Switched from Fentanyl patch 15mcg to MS-Contin 15mg... no relief

[GreyScale]

Thanks to those who gave me their helpful answer on my last post/vent...

I went to my PM doctor today. He seemed understanding about the patch falling off... prescribed me MS-Contin 15mg in it's place. I took my patch off right away (it had been halfway off and I was in agony, trying to keep it on with ACE bandage) and took one pill. I have not noticed any improvement in my pain, whatsoever. Does it take time for the MS-Contin to work, or is it too low of a dose?? I do not have any "breakthrough" pain medication. It doesn't help that the insurance is giving me a bunch of bull-crap and I have missed my second dose of Humira (medication for rheumatoid arthritis, which was really helping!). I am considered opiate-tolerant by some of my doctors. Right now I am just in agony. I'm taking anti-inflammatories along with MS-Contin.

I'm to take one 15mg tablet of MS-Contin every 12 hours.

Should I call the doctor tomorrow about this or give it some more time?

[JadedSweetheart]

Actually, I was switched from Fentanyl 100mcg to MSContin 30 mg 2xdaily.  I was given one or two percoset a day.  Then I was taken off BT meds completely.  For no reason, and I had to go for a long time with no BT meds.  
It does take time to build up in your system.  What I did is say you wake up at 6 and take the first, take the second at around 4.  That way you're getting the majority of your medicine when you need it.
I hope it works for you!  My MIL is on MSContin 15 and has been for a while.  She feels it really works for her pain.

[skmedlin27703]

I was switched from Fentanyl 100mcg patches to MsContin 60mg every 8 hours and oxycodone 15mg tablets (2 tablets three times a day). Sounds like your dose may be way too low...

[namnam46]

I hate to tell you this, but I did a little research since I don't know anything about Ms-Contin and I can't believe what I found out.

Your Dr. started you on the LOWEST dose that there is. It goes like this:

15, 30, 60, 100, 200

A little more research and I found that the 50 Fentanyl Patch is the equivalent to approx.134 mg of Morphine (and of course that is what the Ms-Contin is). So it's no wonder that you are in so much pain. I sure hope that you can get some help from him tomorrow.

I'm really sorry. Good Luck....Sherry

Why don't you try a nice hot bath or shower as that might relieve some of your pain. Wish I could help you more.

[namnam46]

You need to be aware that EVERYBODY that I've ever heard about that's on a Long-Acting med has a BT med also. You have to have something for the BT Pain. There's no way that you won't have some BT Pain. I'm so sorry that you are having to go thru all of this. Even with the Patches you HAVE to have the BT meds. It's just a fact of life.  

Please let us know what they say, Good Luck...Sherry

[GreyScale]

He didn't give me any ideas what to expect... it was my second appointment and at the first appointment (when he prescribed fentanyl) he acted very heistant about the idea of prescribing BT meds, and every time I asked him what I can do if I have pain while on the patch, he just said I'll see you in a month.

Thanks for your response. I'll definitely be calling tomorrow.

[GreyScale]

Erm, I'm sorry, I was switched from 50mcg fentanyl patch to 15mg Ms-Contin 2X day.


Yes, I'll be calling tomorrow to find out. Thanks!

[namnam46]

What did the Doctor tell you to expect in the way of Pain Relief? Did he give you ANY idea of what to expect at the start until you get used to the switch? Please tell me that he gave you some idea!

You may not get much relief for awhile. Remember the Fentanyl Patch is 80 + times stronger than Morphine. You just dropped down to MS-Contin PLUS you don't even have your Humira and NO BT Pain Meds. What does your Dr. give as a reason for not giving you  any BT Pain Meds? Is it because of your age? If it is it really doesn't make much sense because he gives you the strongest pain meds that are out there YET he doesn't give you the BT that you need to help them. I'm so sorry because they could really help you out right now.

I'm afraid you're going to have quite a bit of pain for awhile until you get used to the lower doses. How long before you can get your Humira? What is the Insurance Company telling you as to why they won't OK the Humira?

Yes you should call the Doctor tomorrow!! Tell him that you don't have your Humira and with NO BT meds you are in AGONY. I don't know if it will help at all but you need to try something!!

PLEASE keep us updated...Sherry

[Sarajmt]

I really don't know anything about MS Contin but I would call the doctor in the morning if you're not better.  Usually a doctor will let you know about a drug needing to build up.  You could call your pharmacist as well.  They would know.

Good Luck,
Sara