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Compare Fentanyl vs. Norco

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

Key takeaways

Fentanyl and Norco are both used to manage pain, but they have some key differences. Fentanyl is a powerful opioid available as a transdermal patch, used for severe, long-term pain in people who are already opioid-tolerant. It works by releasing medication through your skin over 72 hours. Norco, on the other hand, is a combination of hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic) taken orally for pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications. Norco starts working within 30 minutes and is taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Fentanyl is only available as a generic, while Norco's brand name is discontinued but generics are available. Both medications carry risks of addiction, misuse, and serious side effects like slowed breathing, but fentanyl requires special monitoring under the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program due to its high potency and risk profile. Norco also has a risk of liver damage due to its acetaminophen content, which is not a concern with fentanyl.

  • Fentanyl patch
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)
  • Fentanyl patch
    Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen)

  • Summary of Fentanyl vs. Norco

    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.

    Summary for Opioid / Analgesic
    Prescription only

    Norco is a combination medication that contains hydrocodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (an analgesic). It's used to manage pain for people who've tried non-opioid medications but haven't gotten enough relief. Norco (hydrocodone / acetaminophen) is a tablet that's taken by mouth. It takes about 30 minutes to start working. Side effects include constipation, nausea, and sleepiness. It's also a controlled substance because it has a high risk of misuse and dependency.

    Please note: The brand name Norco is no longer available in the United States, but there are generic hydrocodone/acetaminophen tablets on the market.

  • Indications of Fentanyl vs. Norco

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

  • Pros and Cons of Fentanyl vs. Norco

    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
    Pros and Const for Opioid / Analgesic
    Pros
    •Can provide pain relief within 30 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost, generic medication
    Cons
    •Can be habit-forming
    •Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen since it can raise the risk of liver damage
    •Is a controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled

  • Common Side Effects of Fentanyl vs. Norco

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Itching

  • Warnings of Fentanyl vs. Norco

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for misuse and addiction
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Risk for opioid overdose
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Liver damage
    •Drug interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Fentanyl vs. Norco

    Learn more about Fentanyl patch
    Learn more about Norco

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