About fentanyl

Fentanyl is a strong opioid painkiller. It's used to treat severe pain, for example during or after an operation or a serious injury, or pain from cancer.

It's also used for other types of long-term pain when weaker painkillers have stopped working.

It works by blocking pain signals between the brain and the rest of the body. It also reduces the anxiety and stress caused by pain.

Fentanyl is only available on prescription. It comes as:

• patches to put on your skin
• lozenges and tablets that dissolve in your mouth
• nasal spray
• injections – usually only given in hospital

Fentanyl patches are used for long-lasting pain. Your doctor may also prescribe other types of fentanyl if you need extra pain relief while your regular painkiller wears off.