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Patch users

I seem to be here late. I cannot find any recent posts for people currently on the patch. I am having trouble with the gel filled staying on and a few other issues. Any help out there?
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Avatar universal
I also found that the band-aid brand water proof tough strips placed on the edges of your patch. I tried this for quite some time and worked better than any other tapes and things I used.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had the gel patches to begin with and they would NOT stick no matter what I did! I finally had to go to the non gel patch and they stick a little better but I still have a problem getting them to stick. I use the tagaderm film AND I wear nylons over both, day and night trying to keep them on. I usually lose them on the second day. Long story short, I found that those without the gel stick better. If you learn of any new ideas, PLEASE post it!! Good luck gun. Hope this helps!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Ankle huh? I have never tried there. Did your dr. tell you that or did you
discover it yourself? I need a new spot to give my stomach skin  a break.
Thanks
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Avatar universal
I use the patch, but have NEVER been able to get them to stick.  I have used tegaderm, and every other type of medical tape available.  I still have scars on my arms from pulling the tape so tight as to actually get the patch to have contact with my skin.  No matter what I use, the area around the patch is sticky, but the patch itself floats around just off of my skin, maybe sticking in about 30% of the surface area.  When I first recieved the patch I thought the medication was useless, as I applied one patch and began experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and then I put on a second patch, and still was going through withdrawal.  I finall found that licking the sticky area is the only way I feel the effects enough for ANY effect, let alone moderating my pain.  I could the patch in four equal squares, and use 1 to 11/2 a day.  Besides not working before, they would constantly fall off, and I had no idea where they went, which was awful with a floor scavenging baby in the house! Obviously, I can't even risk trying to apply them on my skin anymore.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I use the patch, but have NEVER been able to get them to stick.  I have used tegaderm, and every other type of medical tape available.  I still have scars on my arms from pulling the tape so tight as to actually get the patch to have contact with my skin.  No matter what I use, the area around the patch is sticky, but the patch itself floats around just off of my skin, maybe sticking in about 30% of the surface area.  When I first recieved the patch I thought the medication was useless, as I applied one patch and began experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and then I put on a second patch, and still was going through withdrawal.  I finall found that licking the sticky area is the only way I feel the effects enough for ANY effect, let alone moderating my pain.  I could the patch in four equal squares, and use 1 to 11/2 a day.  Besides not working before, they would constantly fall off, and I had no idea where they went, which was awful with a floor scavenging baby in the house! Obviously, I can't even risk trying to apply them on my skin anymore.
Helpful - 0
1264863 tn?1391118193
I am a new patch user and can say it is GREAT pain relief once you get the hang of it.  My dr writes to be changed every 48 hours so that helps.  And I only will use the Mylan brand.  I used tape, tagaderm etc but found that it is more about the skin being clean before you place it.  So I bought alchohol wipes.  I place them on my ankle after I have wiped it clean and dry.  I never have to use tape etc anymore.  Good luck and "stick" with it.  It's worth it.  Took me a month or so to figure it out.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm a fentanyl user  and sometimes if I dont hold the patch for a few mins
' while putting it on it won't stick and so I apply first aid tape only to the edges of the patch. if problem persist I cover the patch with tegaderm a special see-through adhesive dressing never cover the patch with any other bandage or tape. hope this is helpful. if it falls off before 3 days fold sticky sides together and flush and put on new patch on at a new skin site.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I use the Fentanyl patch - both types.  It just depends on the pharmacy I have it filled at. I have more problems with gel filled patches not sticking. I generally apply to my upper back & shoulder area.  I have contacted theanufacturer before and they will actually mail you some covers to apply over patch, however, w/your allergy this may not work for you. Try the other patch - non-gel filled ones next time. Call your phaacy and ask what type they have before you have prescription filled you will find a pharmacy that has the non gel patch. I personally do not even have to use the covers very often any more for some reason. Your dose may be to high if you're falling asleep and it might just be when you take the break thru meds w/patch too.
Good luck - I think you just need alittle more time to find what works for you.  I get relief from my patch and prefer it to having to take alot of pills to get close to same pain relief!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sandee, I found the Tegaderm at my pharmacy, I am just allergic to most adhesives and am trying very hard to find one I don't react to. Thanks for the info though!
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Avatar universal
The steri's caused a severe reaction and I had to change over. My father had some of the paper tape you were referring to and it is working out much better! I had a serious fall on Thanksgiving night and now am in such severe pain that I cannot tell what is working and what isn't. I am hoping that this is just short term pain from the fall and not symptoms of an adverse reaction to constant exposure to the adhesive of the patch. I tried to quit smoking back in March and tried using the patches. I ended up having a severe flare up of my arthritis from the adhesive and it took a few days for the symptoms to fade and get my pain back under control. I was so happy with the relief I was getting from the patches at first and if this is just pain from the fall then I will get that level of relief back when these injuries heal. If not, then it is the adhesive and the patches will be out of the question. That will be a huge disappointment. Right now I can't even stand long enough to make a sandwich without literally crying. *fingers crossed* and praying I get my relief back.
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
Hi,
   I am on the same patch, the gel filled by Watson and I use Tegaderm patch as they are safe to use. Ask your Pharmacist and he/she can order them if thy do not have hem.
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
Sorry I meant to add that our archieves (spelling) contain a lot of past posts on Fentanyl Patches. Try different serach words and you should be able to bring up a lot of information.

