Matrifen

Fentanyl, the active ingredient in Matrifen, is an opioid analgesic presented as a transdermal patch for transdermal use. It provides continuous pain relief for patients with severe chronic pain and cancer‑related pain.

GNH USA supplies Matrifen as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving hospitals, oncology centres, pharmacies and clinics worldwide.

Matrifen contains fentanyl, an opioid that acts on the central nervous system to control persistent severe pain. - Severe chronic pain: delivers continuous opioid analgesia for patients with long‑term, high‑intensity pain. - Cancer pain: manages moderate to severe pain associated with malignant disease, improving quality of life. - End‑of‑life care: offers sustained pain control for patients receiving palliative or hospice care.

Fentanyl transdermal therapy may be associated with a range of adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects: - Nausea and vomiting - Constipation - Dizziness or light‑headedness - Somnolence or fatigue - Dry mouth - Sweating

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Respiratory depression, potentially life‑threatening - Severe hypotension or cardiovascular collapse - Opioid dependence or withdrawal syndrome - Severe skin reactions at the patch site - Anaphylaxis or severe hypersensitivity - Adrenal insufficiency with prolonged use

When prescribing or using Matrifen, clinicians and patients should observe several safety measures. - Assess opioid tolerance: confirm the patient is opioid‑tolerant before initiating therapy. - Monitor respiratory function: watch for signs of respiratory depression, especially during dose adjustments. - Avoid use in severe respiratory compromise: contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled asthma or COPD exacerbations. - Use with caution in hepatic impairment: reduced metabolism may increase fentanyl exposure. - Store at room temperature: keep patches in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Fentanyl may interact with other medicines, altering its safety or effectiveness.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Central nervous system depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates): risk of profound sedation and respiratory depression. - Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): can precipitate severe hypotension or serotonin syndrome. - Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin): increase fentanyl plasma levels, heightening toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine): may reduce analgesic effect. - Serotonergic agents (e.g., SSRIs, tramadol): monitor for serotonin syndrome. - Alcohol: additive CNS depression, requires careful observation. - Other opioids: cumulative opioid effect may necessitate dose adjustments.