Patient was educated on contraindications for using Duragesic as follows:
- Duragesic must be avoided or used cautiously in individuals allergic to other opioid analgesics, such as Hydrocodone, Morphine, and Codeine.
- Duragesic slows down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Duragesic must be avoided or used with extreme caution in chronically constipated patients, as they are at increased risk for episodes of ileus and intestinal obstruction with Duragesic.
- Duragesic produces an intense feeling of drowsiness and dizziness, as a side effect to modifying the pain perception of brain. Patients can also experience hallucinations and mood changes due to Duragesic use. Duragesic must be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals taking antidepressants and other psychotropic medications that have the potential to induce hallucinations and mood changes.
- Duragesic is mainly metabolized by the liver. 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.
- 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.
