The MHRA has warned people to be careful when handling fentanyl patches, following reports of the products accidentally sticking to children's skin.

The medicines watchdog had received three reports of accidental contact with fentanyl patches, two of which involved children, it said yesterday (July 21).

Children had a lower threshold for overdosing from the opioid than adults and were particularly at risk of "serious harm" as they could "suck, chew or swallow" a patch that had been not been disposed of correctly, the MHRA said.

The skin patches are used to treat severe chronic pain and MHRA director of vigilance and risk management of medicines Sarah Branch said it was "extremely important" that people checked their patch was stuck on - and disposed of - securely.

"The used patch should be folded in half so that the adhesive side sticks firmly to itself. It should then be safely thrown away in a secure bin that is not picked up by young children. If a patch is transferred to another person, remove it and get medical help immediately," she said.

The product information for patients and healthcare professionals was being updated to strengthen the warnings of how to use and dispose of the patches safely, following a European review of the risks of accidental exposure, the MHRA said.

Anyone who had suffered a side effect from using the patches should contact the MHRA using its Yellow Card Scheme, which can be accessed online at mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, it added.