Fentanyl

Do not receive Fentanyl if you are allergic to opioids or any ingredients of Fentanyl.Inform your doctor if you have respiratory disorders, heart diseases, high blood pressure, liver/kidney disease or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) before starting treatment with Fentanyl. Do not take Fentanyl for a prolonged time, Fentanyl contains fentanyl that may lead to mental or physical dependence on Fentanyl. Do not take Fentanyl if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may cause adverse effects on the baby. Fentanyl is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. Using MAO inhibitor medicine along with Fentanyl may lead to serious side effects. Hence inform your doctor if you are using any such medicine. Fentanyl should be taken with extreme caution in patients who have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse. Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication, as it can lead to excessive sleepiness. Blood pressure and cardiovascular (heart) status should be monitored closely during the treatment with Fentanyl, especially in people affected with high blood pressure and a history of heart failure.

• Drug-Drug Interaction: Fentanyl is known to interact with antihistamines (cetirizine, phenylephrine), anti-HIV medicines (ritonavir, indinavir, saquinavir), anti-anxiety medicines (droperidol),  anti-fungal medicines (fluconazole, voriconazole), anti-depressants (citalopram, duloxetine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine), MAO Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid, Selegiline).

• Drug-Food Interaction: Fentanyl is known to interact with alcohol and grapefruit juice.

• Drug-Disease Interaction: Fentanyl is known to interact in patients who have or had an underactive thyroid gland, lung disease, myasthenia gravis (a muscle disorder), liver or kidney disease, alcoholism, severe undiagnosed headaches, or recently suffered a head injury, low blood volume, pain in the right upper side of your abdomen (bile duct).

• Do not go for heavy exercise as it may increase your joint pain in arthritis. Instead, you can do stretching and low-impact aerobic exercises like walking on a treadmill, bike riding, and swimming. You can also strengthen your muscles by lifting light weights.
• In the chronic condition of arthritis or joint pain, including fish like salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines. These fishes are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that have a minimum level of chemicals called cytokines, which ramp up inflammation.
• Your sitting posture is important, especially when you have pain and inflammation. Try to sit as little as possible, and only for a short duration of time. Long-term immobility is harmful in conditions like arthritis.  Use back support like a rolled-up towel to minimise pain at the back of your spine curve. Keep your knees and hips at a right angle. Besides this, you can also use a footrest if required.
• Include a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. This is a healthier option than eating many simple carbohydrates in processed foods.

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is required while on treatment with Fentanyl.
• Fentanyl causes drowsiness. Avoid doing activities that require your complete focus and attention, like driving when on this drug.
• An abrupt stoppage of Fentanyl can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss with your doctor about decreasing the dosage before completely stopping its usage.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication, as it can lead to dangerous side effects.
• Fentanyl is unsafe for usage if you're pregnant or are planning to get pregnant. Discuss with your doctor in such situations about changing/replacing the medicine with safer alternatives.
• To avoid getting addicted to this drug, take it in prescribed quantities and as directed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.

• Fentanyl should not be administered during labour as it may affect the baby’s breathing.