Fentanyl Patches

Patient Information on the Use of Fentanyl Patches

This information will be useful to you if you have been prescribed fentanyl patches for pain relief.

It describes how to use them properly and answers some questions you may have when using them for the first time.

What is a fentanyl patch?

Fentanyl is the name of a drug used to treat moderate to severe pain. It is a strong painkiller related to morphine. The drug is contained within a sticky patch, and when applied to your body, gradually passes through your skin into your bloodstream. Once in your bloodstream, fentanyl acts within your body to relieve your pain.

How do I use a fentanyl patch?

• Change your fentanyl patch every 72 hours at roughly the same time of day – see the diagram at the end to help you. 
• If you are using more than one patch then all the patches should be changed at the same time. 
• Take your old patch(es) off and fold each patch in half so that it sticks together. The folded patch should then be placed in the original outer pouch. This can then be put into the bin with your household rubbish or in a yellow sharps container. 
• Choose a place on the upper arm or upper body to stick the new patch. The skin should not have cuts, spots or other blemishes and not be too hairy. The area should also be dry and clean.
• Change/alternate the area where you stick the patch(es) so that one area is not used twice in a row. 
• Peel the plastic backing off the new patch(es) and stick firmly onto the chosen area of skin. Avoid touching the adhesive side of the patch and wash hands after applying patch.

What should I do if I still get pain whilst I have a fentanyl patch on?

Fentanyl patches provide a background of pain relief. As well as the patch you will also be given a quick acting pain killer in case you have pain despite the patch. Reasons you might get pain include;

• When you use fentanyl patches for the first time, or if your dose is increased, it can take a day or more for you to feel the maximum benefit. 
• You may experience pain while doing a particular activity despite being on the patch e.g. washing, walking around a lot. If you know an activity is likely to cause you pain, you can take a dose of your quick acting pain relief before you do the activity.
• Sometimes you may experience pain without an obvious cause. 

For any additional pain you experience while you are on the patch, take the immediate-release pain relief medication your doctor has prescribed for you. There are many types of immediate-release pain relief medication, so we cannot give individual guidance in this leaflet, please ask your prescribing doctor and you can also find more information in our Velindre Opioid Patient Manual.

What should I do if the patch falls off or I forget to change it?

Stick a new patch on as soon as you can

What side effects should I look out for?

• Drowsiness – if you become unusually sleepy after starting on fentanyl patches, or after the dose has been changed, contact your GP/palliative care nurse/district nurse. 
  • If affected by drowsiness you should not drive or operate any tools or machinery. It is an offense to drive if your ability is impaired by the use of fentanyl patches.
  • Alcohol can potentiate the side effects of fentanyl, increasing the risk of drowsiness.
• Skin rashes/irritation – some people have an allergic reaction to the adhesive on the patch.
• Sometimes fentanyl patches do not stick very well to the skin. You may be given a dressing to keep it on by your GP/nurse.

Different brands of patch

There are a few different brands of fentanyl patch available. Where possible you will be given the same brand each time. However, if you notice that your

Patches look different from those you are used to using, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice. 

The following diagram may be helpful to remind you when to next change your patch. Mark the day on the diagram when you first put your patch(es) on. Then follow the arrow to the next day shown. This is the day when you should next change your patch(es). Keep following the calendar in a clockwise direction. 

If you would like further information about fentanyl patches you will find a patient information leaflet in the box when you receive your medication.