Keeping Patches on

[klsparks]

My DR has prescribed fentanyl patches for me to keep on for 72 hours.  I'm having trouble keeping them on and I've read through and it appears most ppl recommend taping the outside 4 corners of the patch.  I've done that however the middle of the patch (where the medicine is at) is not sticking to my skin.  Does that mean I am not getting my full dosage because it's not sticking to my skin like it should be?  I have the paper tape on all four corners right now and it's keeping it on there.  My Doctor acually recommended using something called liquid bandage also known as newskin.  I'm not sure if I'm supposed to put that on the outside of my skin or along the under edges of the patch?  Has anyone had any luck with liquid bandage?  Also I know there are various kinds of fentanyl patches and some are said to work better than others for example some are smaller and some stick better?  For those of you who have tried different brands which have you found the best?   I'm currently using the "watson" brand and it's a great deal larger than I expected (almost 2 by 2 inches if not larger). and I'm definitely have issues with it not sticking.

[BrooklynStandUp]

Get you an ACE Bandage or even a generic one. When U place the patch on, place it on your upper arm , between your shoulder and elbow, yea, upper arm. Then hold it with your hand for about 35 seconds to ensure its on there. Then, immedietly after that, wrap the ACE bandage around your arm totally covering the patch. Leave the bandage on your arm for about 1 hour. Dont put it too tight to where it cuts off circulation, but, do wrap it fairly firm. The wrap will ensure it stay on there for the amount needed. DONT leave the bandage on there for the entire duration. When showering, wrap it again (to protect the patch) and use a fresh dry bandage to rewrap it after u shower and leave the bandage on for about 5 mins after you shower. This of course is for a patch that U have already repeaded the above steps.... You can use the bandage periodically IF it starts to peel off which if you use this method, IT SHOULD NOT!!  Wish U the best.
P.S. Make sure your skin is free from sweat,water, etc. Also, DONT apply the patch immedietly after a hot shower because your pores will be open which can cause the patch to release too much fentanyl. U dont want that! Scrubbing the skin will also cause this. So wait at least an hour before applying the patch and bandage method. And remember, do not leave the bandage on there constantly, the heat from it can cause the patch to release more medicine too! This method is strickly to ensure it stays on, thats it.

[savagegg]

the patch I like the best is the Mallinckrodt brand.  I too had problems with keeping the patch on, but this one is very sticky and smaller than any other patch I have tried.  Then the problem is getting your pharmacy to just order this brand.  They switch around quite regularly.  You are lucky if you are just paying $10 for patch and & $32 for cover.  I am in the "doughnut hole" with medicare and the patch alone is $144 a month and I too live on a very fixxed income.  It is crazy what drug companies charge!  
Good luck

[klsparks]

Again, thanks to all for your comments.  I spoke with Doctor this morning and she is going to up my dose to take every 48 hours instead of 72 and is changing the brand the the Mylan brand so I am keeping my fingers crossed at this point to see if it all works.

I'll keep you updated. Thanks for your help.

Karen

[namnam46]

Forgot to add that I DON'T need ANYTHING to keep mine on as long as it's the Mylan Brand.  Just ask your Doctor to prescribe the Mylan Brand for you.  They are the small ones with the Fentanyl IN THE ADHESIVE.  

Again, best of luck.........Sherry  :)

[namnam46]

Hi klsparks,

Without a doubt you need the Mylan Brand.  I've been using them for over a year and I've NEVER had a problem with them falling off.  

I place them on my back just about even with my shoulder blade.

Hope that helps you.  :)

Good Luck...........Sherry  :)

[Sumanadevii]

I use the fentanyl patch from Mylan.  I needed the surgical tape by 3M (you can almost see strings that run the length of the tape).  Although, once again, the patches proved too strong for me, the tape kept it in place.

[klsparks]

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments so far.  I spoke with Doctor again last night and she had me start over with a new patch that would be more sticky.  She told me to put it up on my upper arm and then wrap it around a couple of times with J&J hurt free wrap which sticks to itself and not skin. It's geerally used for post surgery but it seems to be holding on there pretty well.

My second question was requarding a specific brand that might work better such as "watson" versus another brand.  This WATSON Patch is absoutely HUGE.  I was expecting something as large as one of those quit smoking patches but this monster is almost 2.5 by 3 inches around.  Is there a better brand that can more easily be covered?

Once again, I appreciate all your guidence!
Karen

[magaroon]

I'm no longer using the Fentanyl patch -- just been off it for about 2 weeks. But, I was using the generic Fentanyl patch from the Watson brand. They would not stay on, so I called the Watson company, they took all my information (I thought they were about to send me some "patch covers"), then they just simply said to use waterproof medical tape on all the edges (not just the corners). That worked better than nothing, but still, water would work its way under there during showers, and they would start to fall off.

What did work very well was the Tegaderm waterproof covers by 3M. They can be pretty pricey though, especially when you are using the largest patch, you need to use two covers (unless you buy the really huge ones -- but again, they are pricey) I always needed my husband to put the "patch covers" on me, because if I did it myself and messed them up, I would be wasting covers.

Go look in the bandage section of the pharmacy. Look for Nexcare 3M Absolute Waterproof Pad. I always got the one with the white pad in the middle, simply because they were the right size (using 2 at the same time). They only come 5 to a box and cost about $8. I always bought 2 boxes at a time for about $16, which would get me through 5 patch changes -- so about $32/mo. ! I was paying $10 /mo. for the patches (with insurance) and $32 just to keep them on!

By the way, on the side of the box I mentioned above, it says "Hospital Name: 3M Tegaderm Dressing + Pad" -- and the size of the "covers" are 2 3/8 in. x 4 in.

Hope this helps. :)

[sandee1818]

Yes that is one of the patches and may be the one used by the pharmacutical company. According to some website all companies that make the patch do offer the covers. I think Duragestic is the company you can call to order them. They are specially made for the patch.
Here is the contact number for Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceutical, who makes the Duragestic patches.
1-800-526-7736
I hope this helps:)

[melo64]

I think what you maybe talking about is the Tagaderm by 3m. You have to get a presription for them as they are not sold OTC. They do work but some Drs. don't want to prescribe them because they don't want the center (gel part) to be covered up. I actually can't keep the patches on without it. I personally would not use the liquid skin especially if you have sensitive skin. It's bad enough you have to nearly scrub the mess the patches leave behind! Let me know if you were able to get the Tagaderm and if it helped.Good Luck!

Melo64

[sandee1818]

Hi,
   I am sorry your having trouble keeping your patches on. I know this is a common problem. There is a patch that is made that covers the entire patch that is made by 3M. One of the companies that makes the patch offers them. I can't remember which one but I will find out and let you know:)