DISCLAIMER: iGuard is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. iGuard cannot and does not take into consideration every possible interaction or account for individual responses to medicine. Different individuals may respond to medication in different ways. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have before making any changes to your treatment. The use of the iGuard site and its content is at your own risk. The iGuard site and the information contained in it is intended for users in the United States and information in other countries may be different.
Global Patient Feedback for Fentanyl ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
has anyone had a problem with the patch not lasting 72 hours?after 60 hours or so my wife gets spasms which are suspected to be withdrawal symtoms from the narcotic.changing the patch at 60 hours works well.
john for winnie age 80
81 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-07 10:58:29
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
With any long-term narcotic use, tolerance can develop. If your wife is developing breakthrough-type symptoms before her next dose of the patch is due, have her make an appointment with her physician to discuss the symptoms and the options available, such as using a short-acting medication to cover the breakthrough period or adjusting the dose of her fentanyl patch.
Posted: 2009-07-09 00:01:05
Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have to change my patch every other day. I also tried the generic brand but it did not work as well for me.
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-11 01:39:46
Answer/Reply:
yes I have had that problem I went to my pain doctor told him and he said for me to take a new one every 48 hr,s now not the 72 hours like before and now I feel better so I think your wife or who is useing the patch needs to talk to there doctor ok hope this might help cause i felt the same way I felt i was have with draws to and I been on these patchs for more then 5 years so please talk to your doctor ok I am on the 100,s ok so take care ,belle from north carolina
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 12:45:35
Answer/Reply:
Thanks so much for your reply. Since 2005 I have gone from 50 mic to 100. When I was changed to 100 they took away my oxycodone for breakthrough pain. Over the last few years I have begged for help. My primary care m.d. won't budge on putting back on oxycodon'e. I had her read the insert that comes with the fentanyl showing they do not work until up until 24hrs after application. No one ever says they do not continue working for 72hrs. This month I plan to discuss changing my patch every 48hrs. This is also in the literature refering to those who have been on the medication for a long time. Wish me luck. Thanks for your reply.Gloria from the 4 corners (S.W.)
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-11 23:36:17
Answer/Reply:
I also had that problem the patch not lasting the 72hours also after 2 days the patch seemed to eat into my skin & no longer provided any pain relief plus I was geting sick. Some people have a higher metabolism so the medication is pulled out faster then others, as a result your body gets use to the medication & the level that is being taken in so when the medicine is gone your body goes through withdraw. If you bring this to your doctors attention he could prescribe your wife the patches every 48hours thats how I use them so I have a steady dose no burns & no withdraw. I hope this helps also if the insurence doesnt pay for 3 boxes all your docter will need to do is call them & preautherize it. Good Luck Take Care & God Bless
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-19 15:49:27
Answer/Reply:
It took several years on the patch for it to become less effective for the full 72 hours. after speaking to my dr. we changed it to approx 48 hours. what a difference.
(I was using 300 mcg ) 3 patches at a time.
I have since had a pain pump implanted, there is comparison........... for me it works a thousand times better than the patches &/or Actiq (lozenge)
I also found that the generic form of Duragisic did NOT work at all for me.
I would also caution anyone who is or will be using the Actiq to be very careful, I lost ALL my teeth using Actiq.(have spoken to others & the same happened to them).
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-30 07:39:49
Answer/Reply:
I have been on the patch for about 7 years now and yes we found out after a few years that 72 hours was too long of a stretch so they first increased the patch and soon I was having the same problem so they told me to start changing the patch everyother day. That was within the range suggested in the medical manuals and it has worked well for me. However, I now find that I am starting to have withdrawal symptoms about 4 hours before I'm due to change. I hate to go ahead and change because it will at some point start withdrawal symptoms again 4 hours out. So I struggle through with it and just try to sleep while it is going on. Sometimes a vicodin will help with the breakthrough and withdrawal.
59 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-03 09:21:19
Question/Comment:
I am use a Fentanyl Patch every 72 hours and like many of you I had problems getting it to stick and it also caused severe itching and burning to the point that I would actually scratch so much it would bleed. I brought this to my Dr.s attention and he said to use FLONASE or a CLEAR DEODORANT on the site where I will be applying the patch. Both FLONASE and CLEAR DEODORANTS have a steroid which conteracts the itching and burning. Let the area dry well first for about 10 minutes. Then apply the patch. No more itching or burning and the patch sticks great, even through hot showers.
I used the FLONASE for a short time since I had an sample old bottle of it. When it ran out I realized that it requires a prescription. Now I use SECRET CRYSTAL CLEAR GEL ANTIPERSPIRANT/DEODORANT that works GREAT.
As for the nausea that sometimes comes with the Fentanyl Patch, I eat CROUTONS. There east to grab and come in different flavors/seasoning. Kind of like eating toast but much easier for when your not feeling good. Good luck, hope this helps.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-16 05:07:20
Question/Comment:
Has anyone ever heard of Fentanyl coming in a sucker/lollipop type. I heard someone talking about it today. I can't believe it would come in that form. They were also saying it was 1600 mcg. Just a little far fetch to me and I can't find anything on the web about it.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-03 22:24:30
Answer/Reply:
yes irt comes in a lollipop style tablet it's called actiq , i take 600 mcg 5 times a day as breakthrough medication. it goes up to 1600 mcg.
38 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-06 13:39:20
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Fentanyl does come in the form of a lozenge on a stick under the brand name of Actiq. The strengths available for Actiq are:
- Lozenge on a stick 200 mcg
- Lozenge on a stick 400 mcg
- Lozenge on a stick 600 mcg
- Lozenge on a stick 800 mcg
- Lozenge on a stick 1,200 mcg
- Lozenge on a stick 1,600 mcg
Posted: 2009-06-11 22:59:46
Answer/Reply:
I used to take fentanyl lozenges, lollipop style 800 mcg, max six a day, they only work for 2-3 hours but WOW they worked great for break through pain. My doc here won't prescribe them with my fentanyl patch but my old doc in MN did. I doubt my insurance would cover them anymore on Medicare, and they are very expensive, does anyone know if the actiq comes in generic yet? Once they come in generic, I'm gonna push my new doc (five years now, she barely knows me yet though and see her once a month, she's bitchy) but they did ten times the work for pain then the oxy ir did. People really label you though if they see you taking them, that's why I always would break off the stick and just tuck the lozenge into the side of my mouth. I've been on most pain relievers at some point in life, gone cold turkey, now on the fentanyl patch every 48 hours 75 mcg and it works good and best that I don't have to take so many pills by mouth and no one has to know about it. I don't have any side affects with it, and take oxy ir 5 mg for break through pain but doc only allows 3 a day when my old doc allowed 6 a day. I tried methadone for pain once but when I went off it cold turkey, I was sick sick sick and in hospital for nearly 3 weeks before I came back to msyelf. Beware of that stuff. I hate it. Take Care all, and prayers for you all for pain free moments.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-03 03:07:43
Answer/Reply:
To answer your question the generic is called Fentanyl Citrate & should be available. I am also on Duragesic patches 100mcg every 48hrs & the oxycodone 30mg every 4hrs for breakthrough I have a bunch of back problems I have never been on the Atiq though. I posted another comment about the affects of Nubane on a person who is on Duragesic, Nubane causes rapid & severe withdraw so be aware of what a nurse may be giving you before or after surgery im sure you know that these doctors dont always have all the answers & they dont know whats best for us either. Well I hope this info helps take care good luck & GOD bless
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-19 14:43:44
Answer/Reply:
Is this method for more of a immediate release of pain meds verses the patch?
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-28 11:24:41
Question/Comment:
I have not been able to find any information as to what Fentanyl does to the body and/or mind. I have been on the patch on and off for 3 years now. I am Santa at Christmas time, so have to take myself off the patch during the season because it gets so hot inside the suit that the absorption rate would be rediculously fast. I have read that Fentanyl is 10 times the strength of street Heroin and that concerns me greatly. I know that Heroin kills and that it destroys the organs as well as creating psychosis.
