What is Ionsys?
Ionsys contains fentanyl, an opioid pain reliever. Narcotic is another name for an opioid.
Ionsys, a patient-controlled system of medicine, is used exclusively in hospitals to treat acute postoperative pain. The Ionsys device is a transdermal device that sticks to your chest or arm.
Warnings
Do not use Ionsys if you suffer from severe breathing problems or an obstruction in your stomach or intestinal tract. Ionsys is only used in hospitals. The device is not allowed to be used at home. You must not leave the hospital wearing this device. Fentanyl may slow your breathing or even stop it. This device should only be used as instructed. Ionsys should never be touched or handled by a visitor or family member. Only a healthcare professional should handle it.
Misuse of IONSYS can cause addiction, overdose, or death, especially if the medication is used without a doctor's prescription. The drug fentanyl could also become habit-forming. Do not share Ionsys devices with anyone, especially if they have a history of drug addiction.
Fentanyl withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening for an unborn infant whose mother took Ionsys during gestation. Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur. If you wear the Ionsys device during an MRI, it may cause skin burns. Remove the device prior to undergoing a test.
Before you take this drug
Ionsys should not be used if:
- A severe breathing disorder, such as an asthma attack;
- A blockage of your digestive tract
Ionsys can have unwanted or dangerous side effects if used in conjunction with certain medicines. This medicine may not work for you if you are also taking certain antifungal medicines, blood pressure or heart medications, and medications to treat hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, or other medications. Inform your doctor of all medications you use.
Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that can be caused by certain medicines. Make sure you tell your doctor if you take medication for depression, mental illnesses, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, or serious infections. Before making any changes to your medication schedule or how you take it, consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Ionsys will be safe for you:
- Any type of lung disease or breathing disorder;
- A history of head injury or brain tumor; mental illness, drug abuse, or alcoholism
- Slow heartbeats
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- Urination problems
- Liver or kidney disease
- You may have problems with your thyroid, gallbladder, or pancreas.
Ionsys is not known to harm unborn babies. Your baby may become dependent on Ionsys if you take it while pregnant. This could cause severe withdrawal symptoms after birth. Babies who are born addicted to habit-forming drugs may require medical care for several weeks. Inotify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant. Fentanyl may pass into breast milk and harm nursing babies. You should tell your doctor if the baby is breastfed.
How to take Ionsys?
Ionsys can only be used in the hospital. The device will be placed on your chest, upper arm, or shoulder by a healthcare provider. The healthcare provider will also need to remove or replace the device if necessary. You should not leave the hospital wearing a device. Fentanyl may slow down or stop breathing. This device should only be used as directed.
Fentanyl can be addictive, even in small doses. Ionsys should never be shared with anyone, especially if they have a history of addiction or drug abuse. Misuse of narcotic medication can cause addiction, overdose, or death, especially if the drug is used without a prescription. It's illegal to sell or give away Ionsys.
Press the button for dosing twice to release the fentanyl. The dose will start with a beep, and the green light will blink continuously for 10 minutes. The device is only able to be activated once every 10 minutes. If Ionsys does not seem to be working as well at relieving pain, tell your doctor. Only you can press the dose button while wearing this device to manage your pain. You should not let anyone else press the button to control your pain. This could lead to a fatal overdose.
Do not allow anyone to touch or hold the Ionsys device. Only a health professional should handle it. You should not attempt to remove or reposition this device. The sticky side contains a high level of fentanyl, which can cause an overdose in the event that the medication gets on the skin. Inform your healthcare provider if you notice that the device is loose or has fallen off. Wear the device for at least 24 hours, or until 80 doses of fentanyl have been delivered.
If you use the Ionsys device during an MRI, it may cause skin burns. Ionsys can be damaged by certain medical tests. Remove the Ionsys transdermal device before undergoing an MRI, CT scanner, x-ray, or similar test.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Ionsys will be administered by a medical professional in the hospital, so it is unlikely that you'll miss a dosage.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Fentanyl can cause death.
What should be avoided?
The medication should only be applied to the skin. You should not touch the gel in a device with your fingers. Ionsys devices should only be handled by a healthcare professional wearing gloves.
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur.
This medication can affect your ability to think or react. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you have determined how Ionsys affects you.
Side effects of Ionsys
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact emergency medical assistance immediately.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, tell your carers immediately.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- Severe weakness
- Slow heart rate, sighing, or weak breathing.
- Cold, clammy skin;
- Low red blood cells: feeling of lightheadedness or shortness of breath; rapid heartbeat; difficulty concentrating.
- Serotonin syndrome symptoms include agitation or hallucinations; fever; sweating and shivering; a fast heartbeat; muscle stiffness; and twitching. Loss of coordination may also occur.
Older adults may have more breathing problems.
Ionsys may cause side effects such as:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Headache;
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Low red blood cells
- Itching or redness at the site of wearing the device
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Ionsys may be less effective or cause side effects if you take certain drugs that can increase or decrease your blood levels. Tell your doctor if other medications, such as certain antifungal medicines, blood pressure or heart medications, HIV/AIDS medications, or medications to treat HIV/AIDS, are also being taken.
Fentanyl may interact with other drugs, causing dangerous side effects and even death. Make sure you tell your doctor if you use:
- Other narcotic drugs: opioid pain medication or prescription cough medicines;
- Sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, tranquilisers, antipsychotic medicines, sedatives, or tranquilizers are all drugs that can make you sleepy.
- Serotonin-lowering drugs are used to treat depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, and serious infections. They can also be used for nausea and vomiting prevention.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products, may interact with fentanyl. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
