Duragesic Pain Patch: Miracle or Murderer?

It's true that the Duragesic Patch has also been abused by quite a number of drug addicts. The patch contains an opioid that is nearly a 100 times more potent than morphine. The result is a quick and often extremely dangerous high. The fact is it’s so easy to misuse also means that patients who really need the patch must be extra careful. The patch should not be used for pain that will clear up on its own in a few days- for example, if you're recovering from surgery, you shouldn't use the patch to help in coping up with the pain. The patch is designed for flare-ups that regular medication can't control.

When the Duragesic Patch was first released, it was thought to be a wonder for treating chronic pain. Unlike heavy drugs that often had to be ingested painfully, this patch released narcotic painkillers slowly which in turn, were absorbed by the skin. But the patch has recently come under attack for being the cause behind a number of fatalities. The FDA is still researching whether these deaths were due to patient misuse or if the patch was the true culprit.

It's also your physician's responsibility to ensure that you are in a position to take the Duragesic Patch. If any of your major organs is diseased, you have a head injury, or react to certain drugs, this patch might not be the right answer for you. Pregnant and breast-feeding women must also avoid the patch.