Medical uses for fentanyl

Fentanyl that is medically prescribed comes in a number of formulations, including:

• lozenges
• lollipops
• oral or nasal sprays
• injections

Fentanyl has several medical applications:

• anesthesia for patients undergoing heart surgery or for patients with poor heart function
• management of breakthrough cancer pain in patients who are already receiving opioid medication for underlying, persistent pain
• pain management in people who have persistent, moderate-to-severe chronic pain requiring continuous, around-the-clock opioids
• pain relief for people who are already taking narcotic analgesics or who are already opioid-tolerant

Fentanyl patch

Fentanyl is given through a transdermal patch that adheres to the skin for continuous delivery. Over the course of 20 to 72 hours, the patch gradually releases fentanyl into the bloodstream through the skin.

Only patients who have already developed a tolerance to opioid therapy of a similar potency are eligible for the fentanyl patch. Fentanyl can continue to work for 13 to 24 hours after the patch is taken off because it has already been absorbed through the skin. However, how well the drug is absorbed through each person's skin varies.