Is Fentanyl Patch The Right Treatment For Pain In Back?

Posted on Mon, 2 Feb 2015

Question: Yes hello how are you? I have a question which is that I take 75 mcg of Fentanyl every 48 hours and I only feel relief for my back for that one day 24 hours what should I ask my doctor or explain to him

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Request your doctor for dose modification

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have read through your query in details.
Fentanyl is an effective opioid analgesic and is used in the form of transdermal patches to be applied over skin in recommended doses. It is given in severe or chronic pain which requires an extended release of the medication. This is given to patients who cannot control their pain by oral opioids and are considered to be opioid tolerant.

You might have become tolerant to the dose of medications and therefore your pain relief does not work for more than 24 hours when on fentanyl 75 mcg every 48 hours.

This medication has got an abuse potential and habit formation. You should talk to your doctor stating that your pain intensity starts rising after 24 hours itself and you would like a reconsideration on the dosage.

There are dose regulation table which your doctor will refer to and modify the amount of fentanyl you require for pain relief.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar