How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient fentanyl, which is a type of medicine called an opioid analgesic (painkiller). The opioids are a group of very strong painkillers that includes morphine. Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins, which are found in the brain and spinal cord. Endorphins reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This action blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. This means that even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt. Fentanyl mimicks the action of endorphins by combining with the same opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It therefore prevents pain signals from registering in the brain, which means that the pain is not felt. People with chronic, severe pain, such as the pain caused by cancer, are often given opioid medicines as painkillers. Fentanyl transdermal patches are used to treat chronic pain that is too severe for other painkillers to relieve.

What is it used for?

Chronic pain due to cancer, not relieved by ordinary painkillers

Chronic pain not relieved by ordinary painkillers

Warning!

Patches should be applied to a clean, dry, non-hairy, non-irritated, non-irradiated area of skin on the torso or upper arm. If you need to clean the skin before sticking on the patch use only cold water, not soap or other cleansers. Don't stick the patch on straight after a hot bath or shower, wait for the skin to cool down first, and don't use talc, creams or moisturisers before applying the patch as they may prevent it sticking.

While you are wearing the patch you should avoid exposing it to external heat sources, such as hot water bottles, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas or hot whirlpool spa baths, as heat can increase the absorption of the active ingredient into the body, resulting in a greater risk of side effects.

There is insufficient information regarding the safety and efficacy of this medicine in children. It is not recommended for children.

It is important that you carefully follow the instructions you have been given with this medicine.

You should exercise caution if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as this may increase the risk of drowsiness.

This medicine may cause various side effects that could impair your mental or physical ability to safely drive or operate machinary. You should be aware of how you react to this medicine before driving or operating machinary.

Removed patches should be folded in half, sticky side innermost, and placed inside the open sachet or a piece of tin foil, for careful disposal away from children or animals. This is because used patches may still contain some active ingredient that may be harmful to children or animals.

Each patch should be worn for 72 hours and then removed. New patches should be applied to a different place on the torso or upper arm, and you should avoid using the same area for several days. If a patch falls off before it needs changing, stick a new one on straight away, and remember this replacement will need changing after 72 hours.

The patches should not be divided, cut or damaged in any way.

Use with caution in

Brain tumour

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Elderly people

Fever (pyrexia)

Impaired conciousness

Increased pressure in the brain (raised intracranial pressure)

Lung disease

Slow abnormal heart rhythms (bradyarrhythmias)

Unresponsive unconscious states (comatose states)

Weak or debilitated people

Not to be used in

Acute pain

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy unless considered essential by your doctor. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it may be harmful to the nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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