How Medical Facilities Must Handle & Dispose of Them

In hospitals and medical facilities fentanyl patches are a crucial tool in managing pain, giving patients pain relief in a variety of situations, specifically for patients who are experiencing severe, chronic pain. However, improper disposal of these patches can cause serious risks to staff, patients, animals and the environment. Those who work in healthcare settings where these patches are used must understand the dangers and follow proper protocols for disposal to ensure safety.

What Are Fentanyl Patches Used For?

Fentanyl patches, also known as transdermal fentanyl systems, are mostly used in hospitals, hospice facilities and other medical organizations to provide pain relief to patients who need long-term opioid therapy. They are often prescribed to:

• Cancer patients experiencing severe pain
• Patients recovering from major surgeries who need ongoing pain relief
• Patients with chronic, debilitating pain who have developed tolerance to other opioids

The patches provide a controlled, continuous release of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than morphine. This sustained-release patch reduces the need for frequent dosing and helps patients maintain consistent pain control. But because of fentanyl’s potency, safe disposal of used and unused patches is critical to prevent accidental exposure and misuse.

Risks of Improper Disposal

Improper disposal of fentanyl patches can result in accidental exposure or even overdose. Here’s a closer look at some of the risks:

1. Dangers to Staff and Patients

• Accidental Exposure: Used patches can still contain residual fentanyl, which can be absorbed through the skin. Healthcare staff or patients who accidentally touch discarded patches may be exposed to fentanyl, putting them at risk of serious side effects.
• Misuse: Improperly discarded patches can instead be misused, contributing to opioid abuse and overdose incidents.

2. Risks to Animals

• Accidental Ingestion: Pets or animals that come into contact with improperly disposed fentanyl patches may chew or swallow them, leading to accidental poisoning. Even a small amount of residual fentanyl can be fatal for animals.

3. Risks to the Environment

• Water Contamination: If fentanyl patches are flushed down toilets or disposed of in the trash, they can leach fentanyl into water systems, potentially harming marine life and ecosystems. Environmental contamination with opioids is a growing issue and can have long-lasting effects on wildlife and water quality.

Steps for Safe Disposal of Fentanyl Patches

Anyone who is handling and disposing of fentanyl patches must follow specific steps to ensure safe disposal.

How to Remove the Patch Properly

When removing a used fentanyl patch, healthcare staff should wear gloves to avoid direct skin contact. Gently peel off the patch, using caution so you do not let the adhesive side touch the skin.

1. Fold the Patch in Half
   Once removed, fold the patch in half with the adhesive sides sticking together. This prevents any remaining fentanyl from being exposed and minimizes the risk of contact.
2. Place the Patch in a Designated Medical Waste Disposal Container
   All medical facilities should have secure, designated containers for the disposal of controlled substances like fentanyl patches. These containers should be clearly labeled and comply with federal, state and local disposal regulations.
3. Dispose of the Container According to Regulations
   Once the disposal container is full, follow your facility’s protocols for handling hazardous waste or controlled substances. Work with your medical waste disposal company to ensure that all medical waste, including fentanyl patches, are picked up and disposed of properly.
4. Keep Proper Medical Waste Disposal Records
   Medical facilities are required to keep records of all controlled substance disposal. Ensure that each disposed patch is logged, including the date of disposal, the name of the healthcare professional handling the disposal and any other required information.

What to Do in Case of Accidental Exposure or Overdose

Exposure to fentanyl can happen if the patch comes in contact with skin or if the residual fentanyl powder is accidentally inhaled. Here are steps to take in the event of accidental exposure or an overdose:

1. Learn to Spot the Symptoms of Exposure

Symptoms of fentanyl exposure include difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion and sedation. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial, as fentanyl overdoses can escalate quickly.

2. Act Immediately

• Skin Contact: If someone has accidentally touched a fentanyl patch, immediately remove the patch (if it’s still on the skin), and wash the affected area with soap and water.
• Inhalation: Move the person to fresh air if possible, as inhalation exposure may occur during disposal procedures or through accidental disturbance of residual fentanyl. If you can’t move the person, open windows or doors to increase air circulation.

3. Use Naloxone

Naloxone is a medication that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose. If you have this available, give it to the person immediately if they are showing signs of severe opioid exposure or overdose, including difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness.

4. Get Emergency Medical Assistance

Even if you have given the victim naloxone, you must call emergency services immediately. Fentanyl overdoses can have a rapid onset and require prompt medical intervention.

5. Report the Incident

Accidental exposures should be documented and reported. This helps your medical facility understand potential issues with the safety protocols and areas for improvement and ensures compliance with safety regulations.

Responsible Handling of Fentanyl Patches

Medical facilities play a critical role in ensuring that fentanyl patches are safely disposed of. By following proper disposal protocols, staff can help prevent accidental exposure, environmental contamination, and the risk of misuse.

• Always wear gloves when handling fentanyl patches.
• Never flush fentanyl patches down toilets or dispose of them in regular trash.
• Follow facility protocols for documenting and safe disposal of fentanyl patches.
• Be prepared for accidental exposure situations by having naloxone and emergency procedures in place.

All Points Medical Waste is your trusted partner for safe disposal of fentanyl patches and all other types of medical waste. We are a family-owned and operated company serving hospitals, clinics, surgery centers and other healthcare organizations throughout the state of Florida. Give us a call today or complete the form on this page to get a quick quote and learn how we can serve you.