Q: Can children use Duragesic?
A: Children less than two years of age and children two years of age or older not already using other opioid narcotic pain medicines (opioid tolerant) should not use Duragesic.

Pediatric patients two years of age or older are opioid tolerant if they are taking at least 60 milligrams (mg) of oral morphine daily, or at least 30 mg of oral oxycodone daily, or at least 8 mg of oral hydromorphone daily, or an equally strong dose of another opioid for a week or longer before starting Duragesic.

Q: Who should not use Duragesic?
A: You should not use Duragesic if you are not already using other opioid narcotic medicines; if you need opioid pain medicines for only a short time; if you need treatment for pain from surgery, medical or dental procedures; if you have pain that can be taken care of by occasional use of other pain medicines; if you have acute (sudden) or severe asthma; or if you have a gastrointestinal problem called paralytic ileus.

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Duragesic use?
A: There are serious health risks associated with Duragesic use. You should call your healthcare professional immediately or get emergency medical help if you have trouble breathing, experience extreme drowsiness with slowed breathing, experience shortness of breath, or feel faint, dizzy, confused, or have other unusual symptoms. These can be symptoms related to Duragesic overdose and can lead to serious problems or death if not treated right away.

Also, stopping the Duragesic skin patch suddenly can make you sick with withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your healthcare professional about slowly stopping Duragesic. There is a chance you could get addicted to the Duragesic skin patch. The chance is higher if you are or have been addicted to or abused other medicines, street drugs, or alcohol, or if you have a history of mental problems. Duragesic users may also experience a drop in blood pressure. This can make you feel dizzy if you get up too fast from sitting or lying down.