What is "duragesic"

Duragesic and Durogesic are trade names of fentanyl transdermal patches, used for relief of moderate to severe pain. The patches release fentanyl, a potent opioid, slowly through the skin. One patch may provide 72 hours of pain relief. Initial onset of effectiveness after a patch has been applied is typically 8–12 hours under normal conditions; thus, Duragesic patches are often prescribed with another opioid (such as morphine sulfate) to handle breakthrough pain.