I use Norco (Hydrocodone) 10/325 along with the patch, and Tramadol because I have stage 3 kidney disease and was told that I can't take NSAIDS anymore. Shortly after the 1st of the year I had decided to commit to the patch and try to wean myself off of the Hydrocodone because of the Tylenol component in it, but then wondered what the Fentanyl is doing to my body. Does anyone have a clue as to what the effect on the organs is? Since I already have kidney disease, diabetes and hypoactive thyroid, I would like to know that I'm not just committing suicide by narcotics.
I have not been diagnosed as "terminal" and I think that the lack of information about Fentanyl is largely due to the fact that it is mainly prescribed to patients who are terminal and the the benefit of the pain control outweighs the risk of long term damage. Still, it is distressing to me that the only cautions that I have found about the drug are those relating to addiction... nothing about negative effects on the body.
IF Fentanyl is dangerous to the body I would really like to have known about it prior to starting on the drug!
Can anyone help me find this information?
Thanks
60 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-09 01:28:53
Answer/Reply:
I also have stage 3 kidney disease (polycystic kidney & focal segmental glomerulsclerosis, secondarily) and use the fentanyl patch for pain. I have a connective tissue disease similar to Lupus, but not the same diagnostically. I have been using the 100 mgm patch for several years now and I am not really concerned about it's toxicity to the kidneys. Also, tylenol is not dangerous for kidneys, but it will harm the liver if taken in large quantities (overdosing, even just a little bit over time daily) or with alcohol use, again, too much is a bad thing.
I have been taking prednisone for the past 9 years, and it is a far worse drug as far as side effects go!
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-11 15:28:10
Answer/Reply:
Dear 59 Year old Male
Retired RN and user of the Fentanyl patch. Pure opiods do no damage to your body at all. They may cause some sleepiness and or some memory problems, ie short term memory loss, and the side effects should have come with your prescription. Other than that, there is no damage to your body and they are some of the safest things to take.
Side effects should be discussed with your doctor.
Good luck to you.
Peggy/MI
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-24 20:11:19
Answer/Reply:
hello peggy how can u say there is no side afect by use the patch u know and every else knows after takeing this drug orany drug for so many years then they come up with new side afect all the time and tell u if u been usin this drug then u will ----------------------------------- so please dont tell me or anyone there is no side afect to this or any drug u r a nurse but u dont know for sure what the side efects could be to diffirent people and what will happen after useing any drug for years right thank you and you have a nice day,belle
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 13:13:12
Answer/Reply:
I am not terminal I am also only 29 so long term health has been a major concern for my doctors and myself but I do have a disease that is destroying my spine. I started on Fentanyl a little over a year ago I use the 75 every 2 days plus percs ultram gabapentin Robaxin and flector patches (which don't do crap!) for the pain that they don't help with. The risk of liver damage from the Fentanayl is supposedly alot less than popping percs or vicoden all the time but I still have to have my kidneys and liver and stuff checked about once a year or so. Ultram however from what I have been told can be just as damaging as the percs due to the tylenol in them I think. The best thing to do is just talk to your doctor about it tell them that your conserened about it and just wanted to check. I am about to start on some new med they are comming out with that you take every twelve hours along with trying blocks again so I am crossing my fingers and saying alot of prayers. I am a mother of three little ones and refuse to give up hope and give in. :-)
Every day might be a struggle but at least I am not alone
29 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-27 14:49:28
Answer/Reply:
hi, sorry u going through this cause i have the same thing my whole spine from my neck all the way down isdeterating i have two surgerys 1 on my neck and 1 on my back they have to rebuild myspine from the top to the bottom and i have 2 more on my back to have done and 2 more on my neck and i am on the pacth I have the 100,s and i take the pills to they was 10/500 but the doctor took them down to 10/300 to remove the tyonol in them so maybe u can ask your doctor to do the same oku r so young and having the 3 kids I wish u all the luck in the world ok take care i do understand what u r going threw ok bye,belle form north carolina
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 13:23:50
Answer/Reply:
I always recommend reading the package insert which is very long for Fentanyl and probably have the answer you seek. I take it for pain associated with Chronic fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and spinal issues related to car accidents. I take 50mg/every 2 days but will probably go up soon. I expect to be on it for many years. You can also always call the manufacturer. Hope this helps.
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-05 20:07:07
Answer/Reply:
hello i am on the patches to I takethe 100,s and on 10/500 hydro,s and I have fibromayjia and it dont help that pain at all I have had neck surgery and back suegery now i need two mre on neck and two more on my back my pacthes and pills do help some with that but dont even touch my fibro,pain so the doctor put me on Lyrica 60 mg so I just started on them yesterday so dont know if this is going to help or not and as far as reading the insert on the meds who can they print it to small even with my eye glasses on I can,t read it if u can that is gr8 u have good eyes but a lot of people like myself can,t see that small print so how do they exspect people to read it , belle from north carolina
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 13:06:05
Answer/Reply:
My husband too is on the fentanyl 50 mg. pain patch. It was prescriped to him for a back injury that happened 2 1/2 years ago. We have talked rentlessly to several doctors concerning his mood changes and the skin reactions at the patch sites to no satisfactory answer. I have tried to get answers and get blown off as it's shouldn't be a concern. He was 50 years old when the accident happened and he has aged at least 10 or more years since he's been on the meds and it hasn't actually controlled the pain. It just makes it less intense. We're afraid to let them increase the dosage. I am concerned that his quality of life is being compromised by this drug, but we don't know what else to do. He is in constant pain. They have him currently changing his patch every two days instead of 3. Where do I find answers?
Thank you
One Concerned Wife of over 30 years
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-07 14:56:16
Answer/Reply:
hello have you went to webMD you can put the medicines name in there and it will give u all info about it ok hope this helps u ok, belle from north carolina i am on the 1oo,s and my pills i take is like yours but i am on 10/500 so hope u find whatu r looking for there on webmD .com ok
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 12:57:34
Question/Comment:
Hello ,
I m a duragesic patch user and I also have the night sweats for about 4to5 hours .and I'm also a diabetic, I have Lupus and chronic fatique symptoms and I have lymphadema which is
also having a lot of water in your legs ,feet they swell so bad.,but what I do is after a nice bath
I change my patch every 2 days .I found that the best way to keep it on when I'm sweating is I
make sure my arm is very clean when I put the patch on so no powders or perfume or any of that stuff is on my skin I make sure its dry and clean then I put mine on my shoulder and I rub
It over the patch with a clean wash rag and get the corners real good and that seems to help me
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-27 18:00:03
Question/Comment:
Hello, I too, have been on the patch and had a hard time getting it to stick.. all i thought of is this falling off and my 2 yr old getting hurt by picking it up.. well, i have not had a problem b/c...everytime i put a patch on, i put a childrens bandaid over it.. they sell these new "Tatoo" bandaids for kids.. i had them in the house for my daughter so i tried it and it worked so well, and when i take it off, it doesnt hurt or leave any sticky stuff behind! I have the disney princes kind (nobody sees it) and they have superhero one for the guys..lol sounds funny but it works!
Dana 32 female
33 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-22 11:45:11
Answer/Reply:
I actually didn't think about using a band-aid. The problem I have is Band-ades and even that medical tape you can buy in stores will stick. I just have a hard time getting much of anything to stick for very long to my skin. So, I've been using wide ace bandage (loosly)...I just take it off if I'm going to be at my computer or just sitting down and reading. Basically things I won't be moving that arm to much. during the times I have it off I use some moisturizing lotion (I have extremely dry skin) around the patch not touching it though. I just worry about the pets getting ahold of it, luckily my kids are school age now and if one were to fall off and they saw it they would just get me and by then I probably found it in a panic anyway. I love reading all the ideas though, sometimes the more simple things I don't always think of right away, lol.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-16 01:49:40
Answer/Reply:
You have good reason to be concerned about your pets getting the patch. While I was out one day, my 13lb min pin got into my garbage in my bathroom where I had thrown a used 100 mq patch. Thank God I was only gone a short time. When I came home, I noticed immediately that something was wrong with her. She was acting strangely, her eyes were glassy and she was kind of leaning to the right when sitting. I looked at her closely and recognized the signs of an overdose.(I'm an RN)
I didnt even stop to call the vet, I just drove over there. The vet examined her and agreed with me. He gave her a shot of Narcan, which reverses the effect of narcotics. She came out of it pretty quickly but remained kind of "hung over." So he insisted she stay at the hospital overnight. I went home and looked for the patch and luckily she had just bitten into it once.Just once. She must not have liked the taste of it, since it is bitter.But that one bite was enough to almost kill her. Untreated, she would have died from that one bite. From then on, I always throw the used patches into the toilet and flush them. I learned a very good lesson that day & have always kept my patches glued on with tegaderrm if it was the tiniest loose & discarded them the safe way when I took it off.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-18 15:19:31
Answer/Reply:
My wife after taking a bath sprays her nasinex allergy spray on the area where she will apply her patch. It helps the patch stick and keeps any irritation from occurring!
