The FDA (the US Food and Drug Administration) has issued its second warning about a medication, the Fentanyl skin patch. Fentanyl is a restricted medication that should only be used for moderate to severe long-term pain, however, some doctors are prescribing it for shorter term pain, such as relief following surgery.
Fentanyl is a great medication for thousands of people who are receiving it for the right reason; however, if it is being used incorrectly, it can lead to overdose and death.
In Canada, fentanyl skin patches go by the brand name Duragesic®.