active narcotic in the patches and it was very helpful in setting a baseline of narcotics to control pain so that I could use oxycodeine for breakthrough pain.

The patches are supposed to be slowly absorbed by the body over 72 hours, so you can imagine that anything that speeds up the absorption process is potentially dangerous. - Sheldon