Duragesic
Duragesic is a prescription transdermal patch containing fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid analgesic. It is designed to release fentanyl continuously through the skin into the bloodstream over a 72-hour period. Because of the severe risks of addiction, abuse, misuse, and life-threatening respiratory depression, it is strictly indicated only for opioid-tolerant patients.
Dosage by Body Weight
Dosage must be highly individualized based on the patient's prior history of opioid use and tolerance. Patches are applied to intact, non-irritated, dry skin on a flat surface of the upper torso or upper outer arm, and must be replaced every 72 hours. Patches must never be cut or damaged.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated. Duragesic is not approved for pediatric patients under 2 years of age or those who are opioid-naive due to the high risk of fatal respiratory depression.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated. Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients of this age or weight group.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- Contraindicated
- Frequency
- Do not use
- Tracking Notes
- Contraindicated. Not recommended unless the child is at least 2 years old and already demonstrated to be highly opioid-tolerant under specialist supervision.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- Not routine
- Frequency
- Do not use unless prescribed
- Tracking Notes
- Use is restricted to pediatric patients aged 2 years or older who are already opioid-tolerant and taking at least 30 mg of oral morphine equivalents per day.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 12 mcg/hr (lowest starting patch dose)
- Frequency
- Every 72 hours
- Tracking Notes
- Only for patients aged 2 years or older who are established as opioid-tolerant. Must be initiated and monitored closely by a pain management specialist.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Contraindicated. Duragesic is not approved for pediatric patients under 2 years of age or those who are opioid-naive due to the high risk of fatal respiratory depression. |
| 5-7 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Contraindicated. Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients of this age or weight group. |
| 8-10 kg | Contraindicated | Do not use | Contraindicated. Not recommended unless the child is at least 2 years old and already demonstrated to be highly opioid-tolerant under specialist supervision. |
| 11-15 kg | Not routine | Do not use unless prescribed | Use is restricted to pediatric patients aged 2 years or older who are already opioid-tolerant and taking at least 30 mg of oral morphine equivalents per day. |
| 16-20 kg | 12 mcg/hr (lowest starting patch dose) | Every 72 hours | Only for patients aged 2 years or older who are established as opioid-tolerant. Must be initiated and monitored closely by a pain management specialist. |
Formulation
Purpose
Management of severe and persistent chronic pain in opioid-tolerant patients requiring continuous, around-the-clock, long-term opioid treatment for which alternative treatment options are inadequate.
Generic Name
FentanylScheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.