Fact Sheet 20 pt Arial Bold - Gangsters Out



5172075-238125English00EnglishFentanyl Patches: How to use safelyFentanyl is an opioid (narcotic) pain medicine. It can get into your body by using a skin patch. Fentanyl patches are used to provide a slow, constant flow of medicine for the relief of constant pain. The patches cannot be used unless you have been on some other opioids first. The first patch may take up to 24 hours to give pain relief. Your doctor may have you take other pain medicine for the first day or if you have breakthrough pain. Your doctor will determine if you need one or more patches together to get the right dose. Patches are usually replaced every 3 days. Change your patch(es) at the same time of day.Tell your doctor: ? All the medicine you take ? Your medical conditions and allergies ? If you develop a rash or itchiness from the patch ? If you have uncontrolled pain How to apply the patch Keep the patch in its package until you are ready to use it. Do not cut the patch. Use warm water to clean the skin. Allow the skin to dry. Try not to touch the sticky side. If you touch the sticky side, rinse your hands with water only. Soap, lotion and alcohol increases the amount of medicine absorbed. Press the patch in place for 30 seconds. Make sure that the edges are stuck to the skin. Wash your hands right away using water only. Where to apply the patchThe skin needs to be unbroken, flat and away from a joint; such as shoulder, upper back or upper arm. The skin also needs to be hairless. You may need to clip hair, but do not shave. What are the common side effects?Hard stools (constipation)Upset stomach (nausea)Throwing up (vomiting)DizzinessFeeling sleepyHeadacheSweating a lotFeeling tired or weakAll of these side effects can be managed; contact your health care team. If you feel sleepy and/or dizzy, do not drive or work with machinery. Seek medical help right away and remove the patch, if you have: ? A fever greater than 38.9oC or 102oF ? Very slow breathing, sweating or confusion ? Difficult or painful urination ? Severe drowsiness/hard to wake upAm I at risk for Overdose? Overdose from fentanyl is uncommon when it is:Prescribed by a doctor properlyUsed for severe physical pain Monitored closely by your health care teamWhat are the safety tips for fentanyl patches?Have one doctor prescribe all of your pain medicine Fill all prescriptions at one pharmacyFollow the directions you are given. Do not change the dose without talking to your doctor. This includes stopping the medicine.Return used and unused medicine to the pharmacy.Do not share or borrow pain medicine with family or friends. To prevent accidental use by children, pets or others, lock up fentanyl patches.Reminders:? Avoid grapefruit while using the fentanyl patch. ? Heat increases the amount of medicine released from the patch, which can cause more side effects and/or overdose. Do not let the patch come into contact with heat such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps and hot tubs.? You can swim, shower or bathe with the patch. If it falls off, apply a new patch to another area of dry skin. See Safe Disposal of Used Patches brochure for more information ................
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