Accidental exposure to fentanyl patches can be a significant cause of poisoning in children, leading to serious illness or even death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urges parents and caregivers to take precautions to ensure the proper storage, use, and disposal of these patches. If a child is suspected of being exposed to a fentanyl patch, immediate medical assistance should be sought by calling 911.
Fentanyl patches, marketed under the brand name Duragesic and available in generic form, are prescribed by healthcare professionals for opioid-tolerant patients requiring long-term pain management. The patch is applied to the skin and releases fentanyl over a three-day period. Both new and used patches pose risks to children who may put them in their mouth or attach them to their skin, resulting in slowed breathing and decreased oxygen levels, potentially leading to death.
The FDA has continuously warned patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals about the dangers of accidental exposure to fentanyl patches and emphasizes the importance of proper storage and disposal. The FDA also recommends that patients and caregivers discuss having naloxone readily available. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioids, including fentanyl, during an overdose. It can be administered to children and individuals exposed to a fentanyl patch.
To minimize the risk of accidental exposure to fentanyl patches, the FDA suggests the following precautions:
- Store fentanyl patches and other medications securely in a location inaccessible to children, considering the use of a lockbox.
- Consider covering the fentanyl patch with transparent adhesive film dressing to ensure it remains securely on the body, using first-aid tape to further secure the edges.
- Regularly check the patch throughout the day to ensure it remains in place and has not fallen off.
- Promptly and properly dispose of used patches when applying new ones.
- Infants and toddlers are at higher risk of accidental exposure, particularly when they are in close contact with adults wearing partially detached patches.
It is crucial to dispose of used fentanyl patches promptly to prevent accidental exposure. The FDA recommends folding the patch with the sticky sides together and flushing it down the toilet. Patches should not be placed in household trash where they can be easily accessed by children or pets. Fentanyl patches are included in a list of medications that should be flushed down the toilet due to their potential harm if used by individuals for whom they were not prescribed.
If a child is exposed to a fentanyl patch, naloxone should be administered if available, and immediate medical help should be sought by calling 911. Early signs of exposure may be challenging to recognize in young children, with drowsiness often being the initial symptom. Other signs include trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, agitation, high body temperature, and stiff muscles.
It is important for individuals to discuss the benefits of naloxone with their healthcare professionals and learn how to obtain it. Naloxone is a vital tool in reversing opioid overdoses and can be used on people of all ages. However, even if naloxone is administered, emergency medical assistance should still be sought.
For any questions regarding fentanyl patches, individuals can consult their healthcare professionals, pharmacists, or contact the FDA’s Division of Drug Information (DDI) by email or phone. Cases of accidental exposure to fentanyl patches or other medications should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program using the provided online form or by downloading and submitting the reporting form via mail or fax.