63 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-18 11:34:08
Answer/Reply:
Don't know if you have tried using rubbing Alch? Clean the area and let it dry a couple times. It will dry out the area of any oils etc. I had the same problem. Ya it drys out the skin but the patch doesn't fall off any more.
45 year old Male
Posted: 2009-05-21 16:58:35
Answer/Reply:
I just use an alcohol swab to make it stick and that usually helps. But I have to use the fentanyl patch made by the Mylan manufacturer. It's a smaller patch and it doesn't actually have liquid in it. It seems to stick better and doesn't irritate my skin as much. You can also use a Tegaderm patch over top of it to help it stay on. It's an over the counter adhesive patch (really more like an adhesive film). I used to work in the medical field and we would use it to cover bedsores on patients to keep moisture, etc. off the wound. It works very well on a fentanyl patch, too!
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-27 04:01:23
Answer/Reply:
I too use the patch and forever was having the falling off issue. I too have a 3 year old andit would scare the hell out of me if I noticed it was gone. My dr switched me to the little patch and it has been great. no falling off or irritation. I am allergic to most adhesives and would break out in hives with the bigger patch. I also use benedryl spray before i apply it that helps alot with the hives. I am doing hte big test today and placing one of my chest which has always been the worst place for the hives. it has been 2 hours and NO itching, burning or irritation.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-01 04:43:48
Answer/Reply:
As for stickiness, I like those smaller ones but I have to use whatever the little pharmacy up town orders for the month. Bummer. Little secret I use for us older women, is to put the patch under the breast, so the breast kind of hangs over it and keeps it attached. LOL. Saggy boobs are good for something. It's the only place I've gotten it to stick for the full 48 hours and longer. I hate that sagginess but it's good for someting. LOL. Bless you all and prayers for any pain free moments you might get.
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-03 03:10:25
Answer/Reply:
Be happy your on Mylan patches. I have recently tried the name brand, the Sandoz brand and the Teva brand. I now have to go to a different pharmacy that carries the mylan. Just hold them on for 1 minute after putting it on. I still tape all brands after loosing one for 2 days and finding it upside down on my carpet. I called Mylan, the pharmacy and the Dr.'s office to let them know. Here we are required to enter into a pain management contract which states if any of your meds are lost, stolen, damaged etc. it's just to bad. Needless to say I had to use the patch covered with pet hair and who knows what. I had no choice but to spend 3 days going through withdraw. Just tape it on with a name brand tape/ I use Johnson and Johnson and it works great. It has been in the 90's all summer- no break this year - 97-102 a lot of days. What does that do to the medication in the patch when your not even suppose to take a hot bath???????? Good tape will work. Gloria from the beautiful South West.
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-11 23:54:56
Answer/Reply:
hi I understand you not wanting your little one to get ahold of your pacth and I had the same problem but I always stuck it on my arm and it would fall off now I put it on m hip my under close holds it in place and i dont worry no more so if u run out of the pretty bandaids lol try puting it on or hip see if that works for you 2 ok ,belle from north carolina
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 13:31:22
Question/Comment:
Im a 48 year old woman and I have been on the Fentenyl and/or Duragesic patch for over a year now (every 48 hours) due to a detioration of the neck and back, which my doctor told me I had bad DNA...Yeah, Damned from my Neck to my Arse! When I first started on the patch, I was getting the Watson brand, which I really liked. Apparently, the Watson Brand has been discontinued because of individuals drawing the gel type fluid from the patch for different purposes. Im using a brand now that looks like a piece of take with print on it and they don't stick well at all. I had an emergency appendectomy a year ago, which left me in a situation where I Had to have a complete hyster and since then, I have suffered from hot flashes and night sweats, causing the patches to peel off. They won't stick to my skin well, but when they curl up and stick to themselves, well, consider the patch a waste!! Im now on Morphine as well and when Im out of meds, Im worthless!! If it weren't for the patch I think I'd give up hope. Good Luck to all of you. I pray that you all feel some comfort in your days ahead. The Good Lord Is With You Always! Cindy
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-29 14:55:08
Answer/Reply:
I to liked the Watson patches but yes someone must always find a way to abuse things making the rest of us pay the price.I now use Mylan brand patches and have night sweats etc.they stick pretty well.I always put them in the same place,center of my back between shoulder blades and every 48 when I go to change I take good bath and make sure all the old glue is off.I have had trouble getting them to stick in other areas though.The Mylan don not tend to make your skin red or irratated.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 13:18:35
Answer/Reply:
I just started this med yesterday and it is the Watson name brand..... ?
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-28 11:38:57
Answer/Reply:
I've been on the patch for almost a year now, very affective at first, used in combination with Motrin 800. Had to stop taking the Motrin, and WHOA! The patch isn't really doing much for me, but I'm afraid to increase the dosage again due to the dizziness and nausea. Also on Plaquenil and Sulfasalazine for RA, not doing anything for me except making me even more nauseous!
I still get the kind with the gel inside, generic, get them at WalMart. I liked the ones that look like tape, but you're right, they sweat off very easily, and I can't get those anymore anyway.
You might want to try a soy supplement for the hot flashes. They really helped me after my hyterectomy, at 36.... The doc tried giving me hormones, but I had issues with them, too, so I decided that if I had to go through menopause eventually anyway, might as well get it over with!!
Good luck!
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-22 21:27:49
Answer/Reply:
I also use the patch, every 3 days. Sometimes it is difficult to keep it on that long. I use the brand name Duragesic, which has the gel inside, as opposed to the generic that looks like a piece of tape. The generic patch does not last 3 days, however, it is much smaller and more convienient.
My suggestion to you is to use a cover patch. You can get them for free by contacting Johnson & Johnson. It is called a bioclusive dressing. The cover patch is breathable and very comfortable. It does not leave glue on your skin and showers will not cause it to fall off. Heat, sweat and activity do not affect it as well.
I get a 3 month supply for free in the mail. Please check it out by either asking your pharmacist or your Doctor. It really works wonders and solves most of the problems you described.
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-23 11:10:00
Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have been on the Fentanyl patch for 2 1/2 years now and don't trust them staying on my skin , so I use 2 pieces of regular medical tape every time I change the patch and that works well.
60 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-28 15:54:44
Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have been on the Fentanyl patch for 2 1/2 years now and don't trust them staying on my skin , so I use 2 pieces of regular medical tape every time I change the patch and that works well.
60 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-28 15:55:20
Answer/Reply:
I spoke with Johnson and Johnson over a year ago and they were no longer giving out these patches, however, you can buy the same kind at your local pharmacy. Some of the local pharmacies are making their own name bioclusive patches which are less expensive than the brand name waterproof patches. They also do well during our own "night-sweat" trials at home.
61 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-14 01:47:38
Answer/Reply:
Are there any adverse affects of being on the Duragesic Patch for several years? I'm on 100 mg. every other day, have been for about 5 years now. I am 56 years old, and I suffer from chronic pain.
