Aa
Fentadyl Patch
I have been in pain managment for 4 year with back and neck issues. I am prescribed Oxycontin 40mg 4x's daily and hydrocodone 10/325 4x daily. Thinking of switching to the patch. Do I need to wean off oxy before using the patch. Do i need to worry about od ing because of the halflife of oxy? So one day I guess they will tell me to stop taking oxy and start the patch i am assuming 100mcg to = what I am taking now. Any help would e great. Pros and Cons to the patch? Thanks
Hello Novermhead,
You've asked a good question. Oxycontin is a sustained release medication and I am surprised that you are taking four, 40mgs tablets per day.
According to the conversion charts that I normally refer to the fentanyl patch would need to be 125 mcg to equal what you are taking now, which would be delivered over a 72 hour period. As far as changing from one to the other I would guess that your physician would start you on a lower dose as you begin the fentanyl therapy, possibly only 25 or 50 mcg's. Fentanyl takes 8 to 24 hours after application before your body fully absorbs the dose. So in my opinion if you took your last Oxycontin at 8AM and didn't apply the fentanyl patch till late PM I think you would not be in danger of an od especially if you begain on a lower dose. But only your pharmacist or physician can answer this question with accuracy.
Please let us know how successful the change is for you. You may even find that you will require less of a dose of the fentanyl to control your pain as the fentanyl will be "new" to your system. (I've tried fentanyl and though it was effect I was very allergic to the adhesive in the patch). Best of luck to you. We'll be watching for your next post.
Take Care,
Tuck
You've asked a good question. Oxycontin is a sustained release medication and I am surprised that you are taking four, 40mgs tablets per day.
According to the conversion charts that I normally refer to the fentanyl patch would need to be 125 mcg to equal what you are taking now, which would be delivered over a 72 hour period. As far as changing from one to the other I would guess that your physician would start you on a lower dose as you begin the fentanyl therapy, possibly only 25 or 50 mcg's. Fentanyl takes 8 to 24 hours after application before your body fully absorbs the dose. So in my opinion if you took your last Oxycontin at 8AM and didn't apply the fentanyl patch till late PM I think you would not be in danger of an od especially if you begain on a lower dose. But only your pharmacist or physician can answer this question with accuracy.
Please let us know how successful the change is for you. You may even find that you will require less of a dose of the fentanyl to control your pain as the fentanyl will be "new" to your system. (I've tried fentanyl and though it was effect I was very allergic to the adhesive in the patch). Best of luck to you. We'll be watching for your next post.
Take Care,
Tuck
Hello,
I was reading your post and wondered has your physician tried you on Kadian or Avinza? They are both in the long acting families which is what it sounds like you need. The patches are great also, but I would ask your physician which route would be better.
Just a note* do you see a pain specialist? They are the best with pain control.
Good luck,
SP
I was reading your post and wondered has your physician tried you on Kadian or Avinza? They are both in the long acting families which is what it sounds like you need. The patches are great also, but I would ask your physician which route would be better.
Just a note* do you see a pain specialist? They are the best with pain control.
Good luck,
SP
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
