Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while applying Fentanyl skin patch as follows:
- The skin site chosen must be flat, dry, and hairless to allow for proper absorption of Fentanyl. Make sure the site is completely dry before applying the patch. Any moisture at this site prevents proper adherence of the patch to the skin and thus, interferes with absorption of Fentanyl.
- Hair on the chest can be clipped short, if needed. Do not shave the site, as this can result in minor cuts at the site. Application of the Fentanyl patch on a site with damaged skin integrity can result in faster absorption of Fentanyl, thus leading to toxicity.
- Do not use any soap or alcohol to clean the site of Fentanyl patch application. Application of soap and alcohol on the site of application can increase the rate of absorption of Fentanyl through the skin and result in toxicity.
- Before application, make sure the patch is intact and not cut or damaged. The rate of absorption can be high with a patch that is cut and can result in toxicity.
- Make sure the patch is firmly adherent to the skin on all sides. Improper adherence can result in poor drug absorption, wastage of the medication, and compromise management of the pain.
- Do not use more than one Fentanyl pain patch on your skin at any given time, in an attempt to have the advantage of better pain management. This can be highly toxic and fatal.
- Your Fentanyl patch will be due for change in 72 hours. Remove the old patch before applying the new one.
- After removing the old patch, fold the patch into half with the sticky side in. This is a safety measure and helps to prevent any accidental exposure of others to Fentanyl. The patch folded into half can be flushed down the toilet.
- Do not apply a new patch with the old patch, still in place. The old patch will still have enough Fentanyl in it and a new patch applied with the old one in place can result in toxic response.
- Applying the new patch on the same skin site from which the old patch is just removed can result in increased rate of absorption of the medication and lead to toxicity. Select a different skin site for the new application.
- Cover the site of Fentanyl application with light colored clothing and do not expose it to heat. Avoid exposure to sauna or any warm water tubs, while using Fentanyl skin patch. Also, avoid having a heating pad on, while using Fentanyl skin patch. Elevation of body temperature can result in increased rate of absorption of the drug through the skin and result in toxicity.
- Remove the patch and refrain from putting on another, if you come down with a fever or an infection. Elevation of body temperature and stressful states can result in increased rate of absorption of the drug through the skin, resulting in toxicity.