57 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-23 16:46:31
Answer/Reply:
hi I am on the same thing the 100,s and you can go to webMd.com and find out any thing you need to know on the pacth or any med,s you might be on ok just type the name of the drug and they will tell you all about it ok I also been on it over 5 years so good luck ok belle,from north carolina
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 13:43:49
Answer/Reply:
I use the patches also and have trouble with them sticking,I now use the Mylan brand on advise of pharmacist and they are pretty good about staying on except summer,sweating and bathing are sometimes a problem.You can call Mylan if you use them and they will send you free covers to put over them the # is 1-877-446-3679.If you call they need name,address,phone,strength and the name and # of your pharmacy to verify your use and they will mail you the covers for free every month.One call is good for a year of certification for the covers and they work GREAT.If you use a different brand look on the box for an 800 # to call them.I hear they all furnish covers.I hate having to wear the patches but do not know how I would survive without them.I am 49 years old with severe DJD,have had 2 knee replacements already as well as surgery on both arms,hands,left ankle and right foot.I am told it gets worse with age.UGH.....I also have custody of 2 grandsons 9 and 6 so I have to be able to get up and function.I use 150 mcg and change every 48 hours as well as by mouth pain meds.My heart goes out to people who live with chronic pain,only we know what is's like while the rest of the world calls us drug addicts.God Bless you all.Marie 49 female
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-25 13:21:00
Answer/Reply:
Thank you so much for the info on the Mylan patch covers, I had no idea. I am going to call them tomorrow first thing in the morning. I have been on them for nearly two years and I don't even think my pharmacist knows they provide these, so if I have luck I will tell him as well. Again, thank you, this info is a Godsend!
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-04 17:57:31
Answer/Reply:
My patches won't stay on either so I use a wound management patch from J&J it works well but the bad thing is you have to pay for it unless you can get your dr. to give you a pres. I have pancreatitis which is very painful, I too take morphine on top of the patch and have been doing it for the past 13 yrs. I'm a 64 yr. old male and my other problem besides pain is not being able to get an erection without help. I think I'd rather be somewhat pain free than be able to. Hope the outer patch helps.
65 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-25 17:12:30
Answer/Reply:
My mother was put on the fentanyl patch, Mylan which is the brand you seem to be talking about wre useless. The Dr. said to get Sandoz or Watson patches and she was taking 75MqG per hour, but she was getting no releif from any of the patches. She was also give Tylox for recue pain and Xanax for sleep. The Dr then chaged her medication to MSContin 60 MG twice a day, and Tylox for rescue pain, and that still did not help. He finally put her on Methadone, 30 mg daily and agin Tylox for recue pain and now she is finally getting releif. She is 78 y.o. and just went through her second treatment for colon cancer. Her radiation burns are not healing this time, and the chemo caused her to get a brain inmalance which has caused loss of hearing and vertigo. She was sent to a specialist, but they could not help her. She is again cancer free, but she is still in severe pain. She has never been one to take pain medication. I live in a small town in S.C. and we need more pain management Doctors for cases like these. To anyone precribed fentanyl patches, I would not recommend Mylan brand patches.
45 year old Male
Posted: 2009-04-26 12:27:27
Answer/Reply:
Hi Cindy, I have been on the "Fentenyl Patch" every 48 hours too. I had somewhat of what you had, severe "Endometrioasis", which resulted in "Hystrectomy" from that I accumalted massive adhesions/scar tissues, which that resulted in several "bowel obstructions", which put me in the hospital for approx. 78 days, and I had to have 8 inches of my lower intestines cut off. And I have been on the patch every since then. I had the problem really bad with the patch coming off too, now I use the 3M Nexcare Flexible Clear Tape, thats on a little dispenser. And its not harsh on the skin, and it really keeps the patches on. Just put it around the edge of the patches. I too had sweating problems, might of fact, I am still having them, and I've gone thru numerous tests to find out about the sweating, its not from the hot flashes, its not my thyroids, I was told by two different GYN Doctors, that it defintley is not from any female problems. There is all kind of "GENERIC Patches" out, I had used several of them and none of them work for me, so I can only use the "Brand Name", which is "Duragesic", they really stick on well, except for when I have the "profuse sweating", even when I use the tape, sometime the sweating can overcome the tape. But, the Brand Name" "Duragesic" is mfg by Alza Corporation, but they are manufactured by them for Janssen, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen, located in Mountain View, CA. When I told my doctor about the "GENERIC Patches, he told me that there were so many patients complaing about the "GENERIC", they also made me sick, caused me rashes on my arms, and they did not even help my pain. So, I don't use any "GENERIC", only the "Brand Name" only. So maybe you may want to try that
"Brand Name., since Watson has been discontinued. So, to "God Be The Glory". It is my "sincerest prayer" that God, just continue to watch over us, and let us know that "All Things Work Together For The Good Of Them Who Love The Lord". Stay strong, and take care, and know that just because my God "Said It" and "I Believe It", that he has his "Angels" smiling down on us, even though the PAIN gets beyond our control at times, its all okay, becuase he did say in this life, we were going to have some "trials and tribulations", but that he would "NEVER" leave nor forsake us. Take care my dear sister, and also remeber:"We Can Do "ALL THINGS" Through Jesus Christ Who Strengthens Us". Rosie
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-26 15:34:05
Answer/Reply:
Ask for the Sandoz brand. They stick wonderfully to my husband through showers and everything. He too changes the patch every 48 hours and these work for him.
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-27 17:34:33
Answer/Reply:
I had a lot of trouble with a number of different companies. The only one that seems to stick and not give me scabs (I'm on blood thinner and many adhesives and tapes leave me with scabs and scars). The brand I've switched to, and my pharmacist orders just for me, is Mylan. They seem to last longer, make it thru showers and baths. I have occasionally had to tape them on, but not often. Anything that has adhesive on the sides and has the gel in the middle has never sticked on me at all, except when I've literally used DUCT tape to keep them on and even that doesn't work when you sweat. So if you get a chance you might want to consider the Mylan brand, and the other trick I discovered is that when I put it on I keep my hand over it for 30-45 seconds, because the adhesive is more effective when it's warm. That works if it's starting to fall off as well, I've been able to use warmth, from my hand, etc, and keep them on. I take 50mg every 48 hours. I've been on the patch in one form or another for nearly two years now. Good luck!
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-04 17:50:55
Answer/Reply:
I wonder if maybe it's just your state that has discontinued the Watson brand because you can still get them here (Wisconsin).
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-27 04:04:35
Answer/Reply:
Hi
For those of you who talk about Watson not being around where do u live? I used to get Sandoz and another one but they just started using Watson in my area around Feb or March. I have now broken out all over my body with rashes and also Seborrehic Keratoses. I think its the adhesive or filler I am allergic to but they have put me on meds and cortasoid cream and I found a store that had mylan and used that for a month but now their new batch is Watson. They say its cheaper for them. The patch is the only thing that has given me any sort of like as I was almost bedridden for several years. But I can't keep going on like this as I scratch almost till I bleed, certainly cause welts and scars when I scratch. Has anyone gone thru this and WHAT DID YOU DO? I am going! CrAzY
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-06 15:52:47
Answer/Reply:
Sorry forgot to say I am in Richmond, VA where they sell Watson..
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-06-06 15:56:18
Answer/Reply:
I know your post is many months old but I thought I would pass on information that might be helpful in the night sweats and hot flashes. I had a hysto in my late 20's after losing a baby, for many years I used a patch that just had a synthetic hormone. I gained weight and developed other quirky things going on. Then I found out about bio-identical hormones. Wow! what a difference, I quickly dropped weight had better muscle tone and had some sex drive, which I had lost. Now that I am more educated I understand how wrong it was for the doc to give a patch with synthetic and not even test my blood levels. Yes, they can measure your hormone levels and see where you stand and then they adjust accordingly. Bio-identical will include at the least Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA. That patch only had Estradiol in synthetic form, so for many years I was loosing bone mass as a result. Women need full balanced hormones in order to not loose bone mass as well as calcium. Since we live longer than women did in previous generations having balanced hormones will greatly affect your health in later years. You will also have more energy, sleep better and your weight will be more balanced. That in turn will help with the Fentanyl patch. I also use the patch for daily intractable migraines. Everyone keeps giving me a hard time about the pain meds, (at least some people) but I have not found anything else that controls the pain. I tried for 15 months before going to the patch, nothing else worked and many things made me very ill. Best of luck to you.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-11 18:17:06
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
There are mixed reports about the safety of bioidentical hormones. They are not approved by the FDA, nor are they studied as complete medications for absorption and how they work once in the body. There are bioidentical hormones that are approved by the FDA, including Climara, estradiol, Vivelle-Dot patch and Prometrium. It is a good idea to discuss the different options for treating your symptoms with your physician.
