Q: Can the duragesic 25 patch be used if patient is allergic to codeine?
Yes, Duragesic is transdermal fentanyl and is very different than codeine; even though, both medications are in the same family. Codiene is really morphine in disguise. "Allergies" or side effects from morphine are usually due to the release of histamine. Fentanyl is known to cause less release of histamine and therefore less side effects.
Fentanyl (Duragesic) and codiene are in the same family, so both have the potential for side effects. But because of the different "footprint", fentanyl may be very well tolerated even when codiene is not tolerated.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
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