Transdermal Fentanyl Patch

How does it work? j0262903.jpg (26999 bytes)

The morning of the surgery, your cat will be admitted to the hospital.   A small area of fur will be clipped away from the side of the chest and a small medicated patch will be placed next to the skin.   During the day, the cat slowly absorbs the medication across the skin into its blood stream.  After about 6-12 hours the patch takes full effect.  The patch stays on for the two days your cat is in the hospital recovering from the operation.   When your cat is ready to go home, the patch may be removed.  However, blood levels of the medication are slowly eliminated over 2 or 3 days, providing more pain relief at home.  Most cats do not need additional pain medication at home.   Depending on how your cat tolerates the surgery and the medication, your veterinarian may leave the patch in place when your cat is discharged from the hospital.

Advantages of the patch:

bulletminimizes pain
bulletconstant delivery of medication
bulletdoes not interfere with bleeding or healing
bulletminimal side-effects
bulletless injections are required
bulletsmoother recovery
bulletfaster healing
bulletmay reduce the amount of pain pills to give at home
bulletnon-invasive (not a needle)
bulletwe are able to quickly reverse the drug should a problem develop

Disadvantages of the patch:

bulletcan be more expensive than conventional pain medication
bulleta patch of fur must be shaved from the chest of the cat
bulletsome side-effects can occur and may include the following: constipation (uncommon), reduced appetite, mild local rash (usually resolves within 24 hrs), shallow and slow breathing while the patch is in place (can also occur with other pain killers)
bulletshould not be used in patients with fever, heart problems, lung problems, liver disease, or kidney disease

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