Fentanyl patches are included in which medication schedule?

Fentanyl patches are classified as Schedule II medications due to their high potential for abuse, leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes substances based on their medical use and potential for abuse, with Schedule I drugs deemed to have no accepted medical use or safety, and higher schedules (Schedules II-V) indicating decreasing potential for abuse and dependence.

Fentanyl is a powerful opioid analgesic used for pain management, particularly in patients with severe pain conditions, such as cancer. The use of fentanyl patches requires careful monitoring and management due to the risk of overdose, especially if the patches are misused or improperly used. This classification as Schedule II reflects the serious risks associated with opioids and underscores the necessity of regulating their prescription and distribution to minimize potential harm.