WASHINGTON, DC—In observance of this year's Pain Awareness Month, the National Pain Council (NPC) is urging all healthcare workers to wear Duragesic® (fentanyl) patches "in order to spotlight the need for more effective pain control."

Duragesic®

"Pain is the number one cause of adult disability in America today," said Dr. Kelly Reliford, director of the NPC since 1996. "The economic and social impact of chronic pain reaches all levels of our society, and translates to billions of dollars in lost wages, benefits, and medical expenses."

"That's why, this month, we're asking everyone in the healthcare industry to show their support by wearing Duragesic® patches in a highly visible area, such as on the face or hands, or on the neck."

Dr. Reliford, wearing a Duragesic® patch between her eyebrows, appeared calm and relaxed as she passed out patches to members of the audience, many of whom immediately applied two or three patches at once. Some were also seen secretly applying patches onto unsuspecting passerby.

"It's a great time to be a physician, with so many options for pain control," said Reliford. "Duragesic® can be useful for everyone, from infants to the elderly, and lasts a long, long time. I've grown quite fond of my Duragesic® and I'm sure all of you will, too!"

The NPC is also planning to designate October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, and August as Chronic Pain Awareness Months, during which Reliford urges providers to experiment with other forms of controlled-release pain relief, "including self-injectable Diluadid and portable 24-hour intravenous morphine infusions."

"It's a real eye-opener," she said. "If anyone needs me, I'll be in the back."