Fentanyl: Misuse and Toxicity
Monograph
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Course Summary
The use of fentanyl and fentanyl analogs has increased significantly in the past ten years due to the influx of illegal forms of fentanyl. The consumption of these drugs is a primary contributor to the current opioid crisis in the United States. Illegally manufactured fentanyl is widely available on the street, and it is a relatively common adulterant in heroin. Unfortunately, some of the beneficial pharmacologic properties of fentanyl, such as the rapid onset of action, and its high potency relative to other opioids, also make it very dangerous when it is used inappropriately. Because of the relatively common occurrence of fentanyl use and the potential consequences of fentanyl intoxication, health clinicians need in-depth information about fentanyl.
Course Objectives
Identify the role of fentanyl in the opioid crisis
Describe the basic pharmacological profile, use and clinical outcomes of fentanyl
Compare the benefits and risks of fentanyl use
Identify treatments for opioid overdose
I. Introduction
II. Fentanyl Medical Uses
III. Fentanyl and the Opioid Crisis
IV. Fentanyl Overdose
1. Detection of Fentanyl Toxicity
2. Patient’s History of Use
3. The Pattern of Fentanyl Misuse
4. Pediatric Exposure to Fentanyl
5. Toxicity Reversal with Naloxone
V. Treatment of Fentanyl Overdose
1. Physical Examination Requirements
2. Education of Opioid Overdose Treatment
VI. Case Study: Fentanyl Transdermal for Chronic Pain
Discussion
VII. Summary
- Read the course objectives and faculty planner disclosure
- Read the course material
- Complete the post-test with a minimum score of 70% and complete the course evaluation form.
- Results are automatically submitted to CPE Monitor
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in the development of this activity: Susan DePasquale, MSN, PMHNP-BC, Amanda Mayer, PharmD, and Jeff Goldberg, PharmD. There are no financial relationships relevant to this activity to report or disclose by any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.
Computer Hardware/Software Requirements
Please ensure the device you plan to use meets these requirements and specifications:
- Operating System: Windows 7,8,10, or 11 /Mac OS X 10.9 or later/iOS/Android
- Supported Browsers: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera
- A connection to the internet
- For Live Webinars or Conferences: GoToWebinar application for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC. You cannot 'call into' a live conference.
- Target Audience: Pharmacist
- Contact Hours: 1.5 (0.15 CEUs)
- Activity Release Date: 7/20/2022
- Activity Expiration Date: 7/20/2025
- Activity Type: Knowledge
- UAN: 0669-0000-22-001-H08-P
- Topic: Pain Management/Opioids
- CeBroker Number: 20-942684
Author:
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.