December 2006: ALERT: Generic Fentanyl Patches
A recent report to ISMP Canada raised awareness that drug name and strength are not printed on generic fentanyl patches manufactured by ratiopharm (Figure 1); this information is printed only on the outer packaging, which is removed before placement of the patch. The reporter cited concerns that had been raised by several emergency departments, where health care professionals were unaware of patients’ fentanyl patches.As a result of this report, ISMP Canada contacted the manufacturer and Health Canada. The company has made a commitment to start printing the medication name and strength on these patches. Health Canada is expediting the NOC (Notice of Compliance) approval for this enhancement to product labelling. We thank Health Canada and ratiopharm for their quick response in making this product enhancement (imminent at the time of publication).
