Duragesic should not be the first narcotic pain medicine that is prescribed for your pain. You should only use Duragesic if you have been 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 narcotic analgesic for a week or longer before starting Duragesic.

Duragesic is not for patients who need narcotic pain medicines for only a short time. This includes pain associated with surgery (such as tonsillectomies), and medical or dental procedures (such as wisdom tooth removal).

Duragesic is not for occasional ("as needed") use.

Duragesic is only for opioid-tolerant children who are two years of age or older, and who are already using other opioid narcotic pain medicines. 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.

Who Should Not Use Duragesic?

You should not use Duragesic if you:

• are not already using other opioid narcotic medicines
• need opioid (narcotic) pain medicines for only a short time
• need treatment for pain from surgery, medical or dental procedures
• have pain that can be taken care of by occasional use of other pain medicines
• have acute (sudden) or severe asthma
• have a gastrointestinal problem called paralytic ileus

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.

Duragesic Health Risks

There are serious health risks associated with Duragesic use. Call your healthcare professional right away or get emergency medical help if you:

• have trouble breathing
• experience extreme drowsiness with slowed breathing
• experience shortness of breath (little chest movement with breathing)
• Feel faint, dizzy, confused, or have other unusual symptoms.