how to extend Fent from 2 days to 4???

[bkdotson4]

was just wondering if anyone knows how you could make a patch last four days instead of two days?  I am asking because I lost a patch due to the patch slipping back on the backing and it actually stuck to it like glue for some reason when I tried to pull it back up it tore the whole thing apart.  I don't want to ask for an early refill since my dr just finally increased me after a 2 year fight about it.  I also lost one a day short of being able to take it off in the bath tub.  I fell asleep that night to wake up in pain and realized my patch was not even on me.  It would not stick back on at all.  Anyway I am trying to gain a day or two on one patch and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to make a patch last that long?  

[bkdotson4]

Well I'm doing better, but still not up to par just yet.  I have used the Tagaderm tape to help, but with the increase I haven't found one that fits it right.  The other taps don't stay put on me very well at all.  I didn't have much problems with the 50mcg because the patches are smaller and the area I put them on didn't wist or bend to much.  Now that they are bigger it has gotten harder to find a spot big enough were it wont twist or bend etc and come loose.  

[Melissa_1982]

unfortunately because you stretched out the old patch so long & waited through the pain until it got bad it will take A LOT longer for you to feel the relief from the new one.  I'm so sorry you  have to feel it.... I've been there MANY MANY times & it hurts like hell.  I'm QUITE surprised that you haven't felt any withdrawal symptoms yet, but it may be cuz you got the new one on just in time.....

I hope it starts to work soon for you & you get some relief.  Have you decided how you are going to handle the dr thing?  There are THOUSANDS of ppl that have problems with patches every year.  Most have started using tape JUST AROUND THE EDGES to help it stick & have tried to find new ways to get them working quicker or lasting longer.  

I'm just getting my kids ready for bed, but will try to post again later. Let me know how you are feeling :-)

Melissa

[bkdotson4]

wondering how much longer it is going to take to get back to 70% relief.  It has been 8 hours since I put a new patch on and My left leg is so bad right now I can't take it.  Why am I not seeing any improvement?

[bkdotson4]

PS there haven't been any signs of withdraw though only higher pain levels at this point...

[bkdotson4]

Yeah I started to have quite a bit more pain come on about 4:30am or so.  I went ahead and changed the patch.  Do some Drs write scripts for Fent to fill every 28 days or do they all pretty much stay to the 30 day point.  I'm asking because I have had problems in the past with one thing or another, the pharm not having the right amount needed then they have to order or find another pharm and a lot of times they are all pretty much short.  Then when the nurse forgets to get the prior Authorization done then that ends up being an extra day, Then if anything happens with the patches such as what happened this month.  I have been using theses for 4 years now and have had problems off and on.  I'm only scared because he just increased it and we got into a little spat about changing my Ultram.  I did ask the nurse if he would be willing to fill every 28 or even 29 days in order to compensate for issues such as things like I mentioned.  Last month I  had to go 32 days again, it was a good thing I had a few left or I would have been in big trouble.  Dr had to re-write the script 2 days later due to the pharm giving us the wrong brand.  Anyway I was just wondering about that due to all the problems that could and do come up probably with a lot of Patients that use this patch.  I am sure I wouldn't be the only patient that has come to him with problems with it sticking etc.  

[Melissa_1982]

Ok you NEED to get a new patch on & NOW.  they take so long to start to work if you wait til the pain is back & you really don't want to suffer if you don't need to.  There's no way you'll be able to push a patch that usually last 48 hours to last 84 or so hours... it's just impossible.  I'm sorry hun as I know this isn't what you want to hear, but you are going to have to get in to see ur dr & tell him the problems u had.  Bring the stuck patch with you & ask him if he's willing to either 1) refill it early or 2) give you something to help you get through the next 8 days.

If he's willing to refill it early you may have to pay out of pocket for it though as most insurance companies will only cover a set limit every month. PLEASE assure me u'll call ur dr & explain it to him today & PUT A NEW PATCH ON AS SOON AS YOU READ THIS. The withdrawals are not something to mess with & they will start son.

TTYS
Melissa

[bkdotson4]

I put this one on Monday at 6pm  then I have the two others left.  but in order to make it to the refill date I have to make each one last at least 3.5 days if  I can take this one till Friday.  I am really scared.  so far this one has been on 2 days 8 hours. and I am starting to feel more pain popping up.  

[Melissa_1982]

ah ok. I assumed that you didn't have any patches left... naughty me.  Since you have 2 others left you can try dragging each of them out a little longer then the typical 2 days you do use them for, but you definitely don't want to push it until you feel pain or sick as it's too late then & will have to wait anywhere from 4-10 hours for the new patch to start working again. That WHOLE time you WILL feel like crap.

When did you put this latest patch on?

BE SURE TO KEEP THE PATCH THAT STUCK TO ITSELF TO SHOW UR DR :-) having proof of what you claim does help if something comes up & you need to see the dr earlier then you should be.

[bkdotson4]

wow thank you so much. I am  2 days and 6 hours right now and am doing okay at this point, but I am sure it may get worse over the next 24 hours if I even make it that long.  I  just got into it with him about changing my Ultram this past week.  I thought about taking the one in that got stuck on it's own backing into the office, but decided "oh no problem I can just make up the time"  Then the bath tube thing happened.  It was really strange that had never happened to me before were the backing actually re stuck to it like extra strength glue.  Never has that happened.  I has been a little sticky, but nothing like that.  I can't fill till the 11th, and I have 2 patches plus the one I have on left at this point.  

[Melissa_1982]

There's no way you'll be able to stretch it out that long.  Sorry :-( . Dr's are usually fairly understanding IF you cover your butt & report the issues when they happen to ur dr or pharmacist.  Did you keep the patch that fell off in the tub? Did u keep the 1 that tore up? I ask cuz if you have either take them with you when u go to see your dr & it gives proof to what u r claiming & the dr is more likely to agree to fill it early.

But to answer ur question I don't think you'll be able to stretch it to 2 1/2 or 3 days nevermind 4.  the patch reaches it peak at 17 hours & decreases after that.  If you are changing it every 2 days it means that every 3 days wasn't enough for you.

If you don't have the old 1s u had the issues with only suggestion I can make is plea it out with ur dr.  The withdrawals from Fentanyl are HORRIBLE & not having a new patch on when it's due is sure to send you into them

GOOD LUCK & let me know what ends up happening.
Melissa

[geminigirl1963]

I'm sorry you're having trouble with your patches.  Some people do have trouble with them sticking (or not sticking).  I'm not sure which type of patch you are on (gel or non-gel) - when I was on the patches, I was on the gel kind and, on the advice of my doctor and pharmacist, I purchased clear surgical type tape at Walmart and ONLY placed it around the edges of the patch to help it adhere.  At least with the gel kind of patch, it's VERY important to NOT cover the area of the patch that contains the gel/medication.

I would definitely suggest calling your doctor and explaining what happened and tell him that you are not asking for an early refill at this point, you simply wanted him to know what happened.  That way he not only is aware of the problem you're having with teh patches, but will also have a heads up so to speak in case you're not able to extend the life of your patch and end up having to call him back and request an early refill.  Of course, that is not to say that he would be willing (or able) to give you an early refill - more than likely even if he did give you a script for an early refill, the pharmacy or your insurance company would deny it.  He may also be able to either give you some break through meds to tied you over or offer you some suggestions of other things you might try until you can get your new script.

Best of luck!