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Compare Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Dilaudid (hydromorphone) and fentanyl (Fentora, Actiq) are prescription opioids. They treat pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications. Fentanyl is often used for cancer pain. They’re not first-choice options for pain since they have significant risks, such as misuse and overdose, that can be life-threatening. Common side effects, however, can often be managed at home. These include drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation. Both medications come in several forms. For example, Dilaudid is available as tablets, oral liquid, and injection. Fentanyl is available as patches, lozenges, an injection, and more. If you or someone in your household takes Dilaudid or fentanyl, you should carry naloxone (Narcan) with you. Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of an opioid overdose if needed.

  • Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
    Fentanyl patch
  • Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
    Fentanyl patch

  • Summary of Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is an opioid medication that's used to help with pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough pain relief. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is available as pills, liquids, and rectal suppositories. The dosage depends on what form of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) you're using. In addition, some forms are immediate-release that help control sudden pain quickly, but others are extended-release for more long-lasting (chronic) pain. The most common side effects include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea, among others. Dilaudid (hydromorphone) is available as a brand and generic medication.

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    The fentanyl transdermal patch, previously known by the brand name Duragesic, is an opioid. It's a patch that's applied on the skin every 3 days to manage severe, long-term or chronic pain. The fentanyl patch is only approved for people who are "opioid tolerant" whose pain isn't controlled well enough with other treatment options. Fentanyl is a very powerful opioid, so the medication can be especially dangerous for those who aren't opioid tolerant because of their high risk for extremely slowed breathing and overdose. Some side effects include nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.

  • Indications of Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl

    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications
    Indications for
    •Severe, chronic pain in people who are opioid tolerant

  • Pros and Cons of Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Relieves pain that isn't controlled with non-opioid pain medications
    •Can help with quick, sudden pain or chronic pain (depending on the form of the medication)
    •Available in liquid form and rectal suppositories for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available as a lower-cost generic version
    Cons
    •Can commonly cause constipation
    •Risk of dependence and tolerance with long-term use
    •Must slowly lower the dose before stopping if you've been taking for a long time to prevent bothersome side effects and uncontrolled pain
    •A controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled (highly regulated by the federal government because of risk of misuse)
    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •A possible option for severe, chronic pain if you've already tried other treatments and they don't work well enough for you
    •A possible choice if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Replaced on the skin every 3 days
    Cons
    •Only approved for people who are already taking opioids around-the-clock (opioid tolerant)
    •High risk for dangerously slow breathing, misuse, and addiction
    •Not intended to use as needed, for short-term pain, or for mild pain

  • Common Side Effects of Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Sweating
    •Flushing
    •Intense happiness (euphoria)
    •Distress
    •Dry mouth
    •Itchy skin
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (41%)
    •Vomiting (26%)
    •Sleepiness (19%)
    •Dizziness (10%)
    •Trouble sleeping (10%)
    •Constipation (9%)
    •A lot of sweating (6%)
    •Tiredness (6%)
    •Feeling cold (6%)

  • Warnings of Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of accidental overdose
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Potentially life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Harm to newborn babies when taken during pregnancy
    •Low hormone levels
    •Low blood pressure
    •Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Contains sulfites
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Life-threatening risks with accidental exposure
    •Life-threatening risks with patch exposure to high temperatures (e.g., heat, high fever)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Drug interactions
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Low blood pressure and slow heart rate
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Dilaudid vs. Fentanyl

    Learn more about Dilaudid
    Learn more about Fentanyl patch

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