Fentanyl (Duragesic) Skin Patches

Medication Description

Fentanyl skin patches are used to relieve moderate to severe pain that occurs constantly.  The medication is released from the patch continuously over a period of time and is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.  Fentanyl is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics.  It works to treat pain by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain. 

How To Use

  • Fentanyl patches are placed on the skin and usually changed every 3 days.
  • DO change your patch at about the same time of day on the days you are suppose to change the patch
  • DO NOT try to open the patch or allow someone to have your patch (new or used) for  this purpose. Selling or giving away this medication is against the law.  If fentanyl gel leaks from patch, throw patch away and immediately wash area with large amounts of water only.
  • DO NOT wash off using soap alcohol, or other cleansers to remove gel because this may actually increase the amount of medication that goes through the skin and become dangerous.
  • DO NOT apply more than one patch at a time unless your doctor tells you to.  If you forget to apply or change a skin patch, apply the patch as soon as you remember but remove the used patch before applying a new patch.
  • DO NOT apply fentanyl skin patches more often or for a longer period of time than as directed.
  • DO NOT stop using fentanyl skin patches without talking to your doctor.

To apply the patch:

  1. Select a clean, dry area of skin on your chest, back upper arm or side above the waist.  Do not put anything on the skin including soap, lotion, alcohol or oil before applying.  Avoid areas that move a lot, areas of the skin that is sensitive, an area of the skin that has been exposed to radiation, or an area where you have recently applied a skin patch. 
  2. Cut hair rather than shave the skin before applying a patch as shaving can increase the rate of absorption and this could be dangerous.
  3. Press adhesive part of patch onto skin firmly for about 30 seconds.  If the patch does not stick well, tape the edges with first aid tape.  Wash your hands promptly with clear water.  You may bathe and shower while wearing the fentanyl patch.
  4. Apply each new patch to a different skin area to avoid irritation.  Remove the old patch before applying another one.
  5. Fold used patches in half with sticky sides together and flush down a toilet.  Used patches may still contain some medication and may be dangerous to children, pets or other adults.

Precautions

  • You should know that this drug may make you drowsy.
  • DO NOT drink alcohol while using fentanyl skin patches
  • DO NOT drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
  • DO NOT expose a fentanyl skin patch to direct heat or sunlight, heating pads or electric blankets, sun lamps or tanning beds, hot tubs, saunas, heated water beds or other heat sources.  Heat may increase the amount of fentanyl you receive from the patch and become dangerous.

When To Call Your Doctor

  1. If you have a fever of 102 F or higher: call your doctor because a fever may increase the amount of fentanyl you receive and may result in overdosage of medication therefore, you may need your dose adjusted.
  2. Call with any of the following symptoms: difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness with slow breathing, heart beat faster or slower than normal, chest pain rash, difficulty talking, or walking normally, dizziness, confusion, seizure, fainting or loss of consciousness.