Fentanyl Patches

Fentanyl Patches. Fentanyl belongs to a group of medications called opioids. Fentanyl is used to treat persistent chronic (long-term) severe pain for those who need constant pain relief and are currently taking other opioid (narcotic) medications. It acts on the brain to increase pain tolerance.

What is a fentanyl patch?

Fentanyl is an opioid pain medication, sometimes called a narcotic.

Fentanyl patches are a strong prescription pain medicine. The patches are used to treat moderate to severe chronic pain around the clock.

Fentanyl patches are used when other pain treatments such as non-opioid pain medicines or immediate-release opioid medicines do not treat your pain well enough or you cannot tolerate them.

Fentanyl patches are not for treating mild or occasional pain or pain from surgery. The patches are not for use to treat pain that is not around-the-clock.

Uses of Fentanyl Patches

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are using this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop using this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to use this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it. Fentanyl patches

Before taking this medicine

You should not use fentanyl unless you recently used opioid medicine and your body is tolerant to it (ask your doctor if you’re not sure).

Do not put a fentanyl skin patch on any person who does not have a personal prescription for this medicine. You should not use fentanyl if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• severe asthma or other breathing problems; or
• a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus).

To make sure fentanyl patches are safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• breathing problems, sleep apnea;
• a head injury, brain tumor, or mental illness;
• alcoholism or drug addiction;
• urination problems;
• a seizure disorder;
• liver or kidney disease; or
• problems with your gallbladder, pancreas, or thyroid.

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What form(s) does this medication come in?

Pro Doc Fentanyl Patch is a skin patch that gradually delivers fentanyl through the skin into the bloodstream for 72 hours. The amount of fentanyl released per hour from each rectangular transparent patch is directly related to the surface area of the patch. The remaining components of the patch are pharmacologically inactive.

12 µg per hour
Each 5.25 cm² patch contains a total of 2.1 mg of fentanyl. It provides fentanyl at a rate of 12 µg per hour delivered through the skin into the bloodstream. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acrylic-vinylacetate copolymer adhesive, polyethylene terephthalate backing foil, and siliconized polyethylene terephthalate release liner.

25 µg per hour
Each 10.5 cm² patch contains a total of 4.2 mg of fentanyl. It provides fentanyl at a rate of 25 µg per hour delivered through the skin into the bloodstream. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acrylic-vinylacetate copolymer adhesive, polyethylene terephthalate backing foil, and siliconized polyethylene terephthalate release liner.

50 µg per hour
Each 21 cm² patch contains a total of 8.4 mg of fentanyl. It provides fentanyl at a rate of 50 µg per hour delivered through the skin into the bloodstream. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acrylic-vinylacetate copolymer adhesive, polyethylene terephthalate backing foil, and siliconized polyethylene terephthalate release liner.

75 µg per hour
Each 31.5 cm² patch contains a total of 12.6 mg of fentanyl. It provides fentanyl at a rate of 75 µg per hour delivered through the skin into the bloodstream. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acrylic-vinylacetate copolymer adhesive, polyethylene terephthalate backing foil, and siliconized polyethylene terephthalate release liner.

100 µg per hour
Each 42 cm² patch contains a total of 16.8 mg of fentanyl. It provides fentanyl at a rate of 100 µg per hour delivered through the skin into the bloodstream. Nonmedicinal ingredients: acrylic-vinylacetate copolymer adhesive, polyethylene terephthalate backing foil, and siliconized polyethylene terephthalate release liner.

How should I use this medication?

The dose of fentanyl transdermal patch must be individualized and is based on many factors, including the dose of opioid medication that a person is currently using before starting this medication.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are using the medication without consulting your doctor.

Apply the patch to non-irritated and non-irradiated (not exposed to radiation) skin on a flat surface such as the chest, back, flank (side of the body between the upper abdomen and back), or upper arm. Hair at the application site should be clipped (not shaved) before applying a patch.