Posted: 2009-07-13 18:11:09
Question/Comment:
I have used a Transdermal Fentanyl Patch -100mcg for three months. to relieve severe lower back & leg pain . I was diagnosed with Transient Osteoporosis for 7 months. I wish they put me on the patch in the beginning. I suffered with percocet and hydromorphine tablets which did not stop the pain as the patch did. The fentanyl patch is a consistent form of relief and avoids the highs & lows of pain. I swear by it!!
I'm recovering now and getting stronger. Good Luck...
Maria
56 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-19 15:48:09
Question/Comment:
i have been on duragesic for seven years and i have the same issues as well! I take 100 mcg's and also take MSIR (Morphine sulphate imm. release) I have underwent 34 surgeries, have degenerative joint disease, fibromyalgia, Neuropathy, reynauds......i change the patch every 48 hours.i found some really good advice here! thanks everyone.....
Suzanne
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-13 03:35:51
Question/Comment:
I am also in the fenytal patch 100mgs--along with morphine because of many things that are causing much pain in my back, legs and neck.
I don't usally have any prolems wuith the patch syaing on , except for the summer time. I think I will call that phone number and get the cover for free from the company. My dr told me I will never be pain free aggain.. Bummer I am 59 yr.old woman. I HATE knowing that I will always be in pain.
60 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-09 09:49:13
Answer/Reply:
I too am using the Duragesic Patches, for those of you that have trouble with it staying on, try using the "3M Flexible Nexcare Tape", it works really really well, all year round. I had problems with it staying on too, and I also sent for that free tape the company had, but it did not work to well, so that's when I was told my a nurse when I was hospitalized to use the "3M Flexible Nexcare Tape", and I tell you, it really works. To all of you that this statement applies to, it really feels good to know that others have a similar problem as you and are using the same medication, sometimes you can feel so lonely because you are going through your ordeal. I have been on the patch for 7 years now, I had to have my 8 inches of my lower intestines removed from "Chronic "PID"/ENDOMETRIOASIS"/and as a result I have "severe Adhesions/Scar Tissue, which now causes me to have at least 2-3 Bowel Obstructions, and i tell you the pain is so "extruciating" its crazy. Although I've been told that there is no cure for what I have, (I surely did not and pray that I don't ever have to get the coloscopy bag), but I've been told that I am "high risk" for an operation, so I have to deal with the pain for the rest of my life. But, thank God for "JESUS". He keeps me going and keeps my head lifted up just knowing that I am a Child of His. I will keep every one of you in my "PRAYERS" at all times. May God "richly" "BLESS" each of you "abundantly".
54 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-12 11:48:20
Answer/Reply:
Find a healing Chiropractor, they help! If your able too, call Dr. Bradley Corbin in Reno, he also travels somtimes. (775)852-8000. He is INCREDIBLE!
42 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-16 13:40:26
Answer/Reply:
thank you so much 53 year old female...you didn't say your name, sorry. anyway the biggest problem with this patch is that they don't stick and i have used packing tape, which sometimes irritates my skin. you didn't say where you get the tape your suggested. "3M Flexible Nexcare Tape". i will definitely look for it. does anyone have success taking showers? i do know this....i was getting my patches from CVS Pharmacy and they were out of them this month. i have know idea what company makes the patch that CVS gives out but i had to go to WalMart this month for my patches and they gave out a different brand of the patch WATSON is the maker. OMG what a difference. IT ACTUALLY STICKS. find that brand if you can. and the medicine is actually wet. so it seems like you are really getting the medicine. i see a major difference in the WATSON brand.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-20 23:34:46
Answer/Reply:
I know what you mean.. I'm 27 and my doctor told me the same thing. She hasn't a clue what's wrong with me and, in my opinion, didn't try very hard to figure it out.. just sent me to a bunch of specialists who said, not in my area, or, sorry, don't know. And now has given up trying.
27 year old Female
Posted: 2009-05-27 04:28:05
Question/Comment:
For those of you having trouble with adhesion of Duragesic patches - I also have trouble with that, but early on, several yrs ago, there was a postcard in the box of patches saying that they would provide op-site patches free of charge to apply over the Duragesic patches. These are the clear adhesive patches that are put over IV insertion sites. This is a wonderful solution for me. My problem is that I perspire heavily, live in TX where the weather is very warm, and find that being in the heat helps with pain control - I have RSD (CRPS type 2). Hope this helps someone. I don't know if the giveaway program is still going - have not had to order for some time.
68 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-04 00:03:29
Answer/Reply:
I also have RSD and use the Fentanyl 50 mcg patches. I was using the Duragesic ones. I also take Loracet 10/650 and I'm still in agonizing pain. I also have neuropathy and a severed sciactic nerve. Excuse the spelling. I also have lupus and severe arthritis. The RSD is the most severe pain isn't it? I use cloth tape to keep mine on
41 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-13 00:26:14
Answer/Reply:
I have been on duragesic patches for a little over a year now and will probably be on them for many more to come :-( I am only 28 and have some disease that I can't spell that i destroying my spine I have already had 3 surgeries in the past 2 years but I was told I will never be pain free. I had a heck of a time getting the patches to stick I have 3 very small children and still try to be as active as I can. It was a giant fear of one coming lose or something I know it sounds stupid but I had never thought of using the cover that went over the whole patch I use the mylar brand so the patches are smaller and they used these covers on my bandages after surgery I had just never thought of it. It was a great idea I started doing this last week. Now if I can just figure out an easy way to get the sticky gunk off ;-)
29 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-27 10:33:16
Answer/Reply:
hi thanks for your input I have same problem but I like t know how or who to contact about the cover pacth you are talking about how can I contact them to find outif they are still free or how to order me some thanks please reply ok thanks,belle from north carolina and it is very hot here to ok bye and good luck
52 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-12 13:49:47
Question/Comment:
I used to use the patches and the smaller ones were great. I never had a problem keeping them on. I would out them on either shoulder, alternating them or on my upper buttocks just below the pantie line so that they would help to hold them on.
My husband currently uses them and while he likes the smaller ones he has a problem keeping them on. He uses clear tape stuff that we got from the doctors when they did his back surgery or very large bandages and still has problems. We have not really found a solution for it. However, without them and his other drugs he would not be nice top live with.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-04 08:22:28
Answer/Reply:
If you use the BRAND name Duragesic patch you can call 1-800-526-7736 and they will send you covers for free. It is called BIOCLUSIVE TRANSPARENT DRESSING. They are very thin (like celophane) and very sticky, they hold my patch in place perfectly and flex and move with me.(This also allows me to use more places on my body to put the patch) It doesn't move until I take it off myself. Hope this helps.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-06 15:51:34
Answer/Reply:
The name brand is "Tegaderm". It is the same clear adhesive that hopitals hold IV units on. CVS also make a generic call "Transparent Window Dressing." this can be apllyed over the patch to help keep it on your skin. (for smaller patches just cut to the appropriate size to cover) I hope this helps with a seemingly common problem.
C. Kennedy
29 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-21 13:50:01
Answer/Reply:
I am on Fetanyl 75mcg right now and when i first started taking the patch was on 25mdg and went up from there since Aug. 2008. As of the end of Jan. I now change my patch every 48hrs due to having withdrawal symptoms before the 72hrs is up to change for the next one. However, I am on Opana as well and let me tell you withoout them I wouldn't be able to function literally at all. I can function somewhat with them but without them it would be total devastation. It helps me alot with my back pain/nerve pain in the leg etc..I was put on Keppra last week but started to have severe reactions to it and stopped. I also tried Lyrica as well as Gabapentin (neurontin) and that did not help either. I will hopefully be weaned off the patch and put on something new that helps much better. I was on Percocets but I have liver disease and keep developing new tumors. So hopefully i will undergo the neurostimulator and have somewhat of a normal life and function much better for my kids. They are too small now and growing quicker than I type.....heehee..I hate taking all these drugs but without them - where would i be??
As for those that have trouble with the patch staying on, try not to put it wherever you have hair, moles, etc and maybe try right on the lower abdomen area or high up on the shoulder. These were fal;ling off of my husband when he was on it and his problem was the hair. I have no problem with them at all. good luck!
34 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-24 11:58:26
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I have been using the patches for about 2 yrs. The doctor told me to put them on my chest. They never stayed on. I lost more than 1/2 of them. Then I simply decided to try it on my lower abdomen and the panties I now wear (no more bikinis.) regular panties and they hold them on . I am sure if your hubby wears tighty whities,(they now come in colors and patterns), that the patches will stay on waaay better.
