The
fentanyl patch (
Duragesic®) is a prescription skin patch approved to treat persistent, moderate-to-severe chronic pain. If your healthcare provider prescribes this pain medication, you may be wondering about the best place to put fentanyl patches.
Apply the fentanyl patch to any intact, non-irritated flat skin surface, such as the upper arm, chest, back, or side. Hair at the skin site should be clipped, not shaved. The skin site may be cleansed beforehand with clear water. Allow the skin to dry completely before applying the patch.
For small children or those with cognition problems, place the patch on the upper back to reduce the chance that the patch will be removed and swallowed.
Each patch is worn continuously for three days (72 hours). After three days, a new patch is applied to a different skin site. If your patch falls off before three days, dispose of it in a proper manner, and apply a new patch to a different skin site. Do not try to reapply the old patch.
(For more details on the best place to put these patches, click Fentanyl Patch. This article offers more information on this medication, including dosing guidelines, potential side effects, and more.)