Package Leaflet: Information for the User
Durogesic Matrix 12 micrograms/hour transdermal patches
fentanyl
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.
Contents of the pack
This medicine is called Durogesic Matrix
The patches help to relieve very strong and long-lasting pain:
Durogesic Matrix contains a medicine called fentanyl. It belongs to a group of strong pain-relieving medicines called opioids.
Do not use Durogesic Matrix
Do not use this medicine if you or your child are in any of these situations. If you are not sure, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Durogesic Matrix.
Warnings and precautions
If the patch sticks to another person
The patch should only be used on the skin of the person it has been prescribed for. There have been cases where the patch has stuck to another family member through close physical contact or sharing the same bed with the person wearing the patch. If the patch sticks accidentally to another person (especially a child), the medicine in the patch can pass through their skin and can cause serious side effects, such as breathing difficulties, with slow or shallow breathing that can be life-threatening. If the patch sticks to another person's skin, it should be removed immediately and a doctor should be consulted.
Be careful with Durogesic Matrix
Consult your doctor or pharmacist beforeusing this medicine if you are in any of the following situations. Your doctor will need to keep a closer check on you:
If you have any of these conditions (or if you are not sure), consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Durogesic Matrix.
Tell your doctor while you are using the patch if you have breathing problems while you are sleeping.Opioids like Durogesic Matrix can cause sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnoea (breathing pauses while you are asleep) and sleep-related low oxygen levels in the blood. Talk to your doctor if you, your partner or carer notice any of the following symptoms:
Your doctor may decide to change the dose.
Tell your doctor while you are using the patch if you notice any change in your pain.If you:
Do not change the dose yourself. Your doctor may decide to change the dose or switch to a different treatment.
Side effects and Durogesic Matrix
You can find a list of all possible side effects in section 4.
Durogesic Matrix, like other opioids, can affect the normal production of hormones in your body, such as cortisol, prolactin or sex hormones, especially if you have used Durogesic Matrix for a long time. The effects of these hormonal changes can include feeling unwell or uneasy (including nausea), loss of appetite, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, low blood pressure, infertility or decreased sex drive. Additionally, female patients may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, while male patients may experience impotence or enlarged breasts. If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor.
When you are wearing the patch, do not expose it to direct heat, such as heat pads, hot water bottles, electric blankets, heated water beds, heat lamps or saunas. Do not take a hot bath or shower, and do not use a hot tub or whirlpool. If you do, you may get too much medicine.
Long-term use and tolerance
This medicine contains fentanyl, an opioid. Repeated use of opioid painkillers can make the medicine less effective (your body gets used to it, which is known as tolerance). You may also become more sensitive to pain when you use Durogesic Matrix. This is known as hyperalgesia. Increasing the dose of the patches may continue to relieve pain for a while, but it can also be harmful. If you notice that the medicine is becoming less effective, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will decide whether it is better for you to increase the dose or gradually reduce your use of Durogesic Matrix.
Dependence and addiction
Repeated use of Durogesic Matrix can also lead to dependence, abuse and addiction, which can be life-threatening. The risk of these side effects may be higher with higher doses and longer use. Dependence or addiction can lead to a feeling of loss of control over the amount of medicine you need to use or how often you need to use it. You may feel that you need to keep using the medicine even if it is no longer relieving your pain.
The risk of dependence or addiction varies from person to person. The risk of becoming dependent on or addicted to Durogesic Matrix may be higher if:
If you notice any of the following symptoms while using Durogesic Matrix, it could be a sign of dependence or addiction.
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you, when it is appropriate to stop the medicine, and how to do it safely.
Withdrawal symptoms when stopping Durogesic Matrix
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You may get withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, difficulty sleeping, irritability, agitation, anxiety, feeling your heartbeat (palpitations), increased blood pressure, feeling sick or being sick, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, shaking, chills or sweating. If you want to stop using this medicine, talk to your doctor first. Your doctor will tell you how to do it, usually by gradually reducing the dose so that any unpleasant withdrawal effects are minimised.
Other medicines and Durogesic Matrix
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines you have bought without a prescription and herbal medicines. You should also tell your pharmacist if you are using Durogesic Matrix when you buy any medicines from the pharmacy.
