A Serious Side Effect of Fentanyl Patches

It’s never easy to have severe pain. Whether it be intractable back pain or terminal cancer, pain medications provide relief for those who are suffering. One of the most effective ways to deliver pain relief is through the use of a transdermal patch. This convenient delivery system is easy to use, painless, and allows continuous, controlled release of the medication. One type of transdermal patch for relief of pain is the Fentanyl or Duragesic patches. These patches provide effective pain control; but there’s a serious risk of Duragesic patch use that patients and their families need to be aware of.

How It Used?

The patch is applied to a clean, dry, hairless area on the upper arm with pressure applied for thirty seconds to ensure that it sticks. The patch remains in place for seventy-two hours and is then disposed of by flushing it down the toilet. A new patch is then applied in a different area to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

How Does It Work?

Use of Fentanyl patchs allows for controlled, sustained release of pain relieving narcotics. Narcotics act directly on opioid receptors in the brain to reduce the perception of pain. Because narcotics like Fentanyl act on the brain and central nervous system, it’s not surprising that they can have serious side effects. 

The Most Serious Risk Associated With Use of Fentanyl Patches

Narcotics like Fentanyl may cause a range of side effects including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lightheadedness, constipation, and sweating; but the most serious risk occurs when the patch is exposed to heat. If a person using a Fentanyl patch develops a fever, it can cause increased medication absorption and elevate the risk of serious, even fatal, side effects. When blood levels of narcotics such as Fentanyl become too high, it suppresses the breathing reflex which is also controlled by the central nervous system. The result can be respiratory depression and death. An article published in the Medical Letter noted that a body temperature of 104 degrees Farenheit could increase absorption of Fentanyl by up to a third. Not only is a fever a risk when using a Fentanyl patch, external sources of heat such as a heating pad, electric blanket, or hot water bottle can also pose a risk.

The Bottom Line

If you’re on a Fentanyl patch, avoid using any kind of heated appliance including heating pads and hot water bottles. If you should develop a fever, remove the patch and call your doctor immediately. Too much Fentanyl in the bloodstream can have life threatening consequences. Use it with caution.