Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide and Instructions for Use).
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 or death . Instruct patients not to share fentanyl transdermal system with others and to take steps to protect fentanyl transdermal system from theft or misuse.
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse:
[see ]
Warnings and Precautions (5.1)
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 dose is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended doses . Advise patients how to recognize respiratory depression and to seek medical attention if breathing difficulties develop.
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression:
[see ]
Warnings and Precautions (5.2)
Inform patients to keep fentanyl transdermal system in a secure place out of the reach of children due to the high risk of respiratory depression or death. . 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.
Accidental Exposure:
[see ]
Warnings and Precautions (5.3)
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.
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 .
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome:
[see ]
Warnings and Precautions (5.4)
Inform patients that potentially serious additive effects may occur if fentanyl transdermal system is used with alcohol or other CNS depressants, and not to use such drugs unless supervised by a healthcare provider.
Interactions with Alcohol and other CNS Depressants:
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.
Important Administration Instructions:
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.
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:
Warnings About Heat:
- 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.
Fentanyl transdermal system may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (i.e., driving, operating machinery). Instruct patients to refrain from any potentially dangerous activity when starting on fentanyl transdermal system or when their dose is being adjusted, until it is established that they have not been adversely affected.
Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery:
Advise women of childbearing potential who become, or are planning to become pregnant, to consult a healthcare provider prior to initiating or continuing therapy with fentanyl transdermal system.
Pregnancy:
Instruct patients not to use alcohol or other CNS depressants (i.e., sleep medications, tranquilizers) while using fentanyl transdermal system because dangerous additive effects may occur, resulting in serious injury or death.
Additive Effects of Alcohol and other CNS Depressants:
Advise patients of the potential for severe constipation.
Constipation:
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 protective liners removed, the patches folded so that the adhesive side of the patch adheres to itself, and immediately flushed down the toilet.
Disposal:
Instruct patients to dispose of any patches remaining from a prescription as soon as they are no longer needed.