Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stopped making the brand-name fentanyl patch, Duragesic. These days, you'll find generic fentanyl transdermal patches from several manufacturers, including Mylan, Teva, and Sandoz.
Is Duragesic and fentanyl the same thing?
Duragesic was simply a brand name for a fentanyl transdermal patch; fentanyl is the actual active opioid ingredient.
Fentanyl, by itself, is a really powerful synthetic opioid. Duragesic was the brand-name version, a slow-release patch designed to deliver the medication constantly for chronic pain in patients who were already opioid-tolerant. Honestly, all fentanyl products come with serious risks of abuse and dependence, as the CDC points out.
What’s the brand name for fentanyl?
Fentanyl is the generic name for this opioid, and it's marketed under various brand names depending on how it's formulated.
When it came to patches, Duragesic was the brand name, but it's not available anymore. You'll also find fentanyl marketed under other brand names like Actiq® (an oral lozenge), Fentora® (a buccal tablet), and Subsys® (a sublingual spray). The DEA recognizes these.
Is oxycodone the same as Percocet?
Percocet isn't the same as oxycodone; it's actually a combination of oxycodone and acetaminophen.
Oxycodone itself is a derivative of opium, and you'll find it sold under various brand names, like OxyContin. The key difference is that Percocet adds acetaminophen to the mix. Both oxycodone and Percocet are classified as narcotic analgesics.
Is Duragesic discontinued?
Yes, Janssen has discontinued all brand-name Duragesic® opioid analgesic (fentanyl transdermal system) patches.
In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed that Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. stopped making the brand-name Duragesic (fentanyl transdermal system) opioid analgesic. So, you won't find it on the market anymore.
How much does Duragesic cost?
A supply of 5 Duragesic transdermal film, extended release (12 mcg/hr) patches typically costs around $208.
This price can vary quite a bit depending on the pharmacy you go to, though. Keep in mind, these prices are generally for cash-paying customers and won't work with most insurance plans. Since Duragesic itself is discontinued, you'll want to look at generic fentanyl prices instead.
