Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Duragesic as follows:
- Do not take Duragesic with alcohol. Both alcohol and Duragesic 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 Duragesic individually does not cause much damage to the liver, combining Duragesic with alcohol can increase the chance for liver injury.
- Duragesic is metabolized by the liver and individuals with history of compromised liver function cannot metabolize Duragesic and this can lead to increased blood levels of Duragesic for longer duration, leading to toxicity. Duragesic should be avoided or used with extreme caution in such individuals. Observe compliance with any labs ordered for evaluation of hepatic function.
- Duragesic is mainly excreted in the urine. Individuals with compromised renal functions tend to retain the drug in the circulation longer, thus resulting in toxicity. Duragesic 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.
