 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | I understand that they have issued 15 mcg patches so tapering down should be even easier. Besides you can also take the equivalent amount of Vicodin or Codeine and take one less pill per day. You MUST develop a phase out plan with your doctor!
A sudden release of Fentanyl, into the system could cause an overdose, much the same as if you took a time released pain med, ground it up and poured it down your PEG tube. Sherry has it exactly right.
From the manufacturers warnings and precautions:
"DURAGESIC
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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