Beware the painkiller patch

Pain killer
Beware the painkiller patch—it could literally kill you.

According to the FDA, it's due to good old-fashioned human error. Doctors have been incorrectly prescribing fentanyl—a heavy-duty narcotic—to patients that it was never intended to treat, such as those who are not in chronic pain. Instead, doctors are supposed to think of cancer patients when prescribing this patch, who have already built up some tolerance for opiod-level painkillers. But patients with no more than a headache are receiving it—and with deadly consequences. So the FDA has issued a second warning about these patches. The first warning came out in 2005, when it announced it was looking a little closer at 120 fatalities associated with fentanyl use. Evidently, the first warning had little effect, as reports of dangerous side effects and deaths have continued. The FDA is also having the makers of these fentanyl patches include warnings in plain-speak so that all patients can understand exactly how potent this drug is. On the FDA website are some guidelines for use that have been posted.

If you or someone you know is using one of these patches, please be aware of the following:
Fentanyl patches should be thought of as the last step in painkilling for chronic pain. It's not for headaches or to be taken after surgery. There are other options that aren't as life-threatening as fentanyl, and should be chosen first.

Know the signs of overdose and do not wait to seek treatment:
Feeling faint or dizzy
Cold, clammy skin
Difficulty in breathing, slow breathing, shallow breathing
Heartbeat slows down
Difficulty walking or talking
Overcome by a sense of sleepiness

Advise your doctor of every medication you take to avoid adverse reactions.
Read the instructions that come with the patch to understand exactly how to apply it.
Don't add heat in the form of a heating pad, electric blanket, steam room, sauna, or a hot bath. Heat has a way of "heating up" the effect, which can be deadly.
While a patch may seem benign, you can actually overdose with their use. Some patients may try putting on an extra one in a quest to strengthen the results. Or, they may change it too frequently, despite instructions to the contrary. Make sure you treat drugs as drugs no matter what clever delivery system Big Pharma hides them in.
Dr. Alan Inglis House Calls