Posted: 2009-03-04 01:12:26
Answer/Reply:
I USE THE 100 MG FENTANYN PATCH EVERY 2 DAYS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE OR UNTIL THEY FIND A CURE FOR DAMAGED NERVES DUE TO NEUROPHY IN MY LEFT LEFT LEG, THE NERVES WERE SCRATCHED AND CUY UP BY A DRILLING SCREW LOST DURING A ACL RECONSTRUCTION AND I HAVE TO CHANGE MY PATCH EVERY 2 DAYS DULL TO THE PAIN LEVEL BUT I USE A BIOCLUSIVE 4BY5 PATCH COVER TO COVER THE PATCH, IT NOT ONLY KEEPS THE FENTANYL PATCH FROM PEELING OFF BY CHANGING CLOTHS OR TEARING IT OFF BY MOVING AROUND IN YOU SLEEP BUT IT ALSO KEEPS IT FROM PEELING OFF DURING A SHOWER DUE TO THE STEAM. THESE PATCH COVERS REALLY HELP BECAUSE DUE TO THE DEA KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR PATCH USE CHANGING PATCH EARLY BECAUSE OF IT PEELING OFF BY ACCIDENT IT WILL KEEP YOU FROM SOME VERY SERIOUS PAIN BECAUSE YOU RAN OUT OF PAIN PATCHES IN YOUR PRESCRIBED TIME LIMIT DUE TO THESE UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES TRY OUT THESE PATCH COVERS THEY REALLY HELP THEY WILL USUALLY SEND THEM WITH YOUR FENTANYL PATCHES IF YOU ASK OR EXPLAIN WHY YOUR PATCH ROLLS UP OR OFF IN YOUR CLOTHING AND SHOWING THESE PATCH COVERS KEEP THIS FROM HAPPENING, THE EVERHARTFAMILY
53 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-04 09:07:03
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I read where you stated you have to change your patch in 48 hrs because of withdrawls and your running out of your patches. You need to tell your dr. that its been approved to only wear them for 48 hrs because they have proven they dont last 72 hrs. I had my pain dr. tell my family dr. and they both put in a request to get 15 a month instead of 10. Give it a try. Bnatho
Posted: 2009-03-06 08:59:18
Answer/Reply:
I USE A BOICLUSIVE 4BY5 PATCH COVER TO PROTECT THE FENTANYL PATCH FROM ACCIDENTLY PEELING OFF IN MY CLOTHES OR ACCIDENTLY BEING RUBBED OFF DURING MOVEMENT IN YOUR SLEEP OR COMING OFF IN THE SHOWER DUE TO STEAM, ASK FOR THESE COVERS IT IS A REAL HELP, THERE'S NOTHING LIKE PAIN ESCALATING DUE TO THE PATCH NOT HAVING A GOOD CONTACT TO THE SKIN AND THESE PATCH COVERS KEEPS THAT FROM HAPPENING, I HAVE NEUROPHY DUE TO NERVE DAMAGE IN MY LEG AND I HAVE BEEN USING FENTANYL PATCHES FOR OVER 6 YEARS NOW AND I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THESE PATCHES PEELING OFF BUT THE COVERS HELP ALSO DON'T USE THE FENTANYL PATCH WITH THE GEL PACK ON THE PATCH BECAUSE THEY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEM LEAKING USE THE ONE THAT LOOKS LIKE A POSTAGE STAMP LIKE BACK THEY WORK THE BEST
MALE 52 YEARS OLD
53 year old Male
Posted: 2009-03-04 09:52:26
Answer/Reply:
You can contact the company that make the drug at the toll free number on the box and they will send you some tegaderm patches to keep the patches on. My husband was on duragesic patches and had oily skin and had a problem keeping his on and that is what we done and it was a life saver. GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS!!!
46 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-04 22:47:05
Answer/Reply:
I used to have the same problem. In the summer when I sweat a lot they wont stay on so I asked my doctor what we could do about this problem and he said to use Nexcare Tegaderm Transparent Dressing and so far they have worked great. This is the only way I can keep my Durgesic patches on.
I hope this helped
Female 47
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 17:31:01
Answer/Reply:
I had the same problem. I am no longer on the patch but I know you can ask the pharmacist for the clear patches that you can put over the duragesic patches. The cost is $20 for maybe ten I think. But worth every penny. They are kept behind the counter. They come in a white cardboard type envelope with green top. The name starts with a Te can't remember the rest but your pharmacist will. They do not even come off in the ocean. Good luck!!!!
50 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-05 18:47:50
Answer/Reply:
I think I can help. I've worn multiple patches for the past four years and haven't had a problem keeping them on. After the patch is applied, apply a "Tagaderm" covering. Tagaderms are commonly used in hospital over IV's and other sites that need to stay dry and intact. You can go online to the 3M company and purchase a roll from them. It costs about $45; with the yardage I received, it was enough to cover two patches, changing every two days for 18 months. The other option is a product sold in Rx's (Walgrens, etc) made by NexCare. It would be by the bandaids and is essentially the same product, pre-cut to one size. I think a box has 6 coverings in it and in CA it costs about $12. Depending upon where you are in the US, Tagaderm may not be a name known by your health care professionals. If that is the case, I would go to the 3M site, print out a picture of what it looks like and then show a pharmacist. Hope this information helps. Christy
42 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-06 02:58:00
Answer/Reply:
Hello, regarding your husband not being able to keep the patches on! He needs to stay away from hot showers after applying the patch, but just before he is due to put a new one on then its ok to take a hot shower. If he sweats that will cause them to keep coming off, also it depends on where you apply them. If he has a spot that is close to hairless then that should do it. When I apply mine I hold it down for about two minutes, and I find that if I take a hot bath just before applying mine it seems to stick better and holds very well maybe because my skin is moist from heat but dryed by a towel. I suggest for him stay away from hair and dry skin areas. Maybe he needs to keep his skin a little more moisturized if dry skin is a factor in anyway. My x husband had such dry skin he couldnt wear them. Good Luck
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-06 08:51:14
Answer/Reply:
I have been on these meds for several years and the clear patch you put on over the name brand works well. For the generic I have found that if you put them on the underneth part of you tricepts where this is no hair and hold them on for the count of a minute they stick very well, you can not use the clear protectent on the genrics it eats the meds. I also try to take the very thin edging off the sides of the patches then you won't have so much fibers from clothes stick to them, and use baby oil to remove the extra gum after removing my patches.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-08 15:46:15
Question/Comment:
I am a 43 year old female and I have been on the patch for a year started at 50 mcg and now
I wear a 100 mcg fentanyl for 72 hrs and change it i am also on Topamax 200mg 2 tab Q 12 hrs , zoloft 200 mg at bed time, klonopin 2mg 3 x day, Tizanidine 4mg at bed time, percocet 10/350 one table four times a day, and i also take promethazine 25 mg as needed. I am always in severe pain but the patch does give the best relief I have had yet.
43 year old female
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-19 17:17:13
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
I am a R.N. who has worked with many cancer Pts. with chronic pain. Sounds like you need better pain management to me. The percocet may not be the best med you could have for break throught pain. There are M.D's called Pain management doctors . You may want to seek one out. There's too much out there to live in pain.
Posted: 2009-02-01 19:54:35
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
If anyone is having a hard time keeping these patches on, check first to see that they have not removed them on their own and punctured the adhesive side. It has been reported that pulling the patch and injecting warm water will help pull out some of the gel into the syringe. The patch does readhere to the skin for the most part, but the injectable solution is often something folks are after. You can spot the puncture easily. It will have dampness around it no bigger than a dime. Put patches on out of reach areas..
