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Is It Safe To Use Fentanyl For Back Pain?

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Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: I would like to use fentanyl again for back pain. My Physician stated he was hesitant to give it to some one my age 80
I do have COPD, A-Fib, a Pacemaker. could that have anything to do with the previous question
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Fentanyl use in COPD patients can lead to complications

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

In COPD , particularly , it is better to avoid fentanyl, as respiratory depression is major issue with regards to opioid analgesics especially in old age patients.

Gabapentin or pregabalin are alternative meds that can be taken with the above mentioned conditions in place of fentanyl. You may discuss this option with your doctor.

Vertebral compression fractures should be ruled out and osteoporosis should be adequately treated if present.

Let me know if you have any query.

wishing you best of health

thanks.

Dr. M.S. Khalil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (44 minutes later)
I have had 5 compression fractures. 4 large ones 3 which were repaired with Kyphoplasty. The 4th one was too badly crushed to be repaired. The 5th one was a small one. I can look up which ones if you need. I am told I only have Ostepenia and get an infusion of Reclast yearly. I am using a walker and there are times when I say out loud to myself "oh my God my back" and I have to go sit down to relieve the pain. I am not worried about becoming addicted at my age, just relief. I have thing to do and places to go.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Alternatives Explained

Detailed Answer:
hello again

Initially Bisphosphonates such as alendronates or reclast are used but if there are fractures or BMD ( Bone Mass Density ) fails to prop up then Teriparatide can be used as a replacement.
You should consult a neurosurgeon to evaluate better the severity of the compression and if you should do without further surgical intervention. Compression fractures if not treated can lead to permanent neurological deficits.
Moist hot packs and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation are options that can be considered as alternatives for pain relief. Constipation, urinary or fecal retention and incontinence should be reported right away as it may indicate emergent decompression in case there is further compression of the involved vertebrae.
Static balance, dynamic balance, and exercises eg knee extension strength attainment may also be of considerable benefit. balance training for fall prevention is important and prevention measures must be taken. Physiotherapy routines would help in this regard.
Orthotics use to decrease flexion and limit spine movements to prevent the progression of kyphosis and limiting pressure points is also an option.

Please consult you doctor before opting for any of the options discussed above.

Let me know if you have any query

Thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Is It Safe To Use Fentanyl For Back Pain?

Brief Answer: Fentanyl use in COPD patients can lead to complications Detailed Answer: Hello and Welcome I appreciate your concern In COPD , particularly , it is better to avoid fentanyl, as respiratory depression is major issue with regards to opioid analgesics especially in old age patients. Gabapentin or pregabalin are alternative meds that can be taken with the above mentioned conditions in place of fentanyl. You may discuss this option with your doctor. Vertebral compression fractures should be ruled out and osteoporosis should be adequately treated if present. Let me know if you have any query. wishing you best of health thanks. Dr. M.S. Khalil