Your doctor will know which medicines can be taken safely with Durogesic Matrix. You may need to be closely monitored if you are taking any of the following medicines (or if you stop taking any of the following medicines), as this can affect the dose of Durogesic Matrix that you need.
In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking:
Using Durogesic Matrix with antidepressants
The risk of side effects increases if you are taking medicines such as certain antidepressants. Durogesic Matrix can interact with these medicines and you may experience changes in your mental state such as agitation, seeing, feeling, hearing or smelling things that are not there (hallucinations) and other effects such as changes in blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, high body temperature, overactive reflexes, lack of coordination, muscle stiffness, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (these could be signs of a condition called serotonin syndrome). If they are used together, your doctor may want to keep a close eye on you to watch for these side effects, especially when starting treatment or when the dose of the medicine is changed.
Using Durogesic Matrix with central nervous system depressants, including alcohol and some narcotics
Taking Durogesic Matrix with sedative medicines such as benzodiazepines or related medicines increases the risk of drowsiness, breathing difficulties (respiratory depression), coma and can be life-threatening. For this reason, concomitant use should only be considered when other treatment options are not possible.
However, if your doctor prescribes Durogesic Matrix with sedative medicines, your doctor will limit the dose and duration of concomitant treatment.
Tell your doctor about all sedative medicines you are taking, and follow your doctor's dosage recommendations carefully. It may be useful to inform friends or family members so they are aware of the signs and symptoms mentioned above. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Do not drink alcohol while using Durogesic Matrix, unless you have talked to your doctor first.
Use in athletes
Athletes are informed that this medicine contains a component that may result in a positive doping test.
Operations
If you think you are going to have an anaesthetic, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Durogesic Matrix.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this medicine.
Durogesic Matrix should not be used during pregnancy, unless you have discussed it with your doctor.
Durogesic Matrix should not be used during labour, as the medicine can affect the breathing of the newborn baby.
Long-term use of Durogesic Matrix during pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms in your newborn baby, such as high-pitched crying, irritability, hyperactivity, convulsions, poor feeding and diarrhoea, which can be life-threatening if not recognised and treated. Talk to your doctor immediately if you think your baby may have withdrawal symptoms.
Do not use Durogesic Matrix if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed for 3 days after removing the Durogesic Matrix patch. This is because the medicine can pass into breast milk.
Driving and using machines
Durogesic Matrix can affect your ability to drive or use machines or tools, as it may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. If this happens, do not drive or use machines or tools. Do not drive while using this medicine until you know how it affects you.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is safe for you to drive while using this medicine.
Follow the administration instructions for this medication exactly as indicated by your doctor. In case of doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist again.
Your doctor will decide which concentration of Durogesic Matrix is most suitable for you, taking into account the intensity of your pain, your general condition, and the type of pain treatment you have received so far.
Before starting treatment and regularly during treatment, your doctor will also explain what you can expect from using Durogesic Matrix, when and for how long you should use it, when you should contact your doctor, and when you should stop using it (see also section 2, "Withdrawal syndrome when stopping treatment with Durogesic Matrix").
How to apply and change patches
Apply the patch on | Change the patch on | |
Monday | Thursday | |
Tuesday | Friday | |
Wednesday | Saturday | |
Thursday | Sunday | |
Friday | Monday | |
Saturday | Tuesday | |
Sunday | Wednesday |
Where to apply the patch
Adults
Children
Adults and children:
Do not apply the patch to
How to apply the patch
Step 1: Prepare the skin
Step 2: Open the pouch
Step 3: Peel and press
Step 4: Dispose of the patch
Step 5: Wash your hands
More information on using Durogesic Matrix
Daily activities during patch use
How long do the patches take to work?
How long will you need to use the patches?
If your pain worsens
If you use too many patches or a patch with the wrong dose
If you have applied too many patches or a patch with the wrong dose, remove them and contact your doctor immediately or call the Toxicology Information Service. Tel.: (91) 562 04 20, indicating the medication and the amount applied, or go to the hospital.
The signs of overdose include breathing problems or weak breathing, tiredness, extreme drowsiness, inability to think clearly or walk or talk normally, and dizziness, dizziness, or confusion. An overdose can also cause a brain disorder known as toxic leukoencephalopathy.
