About fentanyl + patc h
Opioid analgesic
Used for
- Severe, persistent pain requiring continuous opioid treatment, including cancer pain.
- Not intended for occasional pain or pain that can be controlled with other medicines.
Usual adult dose
Applied every 72 hours; dose is individualized by a prescriber based on opioid tolerance and pain control.
Usual dose in children
For opioid-tolerant children aged 2 years and older with severe persistent pain: individualized dosing, usually every 72 hours.
Common side effects
- Sleepiness, dizziness, headache
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation
- Sweating or itching
- Slow or difficult breathing
Important warnings
- Can cause fatal breathing problems, especially when starting or increasing the dose.
- Only for opioid-tolerant patients; incorrect use or accidental exposure can be fatal.
- Heat, fever, or heating pads can increase absorption and overdose risk.
- Do not cut the patch; dispose of used patches safely away from children.
Pregnancy
May cause newborn withdrawal after prolonged use; use during pregnancy requires careful medical assessment.
Breastfeeding
Fentanyl can enter breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or breathing problems; breastfeeding use requires medical assessment.
Interactions
- Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives can cause dangerous breathing suppression.
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, and HIV medicines can raise fentanyl levels.
- Rifampicin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin may reduce fentanyl effects.
- Serotonergic medicines can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.