Fentanyl is a potent opioid that provides effective analgesia. It's physical characteristics of low molecular weight, high lipophilicity and high potency make it particularly suitable for administration by the transdermal route.

Transdermal administration of fentanyl has specific benefits for patients who suffer from dysphagia, have poor compliance with oral medication, or suffer from persistent nausea or vomiting, renal failure, gastro-intestinal obstruction, or suffer from intolerable side-effects with oral opiates. The transdermal route provides more consistent plasma drug concentration, reduced incidence of breakthrough pain, fewer side effects and a reduced frequency of administration when compared to oral administration.

Transdermal fentanyl is an effective alternative to oral morphine for the control of chronic pain. Patients transferred from oral morphine to transdermal fentanyl receive at least the same control of pain, but have the benefit of less frequent administration and fewer side effects.

Appropriate prescribing, supply, patient monitoring and counselling will ensure that this product can be used safely to give the patient maximum benefit.