Fentanyl Patch not working/ no absorption

[aborklund]

We had to take my mother-in-law to the ER because her blood pressure was very low. When we arrived and they saw the Fentanyl Patch, the first thing they assumed was overdose.  They did a tox screen and found no opiates in her system. The patch had been replaced approximately 24 hours prior.  She has been on the Fentanyl Patch (100 mcg) for about 3 years and uses a tegaderm patch over it to hold it in place.  It was on her stomach. She always places the patches on her stomach or upper arm in a fatty area. This is the 4th ER visit in the past 12 months due to withdrawals.  Why is her body not absorbing the medication?

[philnoir]

You have to ask he doctor. There are oral opiates that may help her absorb, but if she is old and infirm, then transdermal is the right way to go.

But make sure someone takes a look at the patches -- maybe a bad batch.

I'm on another forum where people believe the newer matrix type patch works better than the old gel kind, but there maybe absorption problems! Your mother may not be unique in this way.

[divver1955]

yes I understand I was on matrifen 100 then changed to Sandoz plus oc80 as a fall back this is well suited