Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid commonly used as a narcotic pain reliever for the treatment of moderate or severe chronic pain for people unable to use other types of pain medications as a result of opioid tolerance. Because of fentanyl's potency, transdermal patches are used because they allow for a constant release of the drug into the skin, which then absorbs the pain medication, allowing for a consistent release of pain medication for multiple days.
Step 1
Choose a spot on your body to place the patch. Fentanyl patches should be placed on clean and dry areas of the body free from any bumps, sores or irritation. Try to pick and area that does not wrinkle or has skin folds.
Step 2
Take the patch out of its packaging. Hold the package by its edges and remove the protective liner. Do not remove a patch until you are ready to use it.
Step 3
Hold the patch by its non-adhesive side and press the patch, adhesive side down, onto your skin. Make sure the patch is flat and apply firm pressure for 30 to 60 seconds. Make sure the edges of the patch have adhered to the skin.
Step 4
After three days, change patches. Change your patch at the same time each day to keep the medication level constant.
