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Fentanyl patch and fever — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateCNS TherapeuticsFentanyl patch and feverGPhC CRA

A 59-year-old woman uses a fentanyl transdermal patch for chronic cancer pain. She phones the pharmacy with flu-like symptoms and a temperature of 39°C. She asks whether fever affects the patch. What would you advise the patient?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Fever can increase fentanyl absorption and she should seek clinical advice

Heat and fever can increase fentanyl absorption from transdermal patches, increasing opioid toxicity risk. The patient should seek clinical advice and be counselled to avoid external heat sources over the patch. Cutting patches is unsafe unless a specific product is designed for it, which fentanyl patches generally are not.

Reference: BNF