Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse: Inform patients that the use of fentanyl transdermal system, even when taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]. Instruct patients not to share fentanyl transdermal system with others and to take steps to protect fentanyl transdermal system from theft or misuse.
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression: Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting fentanyl transdermal system or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended dosages [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. Advise patients how to recognize respiratory depression and to seek medical attention if breathing difficulties develop.
Accidental Exposure: Inform patients that accidental exposure, especially in children, may result in respiratory depression or death [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]. Instruct patients to take steps store fentanyl transdermal system securely and to dispose of unused fentanyl transdermal system by flushing down the toilet [see Dosage and Administration (2.7)].
Fentanyl transdermal system can be accidentally transferred to children. Instruct patients to take special precautions to avoid accidental contact when holding or caring for children.
Instruct patients that, if the patch dislodges and accidentally sticks to the skin of another person, to immediately take the patch off, wash the exposed area with water and seek medical attention for the accidentally exposed individual as accidental exposure may lead to death or other serious medical problems.
Disposal: Instruct patients to refer to the Instructions for Use for proper disposal of fentanyl transdermal system. To properly dispose of a used patch, instruct patients to remove it, fold so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself, and immediately flush down the toilet. Unused patches should be removed from their pouches, the release liners removed, the patches folded so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself, and immediately flushed down the toilet.
Inform patients that deaths have occurred from accidental exposure to fentanyl transdermal systems discarded in the trash.
Instruct patients to dispose of any patches remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed.
Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants: Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if fentanyl transdermal system is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, and not to use these concomitantly unless supervised by a healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8), Drug Interactions (7)].
Serotonin Syndrome: Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs. Warn patients of the symptoms and signs of serotonin syndrome, and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11) and Drug Interactions (7)].
MAOI Interaction: Inform patients to avoid taking fentanyl transdermal system while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking fentanyl transdermal system [see Drug Interactions (7)].
Adrenal Insufficiency: Inform patients that opioids could cause adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition. Adrenal insufficiency may present with non-specific symptoms and signs such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Advise patients to seek medical attention if they experience a constellation of these symptoms [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Important Administration Instructions: Advise patients never to change the dose of fentanyl transdermal system or the number of patches applied to the skin unless instructed to do so by the prescribing healthcare professional.
When no longer needed, advise patients how to safely taper fentanyl transdermal system and not to stop it abruptly to avoid the risk of precipitating withdrawal symptoms.
Warnings About Heat: Warn patients of the potential for temperature-dependent increases in fentanyl release from the patch that could result in an overdose of fentanyl. Instruct patients to contact their healthcare provider if they develop a high fever. Instruct patients to:
- avoid strenuous exertion that can increase body temperature while wearing the patch
- avoid exposing the fentanyl transdermal system application site and surrounding area to direct external heat sources including heating pads, electric blankets, sunbathing, heat or tanning lamps, saunas, hot tubs or hot baths, and heated water beds.
Hypotension: Inform patients that fentanyl transdermal system may cause orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Instruct patients how to recognize symptoms of low blood pressure and how to reduce the risk of serious consequences should hypotension occur (e.g., sit or lie down, carefully rise from a sitting or lying position) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)].
Anaphylaxis: Inform patients that anaphylaxis, including anaphylactic shock, has been reported with ingredients contained in fentanyl transdermal system. Advise patients how to recognize such a reaction and when to seek medical attention [see Contraindications (4), Adverse Reactions (6)].
Pregnancy:Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: Inform female patients of reproductive potential that prolonged use of fentanyl transdermal system during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: Inform female patients of reproductive potential that fentanyl can cause fetal harm and to inform their healthcare provider of known or suspected pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Lactation: Advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with fentanyl transdermal system [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Infertility: Inform patients that chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery: Inform patients that fentanyl transdermal system may impair the ability to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Advise patients not to perform such tasks until they know how they will react to the medication [see Warnings and Precautions (5.21)].
Constipation: Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation, including management instructions and when to seek medical attention [see Adverse Reactions (6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.2)].