FDA Promotes Patch Precautions to Prevent More Deaths
Recent bulletins published by the US Food & Drug Administration and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices emphasize the importance of using precautionary measures when prescribing, administering, using, or disposing of fentanyl transdermal patches.
Fentanyl patches are more potent than morphine and have been shown to effectively alleviate pain, but tragic injuries and deaths have occurred from improper use of the drug, especially on individuals who are not opioid tolerant.
Experts recommend the product be reserved for patients who have chronic pain that is not adequately controlled with other shorter-acting analgesics. They should not be given to treat postoperative, short-term, or intermittent forms of pain. Medical practitioners and pharmacists are reminded to ask the patient about their current pain management regimen, check first-time user dosing limits, and take into account other prescriptions being used before dispensing the drug.
Heat has also been shown to increase the absorption rate so caregivers can prevent complications by helping patients avoid heating pads, electric blankets, or hot baths while the patch is in place.
As additional protection, fentanyl patch patients and their family members should know the signs of overdose and watch for indications the patient is experiencing any signs of respiratory distress, confusion, or dizziness.
Healthy children have also died after putting on discarded patches they found in the trash. To prevent future tragedies, the ISMP recommends all unused patches be folded in half with the adhesive side stuck together before patches are disposed of.
Source: FDA Patient Safety News, September 2007
Related Links: Institute for Safe Medication Practices; The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; The Dallas Morning News
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