PBM: Fentanyl Patches Being Changed Too Frequently

Even though skin patches containing the potent opioid painkiller fentanyl are intended to last for 72 hours, physicians are increasingly recommending that injured workers replace the patches after only 48 hours, according to one pharmacy benefit manager. The practice not only increases the amount paid for the fentanyl patches, but also poses a danger to patients who might keep wearing the old patch even after applying a new one, said Phil Walls, chief clinical officer for myMatrixx. The increased dose could lead to an overdose or help fuel drug addiction, he said. “There is no rati...