Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Fentanyl as follows:
- Do not take Fentanyl with alcohol. Both alcohol and Fentanyl depress the respirations. When taken together, their effects on respirations can get added up and lead to severe respiratory depression, coma, and can even be fatal. Also, though Fentanyl individually does not cause much damage to the liver, combining Fentanyl with alcohol can increase the chance for liver injury.
- Fentanyl is metabolized by the liver and individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Fentanyl and this can lead to increased blood levels of Fentanyl for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Fentanyl should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals. Observe compliance with any labs ordered for evaluation of hepatic function.
- Fentanyl is mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with compromised renal functions tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity. Fentanyl should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals. Observe compliance with any labs ordered for evaluation of renal function.
- Watch out for any continuing or worsening pain, to report to your doctor immediately, so that, a change in plan could be considered.
