How to Apply a Fentanyl Patch

Co-authored by Jurdy Dugdale, RN and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: October 2, 2025 Fact Checked

Fentanyl patches are a quick and easy, but powerful, way to dispense pain medication. They should only be used by people who have long-term chronic pain and are already prescribed a high dose of opioids. To apply a Fentanyl patch, start by preparing the area where you are going to place the patch. Then, put the patch on the area, just like you would stick on an adhesive bandage. Make sure to dispose of the patch properly so it is not a health risk to those around you, and remove it after 72 hours.^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Identifying and Cleaning an Appropriate Area

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A spot on your upper arm, chest, or back is ideal.^{[2]
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Go to source} Do not use an area close to your mouth, eyes, or nose, even if it has little to no hair, as this can put you at risk of ingesting or absorbing the medication too quickly. You should rotate what sites you use.
2
Make sure the area has no cuts, scars, or irritation. Your skin should be free of any abrasions and not be too oily, as you do not want the medication to absorb too quickly into your body or to fall off.^{[3]
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- Do not apply patches to areas that have received radiation treatment.
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If a patch becomes loose, tape the edges to your skin with first aid tape. If the patch falls off after applying it, throw it away and apply a new patch in a different area.^{[4]
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4
Clean the area with water and pat it dry. Use clear water to clean the area you want to apply the patch. Then, pat it dry with a clean cloth or gauze. The area will need to be dry and cool so the patch can stick to your skin properly.^{[5]
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- Do not use any soaps or alcohol to clean the skin because it can increase the effects of the medication.^{[6]
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Part 2

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Putting on the Patch

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1
Protect your hands from absorbing any of the medication by putting on medical gloves. If any of the medicine does get on your hand, rinse the area immediately with large amounts of clear water, and do not use soap or other cleansers.^{[7]
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- Keep in mind you still need to wash your hands after applying the patch, even if you are wearing medical gloves, to ensure you are not exposed to the medication.
Fentanyl patches come in sealed packages.^{[8]
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Go to source} Cut the package open at the slit, making sure you do not cut or tear the patch inside. You can tear the top of the package and lift the patch out.
3
Each patch has a front and back covering of loose plastic. Remove both parts of the protective liner from the back of the patch.^{[9]
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Go to source} Note that these are not the liner (the liner, split through the center, sits right on the patch).
- Never put on patches that have been cut or damaged, as this can put you at risk of an overdose.
- You will need to apply the patch once the package has been opened. Do not open a package unless you are going to use it right away.
Grip the patch between your fingers on the non-adhesive side and carefully peel off the liner on the sticky side. The liner should have 2 parts so you can hold the non-adhesive side and peel off one half easily.^{[10]
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5
Press the patch onto the skin, holding for at least 30 seconds. Use your hand to press the patch onto the skin firmly, just like you would an adhesive bandage. Remove the second half of the liner as you press on the patch so it can sit flat on the skin. Then, press the patch with the palm of your hand for at least 20 seconds so it stays in place.^{[11]
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- Make sure the adhesive side is attached to the skin, especially around the edges of the patch.
6
If required, put on a second patch away from the first patch. If your healthcare provider recommends that you use more than one fentanyl patch at a time, always apply the second patch on a different spot on your body. Make sure the patches do not overlap or touch, as this can put you at risk of an overdose.^{[12]
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- It is rare that your healthcare provider will prescribe more than one fentanyl patch at a time, as the medication is very strong and may not be safe in large doses. Only apply more than one patch at a time under your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Clean your hands with clear water, even if you wore gloves. Do not use any soaps or cleansers, as this can interact with any medication on your hands.^{[13]
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It’s easy to forget when you put the patch on, but it’s important that you don’t leave it on for more than 3 days. Therefore, write the date and time down right after you apply a new patch. You can write directly on the patch using a soft-tip, permanent marker pen, or record the information on your calendar.^{[14]
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Part 3

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Caring for the Patch

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Do not put heating pads, electric blankets, or hot compresses on the patch. You should also stay away from saunas, hot tubs, heated waterbeds, or direct sunlight. If your skin gets too hot, more medication will come out of the patch and may cause a deadly overdose.^{[15]
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Choose clothing in breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and make sure you wear loose clothing when you work out or exercise. You do not want your body, or the area with the patch, to become overheated.^{[16]
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3
Secure the edges of the patch with first aid tape if they start to peel off. Line the edges of the patch with first aid tape so it stays on. Make sure you wash your hands with water after you have secured the patch.^{[17]
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- If the patch still doesn’t stick, cover it with Bioclusive® or Askina® Derm brand see-through dressings.^{[18]
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- Don’t forget to note the new time and date on the patch or in a notebook.
Overlapping doses of patches can cause a cumulative effect—it can add to the dose. If a patch falls off, apply a new patch in a different area and tell your doctor that it happened. If you experience dry mouth, headaches, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, or drowsiness, tell your doctor.^{[19]
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Notice if you have trouble breathing or have shallow breathing.^{[20]
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Go to source} You may feel very sleepy or fatigued and be unable to talk, walk, or think properly. You may also have feelings of dizziness, faintness, or confusion. If you display any of these symptoms, remove the patch immediately and call 911.^{[21]
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Part 4

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Removing the Patch

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You may keep the patch on for a shorter amount of time if directed to do so by your doctor.^{[22]
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Go to source} To keep track of how long you have worn the patch, write down the time and date you put on the patch so you know when to take it off.^{[23]
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Go to source} Or, simply change your patch at around the same time of day.
Keep in mind that you will still need to wash your hands after removing it, even though you are wearing gloves.
3
Remove the patch carefully and fold it together. Fold the patch together so the sticky sides meet.^{[24]
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Go to source} This will help prevent exposing the medication to others.
- This is an important step if you have children or pets at home, as you do not want them to be exposed to the medication.
4
Dispose of the patch through a medicine take-back program. If you do not have a take-back program nearby or one that you can access immediately, fold the sticky sides of the patch together so it sticks to itself, and then flush the folded patches down the toilet. Do not put fentanyl patches in the trash can.^{[25]
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- Wash your hands with clear water after disposing of the patch.
Apply the new patch on a different part of your body, preferably a spot on the opposite side of where the old patch was. Only keep the new patch on for 3 days or less, or as instructed by your healthcare provider.^{[26]
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Tips

Store the fentanyl patches at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture, not in the bathroom.^{[27]
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If a fentanyl patch makes you drowsy, speak to your healthcare provider. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you.^{[28]
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Warnings

Do not drink alcohol, take prescription or nonprescription medications that contain alcohol, or use street drugs while wearing a fentanyl patch.^{[29]
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If you take other medications that also cause drowsiness, you may have more side effects. Give your care team a list of all medications you’re taking before applying the patch.^{[30]
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Never throw used or unused patches in a trash can or leave them in a place where they may be found by others, especially children. Keep track of how many patches are left so you know if any are missing.^{[31]
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