One child had stuck two patches onto their own skin thinking they were sticking plasters and another fell unconscious showing signs of an opiate overdose after picking at a patch on a user’s arm.
Both were successfully treated for opiate overdose and recovered.
Dr Sarah Branch, Deputy Director of Vigilance and Risk Management of Medicines, said: “It is extremely important when applying a fentanyl skin patch that people check that they are stuck on securely. A patch may cause serious harm if it accidentally sticks to somebody else’s skin or is swallowed.
“The used patch should be folded in half so that the adhesive side sticks firmly to itself. It should then be safely thrown away in a secure bin so that it is not picked up by young children.
“If a patch is transferred to another person, remove it and get medical help immediately. If a patch is swallowed, get medical help immediately.
“People who use fentanyl patches should be careful to keep them out of the reach and sight of children and dispose of them carefully.”
Children are more likely to suck, chew or swallow the patches and have a lower threshold for overdose than adults, it was warned.
Doctors were told to inform patients that if a patch is transferred to another person, it should be removed and the individual should get medical help immediately. If a patch is swallowed, the individual should get medical help immediately.
Two children suffer life threatening overdose from playing with painkilling skin patches
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