Female 50
Posted: 2009-02-13 14:42:02
Question/Comment:
ive been wearing the patch since 1999.they started me out on the 100 mg.,it was to strong and almost killed me.im on the 75 mg.now and it helps me alot,but still have pain.im also on the vicodin hp,with both of them i make it through the day,but if i run out of patches im in some kind of bad pain,cant hardly stand the pain,so if you need them bad dont run out.there for awhile when i lit a cig. the patch was making me sick with the cig. but have gotten over that.if i didnt have my patches for the pain i think i would do something stupid thats how well they help me.im having trouble sleeping now.i might dose off at night but if i wake up im up for the rest of the night,i dont get much sleep and know i need it,so if anyone has this kind of trouble and know of anything that helps let me know.ive tried just about everything but it doesnt help...thanks for listening pat
68 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-15 05:55:40
Answer/Reply:
I know how it is to still be in pain no matter what they do and how much medication they give. I can not have back surgery because they said it would cause more harm then good. I just got put on disability a few months ago but unfortunaly it didn't come with medical and at the time was ok because I had a husband working and i had insurance but he was laid off before Christmas and now no insurance. and the cost of generic fentanyl is 500,00 and my topomax is 1100.00 those are just two of many prescriptions i have to be on . I don't know what to do I can't drive due to seizures and I don't have a ramp for my wheelchair to get out of my house. Being on the medication I can use a walker for a very short time . But without I can't handle walking because the pain is so bad and i loose feeling in my legsfrom the nerve damage.
43 yr. old female
45 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-19 18:34:29
Answer/Reply:
There is a program through the pharmacutical company that you can receive the Duragesic Patchs for free if you are in a financial problems. I have been on the patches for over three years and could not afford them either. My doctor told me about the program which you fill out paperwork. With your husband being laid off you should qualify. I don't know what state you live in but also check to see if there is any programs in your state where you can receive medication through the state if you qualify. I am also on Topamax, Cymabalta, K-Tab, Percocet, among other medications. I was able to get all my meds free through the state that I was living in, except for my Percocet and Phenergan. Just those two meds ran a couple hundred months. I don't know how long it took for you to receive your disability, but it took me 4 years and because it took so long I was able to get Medicare right away. I also went to the local Medicaid office and was qualified and they went back and paid my medical bills to Oct. 2005.
I guess what I'm trying to say in short is ask your doctor about free programs through the Pharmacutial companies and also see if there is programs through your state to assist with your medications.
Good luck,
Vicky
49 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-08 22:06:50
Answer/Reply:
50 yr. old female
I wish I could help you with the pain issue but like you I too figt for some balance. I'm hoping that finally going to home hospice care will allow for additional options and monitoring since Dr. said I had roughly 3-6 months to live.
I have cirrhosis (even though I'm not a drinker) which was already VERY advanced when found and the initial diagnosis of the pain problem. Since then additional tests have added a host of extra things. I have cancer which has now metastisized (sp?) throughout my arms, legs, cest, abdomen, pelvis etc etc etc. My spleen is twice it's sze and pressing on my left lung. Tumors WAY too numerous to count and rapidly advancing (saw 4 new ones visible from the outside just in the past month)...but I digress...
My point and I did have one is this. With regad to some help with a wheelchair ramp and/or help with meds etc. might I suggest you try posting on a site called Wish Upon A Hero. It is a free site that has been invaluable to me. It's soul purpose is to put together average people who can maybe do SOMETHING to help someone but who may be a bit jaded when it comes to donating to huge co.'s knowing 85% of what they take in gets used up in admin. costs and never makes it's way to those we are trying to help.
You can post a wish of any kind (be prepared that if there's any question as to your being honest and reputable the founders of the site may check you out or ask for verification--but that's to keep the integrity of their mission intact and away from some who are always looking for something for nothing whether they need it or not (that's a good thing). Your name and info is never given to anyone (those who want to help email you through the sites email system and they fwd to you.
In trying to be "me" to the very end...I have been doing many things to avoid leaving everything for those I love to handle. I've posted 3 wishes on there...all have done well.
**I needed to find a loving a permanent home for my cat (I promised to never let her land in a cage or shelter of any kind). She now has a loving and safe home.
***I wanted an artist to paint a portrait for me to give to my neice who is my caregiver that shows me as I was BEFORE all this so THAT will be how she remembers me not as the sickly remnants that remain. (Rec'd beautiful painting last week)
**I looked for BBW women who NEEDED not wanted clothes. People who's life would be changed by that alone. I chose 4--1 left an abusive husband with no clothes--1 had a house fire--and 2 who FINALLY got work after 2 years but needed workclothes to KEEP it.
So...the have done well by me. Perhaps you (or others on here) may find some help there as well. It's free.It's anonymous, It's without red tape and bureaucracy. Just humanbeings who understand that humanKIND should not be an oxymoron. At least check it out. The universe will always provide what you NEED in sme fashion (although not always what you WANT). This allows for another avenue for such help.
51 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-30 19:18:37
Answer/Reply:
I hope by now someone has pointed you in the direction of www.needymeds.org, where there are assistance programs for medications for people in your situation. I have been there exactly where you are. I was single when I went on disability and the 2 years before medicare kicked in was rough. I know there are these programs still out there. I hope some how this information gets to you. I received my topomax and all my other perscriptions on this program. I can't remember specifically about duragesic but I think I got it as well.
57 year old female
58 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-21 01:08:34
Answer/Reply:
have you tried ambien cr for sleep? it really helps me. before i was on ambien i took lunesta, it put such a bad taste in my mouth, i couldn't stand it. i have had insomnia for years. and the patch actually makes me sleepy.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-03-21 00:15:11
Question/Comment:
I'm a women, and I have found the best place to place the patch is near the clevage of the breast.....never have a problem of them coming off
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-09 21:19:48
Answer/Reply:
I agree.I always make sure I use water only to clean the area and dry completely. I also press aroound the edges real hard to make sure it stays.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-11 20:14:56
Question/Comment:
i have been on fentanyl duragesic since aug 08 250mcg every 48hrs along w/percocet evy 4hrs,oxycontin,xanax,seroquel and ultram(tramadol) very high doses of all other drugs. i've also had several epiduals and injections into my c-spine(neck area) i am still in chronic pain everyday until this moment.nothing works.dianosis chronic pain syndrome,fibromyalga,reflex sympathatic dystrophy.any advise?
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-08 00:31:19
Question/Comment:
does anyone have trouble keeping the patches on???
48 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-06 13:04:21
Answer/Reply:
i been wearing 3 patches 250mcg's for 5 mos now.the only thing i found to work is walgreens brand strong strips waterproof bandages.extra large.i have never had a patch come off.they work great.water does not penetrate.the only thing when you take the patch or patches off use acetone nail polish remover to clean skin area.works wonders taking glue off.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-08 00:53:24
Answer/Reply:
I just answer the gentleman below yours. Please tell me how you stay awake? LOL NOT funny.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-08 16:41:27
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Ok - as to the not falling asleep.
Luckily in a sense I was ADD before obtaining my series of injuries and subsequent spinal surgeries. SO:
1. I was already on ADD meds so I was used to taking them
2. My Doc just upped the ADD meds to keep me awake with the fentanyl/MSIR
3. My Improved Doc has changed the jerky meth ADD meds to Provigil which is a not cheap wakefullness agent
4. The Provigil does wonders in overcoming the fatigue and allows mental accuity when I don't think chemically it would have been possible considering the levels of my dosage.
5. This obviously depends on the person and it has its quirks but the ADD drugs worked pretty well and the Provigil works better "cleaner" - read up on Provigil as there has been alot about it
To the other woman who drifts off at night but cannot sleep; figure out if your pain is making you not sleep or if your brain is and then it is easier to figure out what to do. I am a chronic insomniac (1/2 my life) and I know when the insomnia is keeping me up vs. the pain is so bad i cannot even get comfortable.
Posted: 2009-01-16 00:49:00
Answer/Reply:
I wear the Fentanyl 50mcg patch, not a gel patch, just a plain flat one for nearly 5 years. I change it every 72 hrs after my morning shower. It has never come off by being wet or sweaty. I wear it on my upper outer arm. The residue is easily taken off by just a vigorious rub with a towel after showering. I change arms each time it is put on. Just tell your doctor that's what you want and Good Luck to you.
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-08 16:39:35
Answer/Reply:
Yes, the Sandoz brand are large and do have tendency to loosen around the edges. Ask your doctor to prescribe Bioclusive for you. It is a light film that is used for wound care and covers the entire patch and holds it on even in the shower. It comes in different sizes so you need to make sure you get it large enough for your patch. You can cut the Bioclusive to match your patch size.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-09 14:25:53
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yes, I too had a hard time keeping them on. Ask your Dr. to give you a prescripting for tagaderm. it is the clear patch they use to hold on an IV when you are in the hospital. They work great but you do have to get them from the Pharmacy and need a prescription.
