title: Asphyxiation with a fentanyl patch.
abstract: Narcotics are frequently prescribed to alleviate pain in patients with serious medical illnesses such as cancer. Because of their nonoral route of administration, fentanyl patches are now being frequently prescribed. However, the widespread use of fentanyl patches has been associated with medication errors and misuse [Butts and Jatoi: J Opioid Manag 2011;7:35-45]. The transdermal delivery of fentanyl may lead to unusual, unanticipated complications. Herein, we describe a fentanyl patch complication, which, to our knowledge, has not been previously reported.
authors.affiliation: Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., USA.
authors.forename: Aaron S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Mansfield
authors.forename: Aminah
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jatoi
keywords: Asphyxiation; Fentanyl patch; Transdermal medication