Fentanyl Patches

Patch duration: 48-72 hours so prescribe every 3 days

Onset of effect: 12-24 hours before full analgesic effect of patch occurs

Offset of action: 12-24 hours before analgesic effect wears off completely 

Prescribe short acting opioid for breakthrough pain

 Always co-prescribe Naloxone (See Opioid Toxicity).

*If a background infusion on a Morphine PCA is being used to replace a Fentanyl patch, start at a lower dose (for example, 50% of calculated) then review pain management later and increase if needed.