Direct rotation from a fentanyl patch to a buprenorphine patch in a patient with chronic pain

Naomi Steenhof; John Flannery; Joyce Lee

doi:10.5055/jom.0865

Authors

Naomi Steenhof, RPh, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7931-9134
John Flannery, MD
Joyce Lee, NP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.0865

Keywords:

fentanyl, buprenorphine, opioid rotation, chronic pain

Abstract

Transitioning a patient with chronic pain from a fentanyl patch to a buprenorphine patch has not been well described in the literature. Even after a patient removes their fentanyl patch, the residual fentanyl in the skin continues to be absorbed for hours. Due to the risk of precipitated withdrawal when initiating buprenorphine, this transition is a more challenging opioid rotation to plan safely. We report a case of a patient who had been using a fentanyl patch for over 10 years and was successfully rotated directly to a buprenorphine patch.

Author Biographies

Naomi Steenhof, RPh, PhD

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

John Flannery, MD

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

Joyce Lee, NP

Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada

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