title: Fatal intravenous misuse of transdermal fentanyl.
abstract: The introduction of a transdermal delivery system for fentanyl means that it is now more readily available. We present the first documented fatality after intravenous injection of the contents of a transdermal fentanyl patch. Prescribers need to be aware of the potential for misuse of fentanyl patches.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, North West Regional Hospital, Burnie, TAS, Australia.
authors.forename: Mark D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Reeves
authors.forename: Corinne J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Ginifer
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000506:poisoning*; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000506:poisoning*; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications*; D014474:Unconsciousness / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D005283:Fentanyl