Fentanyl patches

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We're having a discussion at my facility about fentanyl patches and covering them with a clear opsite to prevent them from falling off.

One nurse tells me the pharmacy says we can't cover them since it speeds up absorption. Years ago I called the company that makes Duragesic patches. They told me they make opsites specifically to cover them.

What do all y'all do?

Specializes in LTC.

We use tegaderms esp for the 12.5 patches as they are sooo tiny and it doesn't take much for them to roll up. The larger ones, 50mcg and above we haven't had that problem and don't need to cover them.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.

We'd use a couple of small pieces of tape.

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I get this question all the time. Per Lexicomp, if there is difficulty with patch adhesion, the edges may be taped in place with first-aid tape. If there is continued difficulty with adhesion, an adhesive film dressing (eg. Bioclusive or Tegaderm) may be applied over the system. I would recommend that we make sure proper administration procedures have been tried first as I've run into that before, and if it continues to fall off the above may be tried. If continued problems even after using the above products, you might need to ask provider to consider alternative opioids? Hope this helps.

Eric Christianson, Pharm.D.

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