1. Talk with your doctor to be informed about the dangers of fentanyl, and to confirm that he or she has prescribed the lowest dosage you need for pain relief.

2. Make sure that you have already taken other narcotic (opiat) painkillers without incident, indicating that you can tolerate the fentanyl patch. Do not use fentanyl for pain that will subside in a few days, like after an operation or dental surgery.

3. Be sure that both patient and caregiver read all of the directions and warnings provided in the manufacturer’s patient package insert.

4. If you are using a Duragesic or Sandoz Inc. 25 mcg/hr fentanyl transdermal patch, check the box or foil pouch for the expiration date to see if it has been recalled. Recalled patches were manufactured by ALZA Corporation, an affiliate of PriCara, and have expiration dates of December 2009 or earlier. If your patch is from the recalled batch, you should not handle the patch directly.

5. Learn all about how to store your fentanyl patch safely, and how to dispose of it. Storage should be in a cool, dry area, safely out of reach of children. When you have to dispose of a patch, especially one that is unused or defective, fold the sticky side together so that it sticks to itself and flush the patch down the toilet.

6. If you should be exposed directly to the fentanyl gel because of a cut or slit in the patch, rinse the affected skin thoroughly with a large amount of water. DO NOT USE SOAP.  Immediately flush the damaged patch down the toilet, taking care not to let it touch any part of your skin.

7. Do not drink any form of alcohol or take other medicines that affect brain function while you are using the fentanyl transdermal patch. Check with your doctor to see if any of the other medications you take could affect how fentanyl is broken down in your body. If you are running a fever or are exposed to heat, you could experience a sudden and possibly dangerous rise in the level of fentanyl in your body. If this happens, you should seek medical attention.

8. Keep an eye out for any symptoms that might indicate you are experiencing an overdose of fentanyl. Symptoms to watch for include trouble breathing or shallow breathing; tiredness or extreme sleepiness; inability to think, talk, or walk  normally; and feeling dizzy, faint, or confused. If any of these signs are present, you should get immediate medical help.