[Severe nonfatal poisoning after intravenous abuse of transdermal fentanyl--a case report].

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid with short-acting analgesic activity after intravenous or subcutaneous administration. The potency and lipid solubility of fentanyl make it suitable for delivery via the transdermal therapeutic system in the treatment of chronic pain. In this paper a case of nonfatal, severe poisoning after intravenous injection of the content from four transdermal patches (Durogesic 75 microg/h) in the 18-year-old male opiate abuser is presented. The present case demonstrates the possibility of intravenous abuse of transdermal patches and the risk of severe intoxication. In the cases of suspected fentanyl overdose specific assays should be utilized for the detection of fentanyl because it may not be detected by the routine opiate screening procedure.