Clean the area with water only; do not use soaps, oils, lotions, alcohol, or any other agent that might irritate the skin. Using soap, alcohol, or other chemicals to clean the skin may cause the fentanyl to be absorbed faster, causing unwanted side effects. After cleaning, allow the skin to dry completely before applying the patch.

Each patch may be worn continuously for 72 hours. A new patch should be applied on a different skin site after removal of the previous one. This helps to prevent skin irritation, which may increase the speed that the fentanyl is absorbed through the skin.

The patch should be pressed firmly in place with the palm of the hand for 30 seconds. Make sure the contact is complete – especially around the edges. The patch should not be folded so that only part of the patch is exposed. If the patch does not stick to the skin properly, tape the edges of the patch with first-aid tape. If the patch still does not stick, you can cover the patch with a transparent adhesive film dressing recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.

If the patch falls off before 72 hours have passed, you may apply a new patch to a new site. Wash your hands immediately with water only, after applying or removing the patch. Consult the package insert, your doctor, or your pharmacist for additional instructions on how to use the medication.

Do not use the patch if it is cut, damaged, or altered in any way.

After 72 hours, there is still enough medication in the patch to cause serious harm to someone who is not using the fentanyl patch for pain control. Accidental exposure to the fentanyl patch may cause death or serious medical problems. When you remove the patch, fold it in half and dispose of it safely, somewhere that pets and other people will not come into contact with it.

Maximum pain relief may not occur for up to 72 hours after first starting this medication. Your doctor may give you a short-acting pain control medication during this period. Fentanyl patches are very effective to remedy chronic pain

This medication may be habit-forming if taken for long periods of time. Do not stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor. If this medication is stopped suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

• anxiety
• diarrhea
• hallucinations
• nausea
• shakiness
• sweating
• tremors
• trouble sleeping

If you plan on stopping the medication, your doctor may want you to reduce the dose gradually to reduce the severity of withdrawal effects.

Do not change the dose of the patch you are using or the way you are applying the patch without direction from your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects of too much fentanyl in the body, seek immediate medical help:

• cold or clammy skin
• confusion
• dizziness
• feeling faint
• hallucinations
• seizure
• severe sleepiness
• slow heartbeat
• slow or shallow breathing
• trouble breathing
• unable to think, walk, or talk normally

It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If a patch is left on for more than 3 days, change the patch as soon as you remember. Do not apply 2 patches to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic to fentanyl, the adhesives used in the patch, or any ingredients of the medication
• are not already using opioid (narcotic) painkillers to manage your pain
• have acute or severe bronchial asthma
• have acute pain or pain following surgery, including outpatient surgery
• have mild or intermittent pain that can otherwise be managed
• have or are suspected to have paralytic ileus (a condition of the intestine that does not allow material to pass through the intestine) or any other conditions that block the intestine, narrow the intestine, or slow down movement through the intestine
• have or may have “surgical abdomen” (conditions of the abdomen, such as appendicitis, that need urgent surgery)
• have severe difficulty breathing
• have delirium tremens (e.g., confusion, diarrhea, shaking, fever, hallucinations, disorientation) associated with alcohol withdrawal
• have acute alcoholism
• have epilepsy and other conditions that can cause seizures
• are taking or have taken (within the last 14 days) MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
• have increased intracranial pressure (increased pressure inside the head), cerebrospinal pressure (increased pressure inside the head and spine), or head injury
• are pregnant, in labour or delivering, or breastfeeding

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is used in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people using this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time. Fentanyl patches, best for pain relieve

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Although most of the side effects listed below don’t happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• confusion
• fainting
• mood changes
• pounding or irregular heartbeat
• signs of depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• skin rash
• weight loss

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• cold, clammy skin
• difficulty speaking or walking normally
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not actually there)
• seizure
• severe sleepiness
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., rash, fever, swelling, tightness in chest, shortness of breath)
• signs of a severe skin reaction (e.g., blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort)
• signs of breathing problems (e.g., shortness of breath, troubled breathing, wheezing, or tightness in chest, fast or irregular breathing)
• slow heartbeat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication. Fentanyl patches