Duragesic Transdermal Patches contain different amounts of Fentanyl, a synthetic opiate that is 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl is regularly used in hospitals as an anesthetic, when the patient needs to be conscious but in a state where no pain is felt (twilight state). It is normally used by Cancer patients (terminal or otherwise) and those like myself who are long-term extreme chronic pain patients that require pain relief on a continuing basis. It is not for patients who have pain that is only for a short period, and patients who switch to Duragesic must be opiate tolerant (i.e., have been on other oral opiate meds for some time before converting).
Duragesic comes in 5 doses, which contain increasing amounts of Fentanyl. The patches are a timed-release medicine, meaning the dose is released transdermally (through the skin, regulated by body heat) over a 2-3 day period, depending on the patient. Most patients get 3 days - a small percentage, like myself, only get 2. The nominal delivery rate is 12.5mcg per hour.
Patch doses and amounts of Fentanyl in each are:
12mcg (microgram) patch - 2.1 mg (milligrams) Fentanyl
25mcg - 4.2 mg
50mcg - 8.4 mg
75mcg - 12.6 mg
100mcg - 16.8 mg
transdermal
yes
Advantages to using a transdermal patch are that it can produce a systemic effect and have a first- pass effect to bypassing the liver. For example, someone with liver disease.
Transdermal patches are used as delivery devices for many different medications. The active ingredient cannot be determined from this question because the name of the medication (for which a transdermal patch is being used) is not listed in the body of the question.
transdermal patch
gloves prevent the medication from being absorbed through the skin.
Transdermal patch
The transdermal patch costs money.
A transdermal patch is typically applied to clean, dry, and hairless skin on areas such as the upper arm, chest, back, or thigh. It's important to rotate application sites to avoid skin irritation. Ensure that the patch adheres well and is placed flat against the skin for optimal absorption of the medication. Always follow specific instructions provided with the patch regarding placement and duration of use.
Transdermal diffusion
Transdermal usually means the drug is delivered through a patch. Topical tends to mean a cream, lotion or ointment is applied to the skin. Essentially both are applied to the skin. Hope this helps.
Fenetyl