What is Fentanyl nasal?
Fentanyl nasal (for the nose) is an opioid drug utilized in treating "breakthrough" cancer pain. Fentanyl nasal can't be used to treat discomfort that isn't related to cancer, for example, pain caused by surgeries, dental work, or migraine headaches.
Fentanyl nasal can be used in conjunction with other opioid pain medications that are utilized all the time. Fentanyl nasal could be used to treat other conditions that are not covered in this guide.
Side effects of Fentanyl nasal
Contact a medical professional immediately in the event that you exhibit warning signs of an allergic reaction, such as symptoms of hives, breathing difficulties, and swelling of your lips, face, and throat.
Opioid medicines may slow or stop your breathing and even cause death. The person who is caring for you must seek urgent medical care if you suffer from slow breathing with pauses for long periods and blue lips, or if you find it difficult to get back up.
Fentanyl can cause serious adverse side effects. Consult your doctor immediately in the event of:
- Low heartbeat slow heart rate, sighing, low breathing, and breathing that ceases in sleep;
- Extreme fear, confusion, abnormal thoughts or behaviors;
- Dizziness, feeling like you might pass out; or
- Increasing tiredness or weakening.
Take immediate medical attention if you are experiencing signs that suggest serotonin syndrome, for example, hallucinations, agitation, sweating, fever chills, shivering, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness and twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea. Risky side effects are more common in older people and those who suffer from debilitation or malnutrition. Opioid medication used for long periods could impact fertility (the ability to have children), whether in women or men. It isn't known if the effects of opioids on fertility are permanent.
Common adverse effects of fentanyl could include:
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
- Anxiety, depression;
- Trouble sleep;
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or
- Swelling in your hands, arms, or legs.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could occur. Contact your doctor to seek medical advice on the effects. You can report any symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Do not apply fentanyl nasally to replace any other type of drug. If you switch from a different fentanyl type, then you should not take the same dosage. A MISUSE OF OPIID MEDICINE could lead to addiction, overdosing, or even death. Keep the medication in a location where other people can't access it. The use of opioids during pregnancy can result in life-threatening withdrawal symptoms for the baby. Side effects that are fatal can be experienced if you take opioids in conjunction with alcohol or with other medications that cause drowsiness or cause breathing to slow down.
Before you take this drug
Fentanyl should not be used. If you have an allergy to the substance or are suffering from:
- Extremely severe asthma or breathing issues or
- A stomach issue or obstruction of the bowel (including paralytic ileus)
It is not recommended to use fentanyl nasally unless you have already used another opioid medication and are intolerant of it. Don't give this medication to anyone younger than 18 years old.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Breathing issues, sleep apnea;
- A head injury, brain tumor, or seizures;
- Addiction to alcohol or drugs mental illness, addiction to drugs or alcohol;
- Urination issues;
- Kidney or liver diseas
- A blockage in the stomach or intestines of your body; or
- Issues with your gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid, or gallbladder.
If you take opioids while pregnant, your baby may develop a dependence on the medication. This can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening for the infant after it is born. Babies born dependent on opioids may need medical treatment for several weeks. Do not feed your baby breastmilk. Fentanyl can cause breathing difficulties, drowsiness, and withdrawal signs in nursing babies.
How to take Nasal spray fentanyl?
Follow the instructions on the prescription label and follow the directions on all instructions for your medication. Do not take fentanyl in greater quantities or for more than what is prescribed. Consult your physician if you have a strong urge to use more of the drug. Don't share your opioid prescription with someone, especially those who have an addiction history. A misuse of the medicine can result in addiction or even death. Make sure the medication is kept in a safe place so that others are unable to access it. Giving away or selling opioids is illegal.
Do not mix fentanyl nasal with another type of fentanyl or substitute any other type of fentanyl (injection patches, skin patches, dissolving film, "lollipop" device). If you choose to switch to nasal fentanyl from a different type of fentanyl, you cannot take the same dosage. Start at the lowest dose.
Take note of and follow the instructions that are included in your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist for clarification if you are unsure of the instructions. Consult your physician if you are still experiencing pain for more than 30 minutes after applying the spray to your nose or if you suffer from sudden pain more than four times during the course of a single day.
It is recommended to wait for at least two hours following the previous doses of fentanyl medication before you can treat a fresh, painful attack. Do not stop taking fentanyl abruptly after long-term usage, or you may suffer uncomfortable withdrawal effects. Discuss with your physician how you can effectively stop using this drug. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and heat. Keep this medication out of children's reach. The amount of fentanyl found in each bottle of Lazanda can cause death in children.
Don't keep any remaining opioids. A single dose could cause death in someone who is using this medication improperly or in an accident. Read and carefully follow the directions provided in the medicine on how to get rid of any leftover portions.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Because fentanyl is a drug used to treat pain, you're not likely to skip the dose. Do not miss any doses when it's time to get the next dose. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention immediately, contact emergency medical assistance, or dial the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of fentanyl is fatal, particularly for children or any other user of the drug without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, a low pulse rate, fainting, and slow breathing (breathing might cease).
What should be avoided?
Don't drink or consume alcohol. Dangerous side effects or even death could happen. Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand the effects of fentanyl on you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents, falls, or serious injuries. Grapefruit can interact with fentanyl, which can result in adverse reactions. Beware of using grapefruit-related products.
Interaction with other drugs
There is a possibility of breathing issues or withdrawal symptoms when you discontinue or start taking other medications. Talk to your doctor if you also take any antibiotic or antifungal medication, seizure medication, or any other medicine for treating HIV as well as hepatitis C.
Opioid medicine may interact with other medications, causing serious side effects or even death. Be sure your doctor is aware if you are taking:
- Other narcotic medicines, such as pain medication with opioids and prescribed cough medicine,
- A sedative, such as Valium-diazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam. Ativan, Klonopin, Restoril, Tranxene, Versed, Xanax, and more
- Substances that induce sleep or cause breathing to slow down—a sleep pill or tranquilizer, a muscle relaxer, an antidepressant, or an antipsychotic medicine;
- Serotonin-related drugs can alter the levels in your body. They can be stimulants or medications for depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, severe infections, or to prevent vomiting and nausea.
This list isn't complete. Other drugs can interact with fentanyl, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all interactions are included in this list.