Good Luck
Posted: 2009-01-21 22:10:32
Answer/Reply:
CVS sells patch windows. I can't remember the exact name of them, but they work. If you ask a pharmacist at CVS they will know what you are looking for.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-28 14:41:59
Answer/Reply:
My wife had some trouble with the generic version
produced by Sandoz but now I apply the Mylan generic
to her back in varying places and there have no problems
at all. You do have to be sure that the area of the skin
where you place the patch is clean and dry.
78 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-18 16:42:37
Answer/Reply:
I have been on the patches for almost 3 yrs and have been given several different brands. I am on the 50's. If the patch has glue around just the edges then they don't stay as well. The brand Watson stays on the best. Check with your pharmacy to see if they can get you a different brand.
58 year old female.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2009-02-19 08:32:26
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Yeah, I know what you mean, it drove me nuts for a long time until I stopped reading the don't do's. I use alcohol to wipe the area down; the directions tell you not to. I put the patch in the same area as the previous one; the directions tell you not to. I put the patch on the inner part of my arm just below the crook of my elbow or on the top of my foot. The shoe will help it stay in place. If all of the above don't work, I put duct tape over the patch until it's time to change it! Good luck!
Posted: 2009-02-20 02:39:13
Question/Comment:
I just recently started using Fentanyl patches for about a month, The only problem I have had was about the second day , it would itch around the patch,, I'm on the 12mcg and have to change them every 3 days. The patch seems to be helping.. I use to take shots im my back and on loracet 7.5mg and ultram 50 mg.. Another thing I found out is after you take the old patch off there's all that sticky tape on your stick. I have to switch places each time I change my patch. I have Fibromyalgia, osteiarthritis, arthritis, diagnoised positive for Lupus,hurt back... I hurt all over, usually I stay inder a heating blanket to keep my joints warm, I'm so stiff when I get up from sitting or laying down..I don'y know what else to do..I also take Tylenol Arthritis, it helps a little.
47 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-02 18:37:57
Question/Comment:
I have been on Duragesic for approximately 4 years. Combined with acupuncture my Complex Pain Syndrome (isn't that a mouthful for a diagnosis) has been mostly controlled by this combination.
64 y/o Male
66 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-30 22:43:59
Question/Comment:
I have been using the Fentanyl patch for about 2 years now. I started at 25 mcg and am currently at 100mcg that get changed every 48 hours. I also take Percocet 5/325 up to 4 times a day. The reason for this is degenerative disc disease in my lower back and neck. I recently spoke to my doctor about getting off of them. He told me that i would have to check in to the hospital for 2 and possibly 3 days to be medically detoxed off of them. I love the relief I get from the patches, but am just getting tired of using them. Tired of the stupid, nobody home feeling from them. Am I the only one who feels like that?
45 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-28 18:18:41
Answer/Reply:
I can relate, I feel like I go around with this heavy wet towel over my head. My perscription is 100 mcg every 48 hours. Sometimes, I look around for something I've forgotten only to realize it is a part of myself, my consciousness, I have lost touch with. Best of luck.
39 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-05 21:00:36
Answer/Reply:
I hate them. I hate the way it makes me feel. I take 50mcg every 72 hrs. along with Cymbalta 60 mg once a day, klonopin - down to 2 0.5/da. These are the main ones along with other assorted drugs that say may cause drowsiness, constipation. I hate medicine. Some days, I could fall asleep making dinner. I'm in a dead sleep until 11:30 AM and the day is almost over. My doctors just keep on prescribing. Good luck. I don't know what to do or say,........
66 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-08 16:18:57
Answer/Reply:
Thats amazing about having to check into the hospital to get off of them. I ask my Doctor just yesterday what I would need to do to get off of the patch. I take 75mg every 48 hours. He told me he would just lower my dose slowly. I did not like that idea at all. I did not feel like he knew what he was talking about. I am not very confidant in him at this point. I don't think he really cares for one and does not understand the dependency one developes after taking this stuff for so long. I've been on the patch for years...
53 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-10 00:21:52
Answer/Reply:
Being in the health field and working in a bup. clinic, I can tell you the best way is to have your doctor do what we call a Taper dosing down...its the best way, it brings you down grad. and keeps the withdrawal symptoms at bay. Its much better than being put in the hospital, trust your doc, he knows what he is doing....if not find a new doc that works with withdrawal.take care
35 year old Male
Posted: 2009-01-11 11:31:59
Question/Comment:
Has anyone or does any take the Fentanyl sucker called Actiq? I'm on the highest dose and I take it for break through pain, after my Morphine Implant.The only side effects I had got was the cavities. The sucker is SO sweet it and if u take it in the middle of the night often without brushing your teeth your teeth can get really BAD!
Cheryl
46
48 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-19 23:31:22
Answer/Reply:
I have very bad cavaties from the Actiq suckers. I use to take them for migraines and they worked so well, my life was changed. Now my insurance won't cover them. I hope you are feeling better.
Jessi
34
37 year old Female
Posted: 2009-01-03 20:07:52
Answer/Reply:
thanks
Sorry u r no longer covered and they r terribly expensive about 1500 a box
cheryl
46
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-04-01 19:45:50
Question/Comment:
I recently started using the Fentanyl patch. What a difference it has made in my life!! In January of this year, I had a pain pump surgically implanted. Several kinds of narcotics were tried, but Fentanyl worked the best for me. Because the pump flipped over, it needed to be taken out and put back in. I had three separate surgeries because of problems and it finally needed to be permanently removed. I went back on Vicodin, but still had a lot of pain, especially in the morning. So far, I just love the Fentanyl patch. It's wonderful to go for many hours without constant pain. So far the only side effect I've found is that my blood pressure stays high, probably because I'm on Verapamil. I appreciate the advice on keeping the patch in place.
65 year old Female
Posted: 2008-12-13 02:30:44
Question/Comment:
I have noticed that most of us have had trouble keeping the patch in place. try using 2 patches. If your dose is 50 use 2- 25 that way the patch is smaller and stays in place better, also try installing your new patch first thing when you get up from bed, your skin is warm and dry, this method hardly ever fails for me.
61 year old Male
Posted: 2008-12-09 01:00:41
Question/Comment:
I also wear the Fentanyl patch & DID experienced the problems w/ it staying on. I brought it to my pain mgmt Dr's attention- He wrote a "script" for the 3M Tegaderm 4" X 5" dressing. It is an OTC item-I am on Worker's Comp & contacted the ins company(w/ my case) & explained that I needed them & I provided a copy of the "script". YES!! They agreed to pay. If you need them get a "script" from your Dr,contact your ins co-even if it's your personal coverage- You don't know unless you ASK!!!
I have found the gel patch gives me the best result -I use Sandoz brand. I found it similar in pain relief as Duragesic,but not as expensive-(I may be one of a few who actually DON'T want the most expensive medication IF I find relief at a lower cost-Regardless of what ins plan is paying!!) I tried the Mylan patch & it was worthless-
Chronic pain can be very difficult to live with, however, find a Dr who will prescribe & make the adjustments necessary until the correct combination is achieved. It may take more than one medication. I also take Hydromorphone, Cymbalta, Tizanidine & Trazodone.
Good luck to everyone in your quest for pain relief!
59 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-26 10:50:13
Question/Comment:
i have trouble with the patch staying on and don't think the effect is working like it did in the begining.i also take percocet i have chronic pain from neck injury and Cymbolta and i dont think it works anymore. i guess my question would be how to keep the patch on?is there anyone out there my age that suffers as much as me and feels like nothing is helping?(Age41)i feel very worthless and hate pain!i also hate to take meds. i fee like some junky but i know i need them i have a lawyer for the neck injury and Lups but even with surgery i wont be the same i will never be able turn to the left all the way.He recommended full disability as for our our income i hope get it but i feel very embarrested to get too.well help me if u can just by talking. thank you
41 year old Female
Posted: 2008-11-15 06:13:18
You may post comments for the benefit of other patients or post questions other patients might be able to answer. Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Only your age and gender will be published with your comment, although your other user details will be securely recorded for verification purposes.
Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.