I have been placing the patch on my upper back lately. It falls off when on my upper arms because of movement of my arms all day The pain doctor said to put it on the inner thigh (again a lot of movement from walking so I haven't tried it). I was always told that it should be placed above the waist. I tried it on my lower leg in the beginning but did not get no relief at all. I was told that it does not travel up enough to get to the brain when placed below the waist and so far down. Note that they don't care if it falls off and you lose a few days because you should have the tape to keep in on so if you run out you are screwed until its time for the refill.
I had some not so great experiences with the patches I started at 25 mcg and worked up to 75mcg. They never lasted the 72 hours and eventually was put on them for 48 hours, Becuase of my normal body temp and tolerance to opiates my body was asorbing the medication on the first day and then I would go through minor withdrawls on day two then when I put a new patch on it was like playing catch up with pain relief not actual Pain relief.
I found they stuck best on my thigh or right below my breast. I also found that the ones withouth the reservoir gel worked better the brand that worked best for me was Mylan.
If you have a good pharmasist he/she will work with you about getting the brand and type that works best for you. Best of luck, I hope you find some relief as many others have on the patch.
I found the arm(bicep) or thigh was the best. When I put it on my chest it fell off, same with the back.
I ultimately found that the upper back was a good place. The hip can be overly touched and pressured by clothing. I was on 2 100mcg (yes at one time) in the past, and I never had problems with side effects. I'm very resistant to the effects of narcotics - always have been - even when first used for medical reasons when in college. I've not had a problem with abusing them ever, which is something I'm thankful for, as with that kind of tolerance, I'd be in trouble! The down side is that it is very hard to extinguish pain for me. It is also hard for doctors to put me under - again - even when young.
If the adhesive fails before 72 hours, I found luck using bandage tape around the edges. There is also an adhesive remover, available through your pharmacist, to get the sticky residue off. Using 2 at once, I had a lot of rectangles on me! It's a good product for those who tolerate it well. I had to stop due to insurance issues. Good luck with it.
I'm starting on the 25mcg patch and wondered where the best place youve found to apply it is to get it to stay on?
I started out on 30 mg of morphine twice a day. I had bad side effects especially a dry mouth that I could not quence. The I was placed on 50 mg of Fentanyl in March, now I am on 75 mg every 72 hours. The day after my first patch I was full of energy. I like the Fentanyl because I don't have to worry about taking pills all the time. I don't have any side effects, however I am having trouble with it staying on. They make a special tape that is only available at the the pharmacy for about $30. About 2 month ago the Dr. prescribed vicodin 7.5's x 4 times a day for break through pain. I was told the highest dose in 100 mg (Fentanyl) and I didn't want to go to a higher dosage.
I'll leave my comments for the PM and just wish you all the best, look fwd to seeing how it goes for you.
Cheers
I can only tell you my experience of course, but I did not like it.
First, I went from 180mg of Morphine a day to the 25mcg patch. First I got hot flashes, and a "roller coaster" effect, it would work early in the day, then not at all. It also woke me up a lot and my heart would be racing a bit. After about a week it didn't even work at all.
I'm back on the morphine at a lower dose and glad to be, I won't use the Fentanyl patch again. The dose was supposedly 25mcg's low for me, but I just didn't like it.
Hi NoMoreMeth,
Welcome back. It gave me a fierce headache and my eyes hurt. My pain was a bit better but I certainly could not drive. The effects did last 72 hours for me. Expect some side effects until your system adjust to the medication.
I only took it for a few months. I developed a horrible allergy to the adhesive. Others will post with more information.
Good luck. I hope it works well for you. Please let us know.
Tuck