Can you cut a 50 mg transdermal Fentanyl in half and wear half?

Answer 1

NEVER CUT A FENTANYL PAIN PATCH, the dose becomes totally unstable. It will leach out into the skin and your clothing. It remains active to various degrees and times. If you put on that piece of clothing and a new pain patch it can lead to respiratory failure and death. I know this first hand from the death of my dear son, 39 yrs. old, husband and a father to our 3 1/2 yrs. old grandson. PLEASE consult with your doctor at all times and make sure you understand what your doctor or the literature from the pharmacy has stated. It doesn't matter what you read on the Internet, PLEASE check with the live professionals. My son thought "cutting back the dose" meant he could cut the patch. Unfortunately he is not here today to tell you himself. DON'T CUT IT! Which much love and pain, his Mom.

Answer 2

Depending on the type of transdermal patch, you may be able to cut it in half, regardless of package insert instructions. Some transdermal patches, such as Fentanyl, have a drug reservoir. That type of patch can NOT be cut in half (or any other dimension) in order to cut down the dose beause all of the drug will spill out which could lead to faster absorption, or less absorption, depending on whether the drug spilled out onto the skin or stayed on clothes/bedsheets.

Some other transdermal patches, such as Lidoderm, Daytrana, and Sancuso MAY be cut in half without affecting the drug administration, which can be an effective way to tailor the dosage of the drug.

Answer 3

It depends on the drug, any drug that has a slow or extended release should not be cut. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if yours can be safely cut.