Key takeaways
Fentanyl (Duragesic) and Percocet (oxycodone/acetaminophen) are both used to treat pain, but they have some key differences. Fentanyl is an opioid that comes as a patch and is used for severe, long-term pain in people who are already opioid-tolerant. It works by releasing medication through your skin over a long period. Percocet, on the other hand, is a combination of oxycodone (an opioid) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid pain reliever) and is taken orally for pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medications alone. Fentanyl is only available as a generic, while Percocet is available in both brand and generic forms. Fentanyl patches are changed every 72 hours, whereas Percocet is typically taken every 6 hours as needed. Both medications have a high risk of misuse, dependency, and addiction, but Fentanyl requires special monitoring and training for healthcare providers due to its higher risk of life-threatening side effects.
