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Is Cutting Patches For Dosage Adjustment Safe?
Question: I'm a nurse and I got and order from the on call MD to use 1.5 25mcg/hr patch. I confirmed with the MD that I could cut it in half. Now my superior took me off my next shift and wants to see me in her office. What did I do wrong?
Brief Answer:
some patches must not be cut
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
I dont think you did something terribly wrong, but it is not recommended to cut patches. Some patches can be cut (those in adhesive layer system patches) and some that act as reservoir membrane–modulated systems( Most fentanyl patches) you should non cut because the membrane will be destroyed and too huge amount of drug will be administered transdermally and it will have opposite effect than wanted one. So you should not do it in future. However, if doctor prescribed it then you dont have responsibility. Wish you good health. Regards
some patches must not be cut
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
I dont think you did something terribly wrong, but it is not recommended to cut patches. Some patches can be cut (those in adhesive layer system patches) and some that act as reservoir membrane–modulated systems( Most fentanyl patches) you should non cut because the membrane will be destroyed and too huge amount of drug will be administered transdermally and it will have opposite effect than wanted one. So you should not do it in future. However, if doctor prescribed it then you dont have responsibility. Wish you good health. Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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