Fentanyl has quickly risen to the position of one of the deadliest substances in America today. Responsible for over 150 deaths a day (1), this potent chemical compound continues to impact families and communities. One reason that fentanyl’s impact is so widespread, is people remain unaware of some of the generic and brand names for this deadly substance. You can equip yourself to better recognize and understand this synthetic compound by understanding the many forms, names, and uses that it possesses.
If you or someone you love finds themselves in addictive lifestyle patterns with fentanyl, help is available. Guardian Recovery is one of the nation’s leading providers of quality substance use treatment. With our highly trained staff and multitude of locations, Guardian Recovery is available to help you begin your journey to freedom. Call today.
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Does Fentanyl Have a Generic Name?
Many substances, once they reach the market, are trademarked by pharmaceutical corporations with a brand name due to the specific compound and medical purpose that they possess. Each of these brand name medications possess various chemicals that give them the desired effect by doctors as well as illicit drug users.
Often, a generic drug (2) will be released on the market once a patent held by a specific company runs out. These substances are approved and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same as their name brand counterparts often at a fraction of the price. This applies to both over the counter medications as well as prescription controlled substances.
One of the common misconceptions concerning fentanyl is its generic and brand names. The term fentanyl is the name for the chemical itself, not necessarily a specific brand. Fentanyl is an ingredient found in many brand name medications combined with other chemicals, but does not have a brand or generic name itself.
Fentanyl Citrate
Fentanyl Citrate (3) is an example of a generic term for a compound possessing fentanyl that is comprised of equal parts citric acid and fentanyl. This mixture is so that the body can more easily absorb the substance in a topical or sublingual application. Its most common use is the prescription topical patch with the brand name Duragesic.
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Brand & Trade Names for Pharmaceutical Fentanyl
Fentanyl and the compounds that it is found in carry a variety of brand names. They include:
- Duragesic (4) — This is the brand name for a common transdermal skin patch containing fentanyl. Transdermal means that this medication is a patch placed on the surface of the skin designed to slowly soak in over time entering into the bloodstream. This medication is a Schedule II substance meaning that is available by prescription only and has a high risk for addiction. It is commonly used to treat patients who are experiencing chronic pain after a surgery or while in the late stages of cancer. It is also prescribed by physicians for patients who have a negative or lack of reaction to other pain medications.
- Sublimaze (5) — This is an injection usually administered through an IV that contains fentanyl. Most commonly this medication is used to treat pain before or during a surgical procedure. It is also administered to help the anesthetic work properly. Like all other forms of medications that include fentanyl, it is a Schedule II controlled substance and is to be used only under the direct care of a physician.
- Actiq (6) — This fentanyl containing medication is a transmucosal lozenge composed of a fentanyl citrate lozenge attached to a plastic handle. To use it you are intended to place the medicine in your mouth between your cheek and gum, and hold the handle with your fingers. You twirl the handle to move the medicine around in your mouth while sucking on it. This is used, like the other fentanyl applications, for patients who are experiencing high amounts of pain and who do not have the desired reaction when given other opioids.
Abstral (7) — Abstral is a sublingual tablet designed to treat pain specifically related to cancer patients. Sublingual means that it is a tablet designed to be placed under the tongue and dissolve into the bloodstream. Abstral reports that it has no other purpose than treating breakthrough pain related to cancer. It carries the same Schedule II classification as other fentanyl applications due to its high risk for addiction.
Fentanyl Chemical Names, Related Compounds, & Derivatives
Fentanyl has had related compounds (8) and derivatives since its inception. Often manufacturers will slightly alter the chemical makeup for highly regulated substances so that they can produce and sell the products easier without as many regulations. Some fentanyl derivatives can be explained by this reasoning while others are for the purposes of different applications and routes of administration.
One derivative of fentanyl that has drawn recent attention is Carfentanil. (9) This derivative of fentanyl is estimated to be 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl itself. Because of this, its only approved applications are for procedures involving large animals.
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Treatment for Fentanyl Addiction
With fentanyl use and overdose being more prevalent than ever, the need for substance use treatment is equally as high. The most effective methods of treatment involve a combination of medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Opioid use disorder can have detrimental effects on people, families, and entire communities. Guardian Recovery understands this and is committed to providing the highest level of care for those seeking treatment for their substance use. If you or a loved one are struggling, call Guardian Recovery today. One of our trained admissions professionals is available 24/7 to help guide you to the best option for your specific needs. Your journey to freedom could begin today with one simple phone call.
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Disclaimer: Does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes, as individual results may vary. Our services are not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis; please consult a qualified healthcare provider for such matters.
- https://www.cdc.gov/stopoverdose/fentanyl/index.html
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/generic-drugs/overview-basics
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Fentanyl-citrate
- https://reference.medscape.com/drug/duragesic-fentanyl-transdermal-999646
- https://www.drugs.com/cons/sublimaze.html
- https://www.drugs.com/actiq.html
- https://www.drugs.com/abstral.html
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24635521/
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/carfentanil
