![]() 6ĭocumented methods of abusing fentanyl patches include application of more patches, 7 changing patches more frequently (this case), injecting extracted fentanyl intravenously, 8 chewing (this case) or swallowing patches, 9 inserting patches into rectum, 10 inhaling fentanyl gel, 11 and diluting fentanyl in tea. 4, 5 Fentanyl patches are used widely for pain especially in palliative treatment for cancer patients who (1) have swallowing problems and cannot tolerate other parental routes, (2) have renal failure, and (3) have adverse effects from taking morphine, hydromorphone, or oxycodone. ![]() 3 Transdermal fentanyl patches contain an inert alcohol gel infused with select fentanyl doses the patches are worn to provide constant analgesic over 48 to 72 hours. 1, 2 Fentanyl is a synthetic analgesic acting as a strong agonist at the μ-opioid receptors and is 100 times more potent than morphine. ![]() To the Editor: About 86 million Americans suffer from pain, which costs $100 billion yearly in work loss and medical expenses.
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