Important WarningFentanyl skin patches should only be used to control moderate to severe chronic (around-the-clock, ... Full Alert
Fentanyl skin patches are used to relieve moderate to severe pain that is expected to last for some time, that does not go away, and that cannot be treated with other pain medications. Fentanyl skin patches are only used to treat people who are tolerant (used to the effects of the medication) to narcotic pain medications because they have taken this type of medication for at least 1 week. Fentanyl is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.
Transdermal fentanyl comes as a patch to apply to the skin. The patch is usually applied to the skin once every 72 hours. Change your patch at about the same time of day every time you change it. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Apply fentanyl patches exactly as directed.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of fentanyl skin patches and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 3 days at first, and then not more often than once every 6 days.
Fentanyl skin patches are only for use on the skin. Do not place patches in your mouth or chew or swallow the patches.
The medication in fentanyl patches is contained in a gel that is sealed between layers of the patch. If this gel leaks from the patch, remove the patch right away without touching the gel. If you or a caregiver touches the gel, immediately wash the area with large amounts of clear water. Do not use soap, alcohol, or other cleansers.
Fentanyl skin patches may be habit forming. Do not apply more than one patch at a time unless your doctor tells you that you should, and do not apply fentanyl skin patches more often, or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not stop using fentanyl skin patches without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop using fentanyl skin patches you may have symptoms of withdrawal. Call your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms of withdrawal: restlessness, teary eyes, runny nose, yawning, sweating, chills, hair standing on end, muscle aches, large pupils (black circles in the center of the eyes), irritability, anxiety, backache, pain in the joints, weakness, stomach cramps, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, or rapid breathing.
While you are wearing a fentanyl patch, protect the patch from direct heat such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, and heated water beds. Do not take long, hot baths or sunbathe while you are wearing the patch.
You may bathe, swim, or shower while you are wearing a fentanyl skin patch. If the patch falls off during these activities, dry your skin completely and apply a new patch.
To apply the patch, follow these steps:
- Choose a flat, hairless area of skin on your chest, back, upper arm, or sides of your waist. If you are applying the patch to a child or person who is unable to think clearly, choose an area on the upper back to make it more difficult for the person to remove the patch and place it in his or her mouth. Avoid areas that move a lot, that are sensitive, that have been exposed to radiation (x-ray treatment), or where you have recently applied a skin patch. If there is hair on the skin, clip the hair as close to the skin as possible with scissors, but do not shave it.
- Clean the area with clear water and pat dry. Do not use any soaps, lotions, alcohols or oils.
- Tear open the pouch containing the fentanyl skin patch along the dotted line, starting at the slit. Remove the skin patch from the pouch and peel off the protective liner from the back of the patch. Try not to touch the sticky side of the patch.
- Immediately press the sticky side of the patch onto the chosen area of skin with the palm of your hand.
- Press the patch firmly for at least 30 seconds. Be sure that the patch sticks well to your skin, especially around the edges.
- If the patch does not stick well or comes loose after it is applied, tape the edges to your skin with first aid tape.
- When you are finished applying the patch, wash your hands with only clear water right away.
- When it is time to change your patch, peel off the old patch and apply a new patch to a different skin area.
- After you remove your patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together and flush it down a toilet. Used patches may still contain some medication and may be dangerous to children, pets, or adults who have not been prescribed fentanyl skin patches.
If a patch accidentally comes off or if the skin under the patch becomes irritated, remove the patch and replace it with a new one in a different area, following the steps above.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
- Duragesic®
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