Fentanyl patch

[Austin's Mom]

Has anybody ever used the fentanyl patch on their baby? Austin has one, and it's supposed to stay on until Wednesday, but I noticed yesterday and today he had episodes where his bottom jaw would chatter, like a human would do when they are shivering. From what I've read on the internet this is a really strong drug. So I called my vet and they don't use it and aren't really familiar with it. I called Red Bank where he had the surgery and they said this isn't really a known side effect and to watch him. I don't know what to do. Should I take it off? This has never happened to him before he went in for surgery and I can't really seem to get any answers. I mean this is a dog who had head tremors from a certain dog food. I think anything is possible here. Thanks in advance. Other than that he is doing great!

 

[Baileysmom]

Bailey had one after her acl surgery. I would call red bank back and ask if you should take it off. She didn't have any side affects from it but it's a pain med and you don't want to stop giving that pain relief. (And take extreme caution when taking them off) You don't want to touch it. Use gloves or paper towels or whatever you can and throw it in trash outside so Austin doesn't get a hold of it. Keep us updated.

 

[Austin's Mom]

OK I got some answers. My SIL took her cats to their vet today and she asked her about the patch. Her vet knew all about it and said this is a side effect of it. As long as he's eating, drinking and interacting with me-which he is-then don't worry and not to take the patch off because it's time released and the medication level is slowly coming down. Then about 10 minutes ago I get a call from his regular vet wanting to know what's going on with him. So I tell her, and she says she's gonna go look the medication up. She comes back to the phone not 10 seconds later and tells me one of the side effects is head tremors, and that she's not concerned it's a seizure or anything like that and he should be fine once he gets the patch off on Wed. I can't tell you the relief I feel! But if he should get startled there's a chance he could have a seizure, but it won't be a lasting thing. So I'll probably have the heart attack and Austin will be fine!

 

[Baileysmom]

That's so good to hear that its just a side effect.

 

[dafzichu]

You don't want to touch it. Use gloves or paper towels or whatever you can and throw it in trash outside so Austin doesn't get a hold of it.

You can actually flush them right down the toilet so that nothing gets ahold of it (my grandmother uses them). Glad you got the information you needed and that Austin is ok.

 

[Austin's Mom]

Yes they told me to flush it down the toilet and wash my hands right after. I think I will take it off with a tissue. But still wash my hands!