Tilofyl patches (fentanyl)

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Sweating
- Itching
- Rash, redness or itching of skin at site of patch application
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)
- Feeling of well-being, optimism and cheerfulness (euphoria)
- Decreased appetite
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)
- Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while using this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

This medicine should not be used at the same time as, or within two weeks of, MAOI antidepressants such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine.

There may be an increased risk of side effects such as drowsiness, sedation, low blood pressure and slow, shallow breathing, if this medicine is used with other medicines that have a sedative effect on the central nervous system. These include the following:

- antipsychotics, eg haloperidol
- barbiturates, eg phenobarbital, amobarbital
- benzodiazepines, eg diazepam, temazepam
- general anaesthetics
- muscle relaxants
- other strong opioid painkillers, eg morphine, codeine
- sedating antihistamines, eg chlorphenamine, hydroxyzine
- sleeping tablets, eg zopiclone
- tricyclic antidepressants, eg amitriptyline.

The anti-HIV medicine ritonavir may increase the blood level of fentanyl if it is taken at the same time. This can increase the risk of fentanyl side effects, and for this reason this combination is not recommended unless the patient is closely monitored.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Actiq lozenges

Durogesic DTrans

Fentanyl patches are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

<<Go To Page 1

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved