Can the patient be prescribed different formulations of Fentanyl Transdermal patches?
NO - It is not recommended
There are different formulations of transdermal fentanyl patches available.
It is strongly recommended that after initiation on a patch that the patient remains on the same formulation of patch. There may be small, but significant differences in release rates for the various patches which could affect the pain control of patients. To maintain the carefully titrated dose achieving pain control and avoid confusion for the patient and health professionals, prescribing of fentanyl patches should be by trade name and not by generic. This will ensure that the patient is supplied with the same formulation throughout. The Department of Health report (2004) (References) by Jim Smith, former chief pharmaceutical officer, recommends prescribing by trade name as well as generic to avoid confusion in the interest of patient safety.
Care and due regard to issues of professional accountability should be taken if applying the information within ‘Facts about Fentanyl' to any similar generic products.
