General information about opioid analgesic patch

• general information about opioid analgesic patch preparations:
  • the patient should be warned that they may experience more breakthrough pain than usual in the first 1 to 3 days. Breakthrough analgesia should be provided rather than changing the patch strength at this point
  • laxatives may need to be reduced and titrated to need
  • replace the patches at the same time of day as indicated on the product information
  • vary the site of application with each change
  • apply to clean, dry, undamaged, non-hairy, flat areas of skin
  • never apply heat over the patch as this will increase absorption. Excessive heat should be avoided e.g. sauna, infrared radiation
  • dispose of patches by folding in half, sticky side together and putting in safe disposal unit e.g sharps box
  • check that patches stick well. Sweating, crinkling and lifting at edges can make pain control inadequate
  • patients can shower or swim, but often a vapour-permeable film dressing needs to be placed over the patch to aid adhesion

Reference:

• (1) West Midlands Palliative Care Physicians (2007). Palliative care - guidelines for the use of drugs in symptom control.