Who can and cannot use fentanyl

Most adults can use fentanyl.

Some patches can be used by children aged 2 years old and over. However, young children and older people are more likely to get side effects.

Fentanyl patches are usually only used if you've already been taking other strong opioid painkillers.

Your doctor will work out how much fentanyl to give you depending on what dose of other opioids you've been taking. This is to reduce the risk of an overdose.

Fentanyl is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• are not already regularly using strong opioid painkillers
• have ever had an allergic reaction to fentanyl or any other medicine
• have breathing difficulties such as asthma or a lung condition
• are addicted to alcohol or are a heavy drinker
• have a head injury
• have a condition that causes fits or seizures
• have an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• have adrenal gland problems
• have kidney or liver problems
• have an enlarged prostate
• have low blood pressure (hypotension)
• are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding