Fentanyl patches are used to relieve strong pain.
Use fentanyl patches regularly as directed. Apply the patch to a clean, dry, hairless area of skin every 3 days. When you have removed the old patch, apply the new one in a different place to prevent irritating your skin. Do not cut the patch.
If you forget to change the patch, remove the old patch and apply a new one as soon as possible.
Some medicines available without a prescription may react with fentanyl including:
Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. valerian) or recreational drugs.
Side Effects | Recommended action |
---|---|
Slow or shallow breathing, hard to wake up, change in heartbeat |
Tell your doctor immediately |
Constipation Confusion, agitation, hallucinations, mood swings |
Tell your doctor |
Drowsiness, tiredness or weakness, headache, trouble sleeping Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach upset Dry mouth or throat, changes in vision, trouble peeing Swollen feet or legs Sweating Red or itchy skin where patch has been applied |
Tell your doctor if troublesome |
If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
This leaflet contains important, but not all, information about this medicine.
Prepared by the PILs Committee at Christchurch Hospital, Canterbury District Health Board, New Zealand. May 2021
For more general information about this sheet annd its contents, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
Te Reo Māori information sheets supported by Health Quality and Safety Commission New Zealand
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My Medicines Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) contain important, but not all, information about the medicines they describe.
For more information about the sheets, see: What does a My Medicines sheet cover?
My Medicines is developed by a team at the Canterbury District Health Board. Our team is made up of doctors, pharmacists, and a non-medical person to help us keep to plain language. We also discuss our information with specialist health professionals or groups when needed