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The fentanyl transdermal system, known by the brand name DURAGESIC and available by prescription only, is a patch containing the powerful opioid fentanyl. It can be applied to the skin for constant, round-the-clock pain relief in patients who are tolerant to opioids. Each patch generally is used for three days and then disposed of.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a consumer update warning that children who are accidentally exposed to these patches are at risk of...
The fentanyl transdermal system, known by the brand name DURAGESIC and available by prescription only, is a patch containing the powerful opioid fentanyl. It can be applied to the skin for constant, round-the-clock pain relief in patients who are tolerant to opioids. Each patch generally is used for three days and then disposed of.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a consumer update warning that children who are accidentally exposed to these patches are at risk of overdose, even after the patches have been used for the full three days.[1] There have been reports of children becoming seriously ill after exposure to fentanyl patches, in some cases leading to death.
In response to these reports, the FDA has issued advice on how parents — or anyone else with children in their household — can reduce this risk. First, store the patches in a place that children cannot see or reach. Children who see the patches can mistake them for toys or stickers. Second, consider applying medical tape over the patch while you wear it to keep it from falling off. Check the patch periodically to make sure it is still in place. Third, dispose of the old patch immediately after applying a new one. Do not throw them away in the household trash, where children can potentially reach them; instead, fold them in half so that the sticky sides stick together and then flush them down the toilet.
If a child in your home has been exposed to fentanyl patches or any other type of opioid, call 911 and administer naloxone if you have it. Naloxone is a drug that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose if administered quickly enough. It is available in nasal sprays under the brand names KLOXXADO and NARCAN and in injectable form under the brand name ZIMHI. If anyone in your household uses any opioid drug chronically, it is a good idea to keep naloxone on hand in case of accidental or intentional overdose.
Signs of fentanyl exposure in children include drowsiness; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; swelling of the face, throat or tongue; agitation; fever; and stiff muscles.
References
[1] Food and Drug Administration. Accidental exposures to fentanyl patches continue to be deadly to children. July 21, 2021. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/accidental-exposures-fentanyl-patches-continue-be-deadly-children. Accessed October 25, 2021.
