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DURAGESIC-50 vs HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 21, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. DURAGESIC-50 and HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Rating

70/100
44/100

Pharmacy pays

$9.51 /mL
$0.57 /mL

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

FENTANYL
HYDROMORPHONE HYDROCHLORIDE

Dosage forms

Film, extended release
Suppository, Tablet

Drug class

Opioid Agonist
Opioid Agonist

Boxed warning

Half-life

about 2.3 hours (terminal elimination half-life after an intravenous dose); after an oral dose the label reports a mean T½ of about 2.6 hours for the 8 mg tablet and 2.8 hours for the oral liquid

Treats

Pain
Cough, Postoperative Pain

Frequently asked questions

Which is better-rated, Duragesic-50 or Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?

By our independent rating, Duragesic-50 scores higher — 3.5 vs 2.2 out of 5 for Hydromorphone Hydrochloride. Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data.

Which is cheaper, Duragesic-50 or Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?

Hydromorphone Hydrochloride costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $0.57 vs $9.51 per ml, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Duragesic-50 and Hydromorphone Hydrochloride?

Duragesic-50 contains Fentanyl, while Hydromorphone Hydrochloride contains Hydromorphone Hydrochloride — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.