i have been hearing different things about the fentanyl patch being recalled or if the gel inside the patch gets on your skin wash it quickly, what happens if the patch does have a "leak" and you get it on your skin? i also have another question, my patches have fallen off more than once, what would happen if my grandchild got a hold of it and bit into it? gosh i'm almost afraid of the answer, i don't know why they don't make them , where they stay on, or if my dog or cat got a hold of one and bit into it?
Q: fentanyl patch
Answers (3)
2/18/09 7:47pm
There have been other fentanyl recalls in the past. Here is a link to information on the most recent recall in January 2009:
http://ageorgialawyer.blogspot.com/2009/01/another-fentanyl-patch-recall.html
If you use the 50 mcg/hr patches, call your pharmacist to see if yours are from one of the recalled lots. If you ever open one of the patch pouches and notice any gel in the pouch, do not touch it. If you should happen to come in contact with any of the loose gel, wash immediately with lots of water only.
You are right to be concerned about your grandchild getting hold of one of the patches. It would be very dangerous if the child came in contact with the medication side of the patch at all – not just if it is bitten into. Should that happen, immediately wash the contact area with a large amount of water and call poison control. (Note: Never use soap or other products because they could cause the drug to be absorbed into the skin more rapidly.) Fentanyl is a strong narcotic and even a small amount could result in a serious overdose for a young child.
I don't know about pets, but I would think it would also be very dangerous for them. You'll need to call your vet for more specific information about what to do if they should get ahold of one of the patches.
Since you've had a problem with the patches falling off more than once, I'd suggest you look for other ways to keep them on – like securing them with first aid tape or other kind of adhesive bandage/tape made to work on the skin. Maybe someone else here who has had the same problem will be able to give you some good suggestions.
2/19/09 12:50am
I was in the 25, all the way up to 75 before switching meds. My particular manufacturer of the patch was Mylan. There is a phone number on the box you can call and get clear cover patches that go over the original patch, and they stick very well. You can also ask for the generic if you are not already on them, they dont have the gel insert and are flatter making them stick better. But no doubt about it they are very dangerous so be very careful! Send me a personal message if you need furter info, I will do what I can. Good luck
6/17/11 9:09am
If you have problems keeping the patches on, you can buy Nexcare transparent dressing or bandages. They will keep them on for the full 3 days. Also different manufactures of the patch in generic form make a patch that is thin, small and does not actually have that sack of gel. It is just in the patch itself. I have found them to be better for me than the ones you can visibly see the gel. As for children and pets getting the patch, I would have to say that could be fatal. This is why I started buying the Nexcares to put over my patch. I was so afraid of the same thing happening. Good luck and don't use a leaking patch, it can cause you to get a bigger dose of medicing. Good Luck
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