If you forget to change the patch
If the patch comes off
If you want to stop using the patches
If you have any other questions about using this medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Like all medications, this medication can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
If you, your partner, or caregiver notice any of the following signs in the person wearing the patch, remove the patch and call a doctor or go to the nearest hospital immediately. You may need urgent medical treatment.
Follow the above recommendations and make the person wearing the patch move and talk as much as possible. In very rare cases, these breathing difficulties can be life-threatening or even fatal, especially in people who have not used strong opioid pain relievers (such as Durogesic Matrix or morphine) before. (Uncommon, may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction. (Frequency cannot be estimated from the available data)
The following side effects have also been reported
Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Rare side effects (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
The following side effects have also been reported, but their exact frequency is unknown:
You may notice rashes, redness, or a slight itch on the skin at the patch application site. It is usually mild and disappears after removing the patch. If it does not, or if the patch irritates your skin a lot, inform your doctor.
Repeated use of the patches can make the medication less effective (you get used to it or become more sensitive to pain) or can cause dependence.
If you switch from another pain reliever to Durogesic Matrix or if you stop using Durogesic Matrix abruptly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as dizziness, feeling sick, diarrhea, anxiety, or tremors. Inform your doctor if you notice any of these effects.
There have also been reports of newborn babies experiencing withdrawal symptoms after their mothers used Durogesic Matrix for a prolonged period during pregnancy.
Reporting side effects
If you experience any side effects, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, even if they are possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Use Medicines: https://www.notificaram.es. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medication.
Where to store the patches
Keep all patches (used and unused) out of sight and reach of children.
Store in the original pouch to protect it from light. This medication does not require any special storage temperature.
Keep this medication in a safe and secure place where others cannot access it. It can be very harmful and cause death if people who have not been prescribed it use it accidentally or intentionally.
How long can you store Durogesic Matrix
Do not use this medication after the expiration date, which appears on the box and pouch. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated. If the patches are expired, take them to the pharmacy.
Do not use this medication if you notice that the patches are damaged.
How to dispose of used or unused patches
Accidental exposure of another person to used and unused patches, especially children, can result in a fatal outcome.
Used patches should be folded firmly in half, so that the adhesive side of the patch sticks to itself. Then, they should be thrown away safely by putting them back in the original pouch and keeping them out of sight and reach of others, especially children, until they are disposed of safely. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medications you no longer need.
Medications should not be thrown down the drain or into the trash. Deposit the packaging and medications you no longer need in the SIGRE collection point at the pharmacy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of the packaging and medications you no longer need. This way, you will help protect the environment.
Composition ofDurogesic Matrix
The active ingredient of Durogesic Matrix is fentanyl. Each transdermal patch contains 2.1 mg of fentanyl, which releases a dose of 12 micrograms/hour.
The other components of the patch are:
Support layer: Polyester/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer film,
Protective layer: Siliconized polyester film,
Medicinal layer: Polyacrylate adhesive.
Printing inks (on the back):
The Durogesic Matrix 12 micrograms/hour patch also contains orange printing ink.
Appearance of the Product and Container Contents
Durogesic is a translucent, rectangular patch with rounded edges. Each patch measures 5.25 cm2, and is marked with a border and with “Durogesic Matrix 12 µg fentanyl/h” in orange printing ink.
The patches come in individual heat-sealed pouches (acrylonitrile or cyclic olefin copolymer layer), and are supplied in cardboard boxes containing 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20 or 30 pouches.
Only some package sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorization Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorization Holder
Janssen-Cilag, S.A.
Paseo del Club Deportivo 1, Edificio 16
28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón (Madrid)
Spain
Manufacturer
Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V.
Turnhoutseweg 30
2340 Beerse
Belgium
This medicinal product is authorized in the Member States of the European Economic Area and in the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) under the following names:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden | Durogesic |
Germany | Durogesic SMAT |
Ireland, United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) | Durogesic DTrans |
Spain | Durogesic Matrix |
Date of the last revision of this prospectus:October 2024.
Other sources of information
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es/.
The average price of DUROGESIC MATRIX 12 micrograms/hour TRANSDERMAL PATCHES in October, 2025 is around 7.02 EUR. Prices may vary depending on the region, pharmacy, and whether a prescription is required. Always check with a local pharmacy or online source for the most accurate information.