Patch not sticking great

[mellie4]

I'm on the 75 mcg Fentanyl patch now for a while.  In the beginning it didn't seem to come off.  Lately, the edges seem to unstick.  It also buckles.  It's pretty big, even the pain clinic NP thought it was large.  She didn't write for any particular brand.  I think it's manufactured by Watson.  It has the gel inside.  

I really like it for the pain control but it bugs me that it doesn't stick.  I've put it on my arm on different spots and now tried it on my chest.  Someone told me there was another kind without gel, but I don't know anything about it.  Any advice?

[namnam46]

Hi Mellie,

I use the Mylan and it's MUCH smaller and MUCH easier to put on and I DON'T have ANY sticking problems. I put mine on my shoulder blade area and it works GREAT!!!

The gel patches are the ones that had the problems with the overdosing. That's one reason that I'm VERY happy that I've ALWAYS received the Mylan Brand.  Hope that you get to try that one!!!

(((HUGS!!)))......Sherry

[mellie4]

I've used them on the outside of my arm and upper chest, neither being a great spot.  The doc mentioned on my upper shoulder blade, but I'd need help putting it on, and I don't want to ask the kids to do that.  The pharmacist (and some people here suggested paper tape, so I got some today and will try that.)  The pharmacist also said the doctor could write the script for the Mylan brand specifically, and I may ask her for it.  Even she mentioned how big it was.  The way it buckles I feel like I'm not getting all the medication I'm supposed to.

[Sarajmt]

Hi sweetie:  I used to be on it and had to use occlusive patches over it.  Until I found the Mylan brand.  Have you tried putting them on the inside of your arm?

[Jaybay]

Watson.  Ugh!  I had the same problem with that brand and it never lasted the full 3 days.

The only non-gel generic patch I know if is Mylan.  I've used it for a couple years now and it's been great for me.  It stays stuck better than the others and actually lasts 3 days.  It looks like a piece of clear tape and is about half the size of the gel patches.

Have you tried placing your patches on your ribcage?  That area has worked the best for me, and I also like that it's covered by clothing.  The chest area usually isn't the best for sticking ability.  The skin tends to be more oily there and of course there's more sweat.  Some people get better results by cleaning the area with rubbing alcohol first and applying the patch when it's thoroughly dry.

Have you tried covering your patch with a Nexcare bandage?  They've worked really well for me when I've had sticking problems in the past.  Nexcare brand is available at any pharmacy and the knee or elbow sized bandages should cover your 75 mcg patch with no problem.  They breathe a lot better than regular bandages and are also waterproof.  They don't sweat off either like other brands do.  Hope that helps!  :-)