fentanyl (sublingual) (cont.)
What happens if I miss a dose (Abstral, Subsys)?
Since fentanyl sublingual is used as needed, you are not likely to miss a dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Abstral, Subsys)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A fentanyl overdose can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, weak pulse, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing may stop).
What should I avoid while taking fentanyl (Abstral, Subsys)?
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how fentanyl will affect you.
Do not drink alcohol. It can increase your risk of a dangerous side effect while taking fentanyl.
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with fentanyl and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.
What other drugs will affect fentanyl (Abstral, Subsys)?
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by fentanyl. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines.
Many drugs can interact with fentanyl. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:
- phenobarbital (Solfoton) or other barbiturates;
- pioglitazone (Actos, Actoplus Met, Duetact);
- an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), rifabutin (Mycobutin), rifampin (Rifater, Rifadin, Rifamate), telithromycin (Ketek), and others;
- antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole (Oravig), or voriconazole (Vfend);
- heart or blood pressure medication such as diltiazem (Cartia, Cardizem), nicardipine (Cardene), quinidine (Quin-G), verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan), and others;
- HIV/AIDS medicine such as delavirdine (Rescriptor), efavirenz (Sustiva, Atripla), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), nevirapine (Viramune), ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra), and others;
- seizure medication such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin), and others; or
- steroids such as prednisone and others.
This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with fentanyl sublingual. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about fentanyl sublingual.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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