FDA issues fentanyl patch disposal guidelines

NEW YORK — Nearly 30 children have been accidentally poisoned by opioid painkiller patches since 1997, according to the Food and Drug Administration, prompting the agency to issue disposal guidelines.

The FDA listed the guidelines on its website, saying that unused fentanyl patches should be stored out of the reach and sight of children, while used patches should be folded, sticky sides together, and flushed down the toilet.

Of the 26 children poisoned by fentanyl patches between 1997 and 2012, 10 died, according to the agency.