Safe Disposal of Fentanyl Transdermal System “Patches”
The fentanyl transdermal system “patch” (Duragesic® and its generics) always must be stored, used and disposed of carefully. Fentanyl is a strong medicine used to relieve severe pain. The patch should be handled only by the patient and the patient’s caregivers–before use, during use and after use. A new patch contains a 3-day supply of fentanyl. A patch worn by the patient for 3 days still contains enough fentanyl to cause harm or death in a child or pet.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm300747.htm