FENTANYL, 25μg/hour, transdermal patch
Valid Article
FENTANYL transdermal patch - NST
Please always consider the MSF STD before ordering a NST.
Therapeutic Action
Strong opioid analgesic
Indications
Instructions for use
The patches deliver 12 or 25 µg (mcg) fentanyl per hour:
- a 12 µg/hour patch (2.1 mg of fentanyl) is approx. equivalent to 30-45 mg morphine over 24 hours.
- a 25 µg/hour patch (4.1-5.1 mg of fentanyl) is approx. equivalent to 60-90 mg morphine over 24 hours.
Other patches deliver 50 or 100 µg (mcg) fentanyl per hour:
- a 50 µg/hour patch (8.4.mg of fentanyl) is approx. equivalent to 120-180 mg morphine over 24 hours.
- a 100 µg/hour patch (16.8 mg of fentanyl) is approx. equivalent to 240-360 mg morphine over 24 hours.
Dosage:
- Patients should be on an opioid regimen before initiating the fentanyl patch, with a relatively controlled level of pain.
- The dose of fentanyl should be calculated based on a 24-hour morphine equivalent.
- In case of paroxysmal pain attacks, administer immediate-release morphine orally (fentanyl PO does not exist). Calculate the dose by converting the fentanyl TD to oral morphine and then calculate the appropriate unit dose.
- Monitor efficacy, side effects, and signs of overdose.
Method of administration:
- Transdermal use
- Apply to clean, dry, intact skin on a flat surface of the torso or upper arms.
- Choose an area where the skin is not oily and is free of scars, cuts, burns or irritations.
- Hair at the application site should be clipped (not shaved) before the application (a non-hairy area is preferable).
- Do not remove the patch from the sealed package until ready to apply.
- Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of the hand for at least 30 seconds. Ensure that the entire adhesive surface adheres properly to the skin, particularly the edges.
- Wash hands.
- Replace the patch every 72 hours, choosing a different skin site after removing the previous patch.
Remark:
After removal of the patch, the effects of fentanyl can persist for 12 to 18 hours (monitor for signs of opioid toxicity). Systematically order naloxone (specific opioid antagonist) together with fentanyl.
Distribution to be controlled: narcotics register or supervision of amounts in and out, and storage under lock and key. (CF Introduction: Narcotic and psychotropic medicines under international control)
Precautions for Use
Avoid touching the adhesive side when handling the patch.
Do not use soap, oils, lotions, or any other products that might irritate the skin.
Do not administer to children under 2 years of age.
In patients with a fever, fentanyl absorption may be increased due to enhanced skin permeability (risk of opioid overdose).
In patients in the terminal phase using transdermal fentanyl, keep the patch in place and administer emergency doses by another route if necessary.
The TD patch should only be used when the patient's pain is controlled with morphine or another opioid. Since it takes 24 hours for the patch to reach a therapeutic steady state, rapid titration is not possible.
Storage
- Below 25°C - Protect from sunlight
- Store in the original pouch.
Description updated and validated by A. Lamrous (EMACC WG) on 05/04/2023.