Again Good Luck,
~Tuck

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547368 tn?1440541785
You're correct Lissawray, the Manufacturer may offer you assistance. Some will even provide you with "covers' so to speak that will help keep the Fentanyl Patch in place.

It's a trial and error process. You can cover the gel patch as long as you follow the manufactures (and Pharmacist) instructions. Obviously your allergies reduce the options. I was allergic to the adhesive that was on the Fentanyl Patch, VERY allergic. I cannot tolerate the adhesive.

I wish you luck and hope you will find some solutions.

Take Care,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much for all your help! I am on my third patch at 72 hr intervals. I am trying paper tape steri-strips and surgical tape on the edges right now. I am having the best results on my chest, the one I put on my arm kept falling off even with the wrap the pharmacist recommended. So I am going to try and contact the manufacturer of the patch and see if they have any solutions. I have read that some will help with people who are having trouble with adhesion.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm also happy that you're getting good pain control with th epatch.  How long have you been on them?  It could be the the 50mcg/hr strength was just too strong for you to start with, even if you are opiate tolerant (meaning you've been on opiates for pain control already) - or it could be that the combination of that strength of patch plus the strength of your BT meds is combining and making you so sleepy.  Your sleepiness may reduce or go away as your body adjusts to the patch.

Can you possibly use PAPER surgical tape?  It's usually the most non-allergenic and it may help some to help you keep the patch on.  What you read in the instructions is what I was talking about - with the gel type you're not supposed to cover the gel reservoir area so that it can "breathe" and not get too arm, releasing too much med at once.  I, personally, used to use the clear surgical type tape around the edges of mine and it worked pretty well, although I did sometimes have trouble with it buckling.  Also try experimenting with where on yoru body you place the patch.  Try for a spot that does not bend, stretch, etc., too often - is not rubbed by clothing - is not a high perspiration area, etc.  I used to put mine on the upper chest area - high enough so that it was on on my breast tissue, but low enough that they were not seen over the top of a shirt neckline.  I found that to be the best place for me, but everyon eis different as to what works best for them.  Most definitley make sure that whatever area you choose is clean and dry before you applly the patch - however, do not use anything like alcohol to clean the area before applying, as this will open your pores too much and also can cause too much med to be absorbed (as well as increasing the chance of you having a reaction to the adhesive).

I know there are at least a couple of members on here that do use the Mylan (non gel) brand of the patch.  It could be theyj just haven't been on becuase of the holiday, but they may be along later.  I'm pretty sure one of our co-leaders in this forum, Tuckamore, could know better who might be  on the patch - you may want to try sending her PM (private message) and asking her if she by any chance does so maybe you can contact them directly through here and ask their opinion and advice.

I, too, had really good pain control while I was on the patch - unfortunately, I started having a really bad reaction to both the adhesive AND the med, so I had to be taken off of it.

I hope you continue to have good pain control with it as well.
Helpful - 0
1855076 tn?1337115303
FEntanyl was not a good drug for me but I used both the gel-filled and the mylan type.  I could never keep the gel filled on, even with tape on the edges. I had much less trouble with the Mylan brand.  Glad to hear you're getting decent pain relief.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you both for your responses! Yes, I should have clarified better, I have been put on the 50 mcg/h Fentanyl patch. Long story short, I have had arthritis all my life, then 5 years ago was hit head on in a car wreck. Broke every bone in my legs except my left femur, and 20 other bones. I was in the hospital for a month and have had somewhere close to 20 surgeries since then. So I have major pain issues and since have also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I say that to say this, since I was prescribed the patch and 10mg percocet for breakthru, I have had more relief than in the last 5 yrs.

I wish you best of luck Femmy in getting the patch. I tried it one other time, but I had nothing for breakthru so it didnt work. Now using both I am amazed at the level of relief I am getting! I still have pain of course, but not the debilitating kind.

The patch instructions said I can't use anything that doesn't allow it to breathe, but my issue is I am allergic to latex and adhesives. So no tape works on me. And the patch makes me sleepy a lot. I am hoping that eventually wears off. I was hoping someone has had some experience with the mylan non-gel patches. So thats my problems. Any help would be appreciated. I hope now that I am a member here I can help others, as I have had a long history with many meds and plenty of pain.
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Avatar universal
I must also add that I'm presuming when you're talking about "the patch" that you're referring to the Fentanyl patch??  If not, what I mentioned above may not be relevant.
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Avatar universal
I might be wrong - but unless they have changed the gel filled patches since i was on them several years ago, you're actually NOT supposed to cover the entire patch with anything.  Using surgical type tape around the edges only is ok, but because of the way the patch ismade with the gel in the middle, you're not supposed to cover that area because doing so could cause the temperature of the patch to rise and therefore perhaps releasing too much medication.

As I said though, it's been several years since I was on the patch (I also used the gel filled ones), so it is possible they have changed the way they manufacture them, making it safe now to cover the entire patch.

I actually would suggest talking with your pharmacist and asking them what is best to help you keep the patches on.  It may be as simple as trying them in a different spot on your body.  However, the pharmacist should definitely be able to tell you what is safe to cover the patch with and what isn't.

What other issues are you having with the patch?
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1331804 tn?1336867358
I have never used the patch before; however, I wish my doctor would let me try it as I have heard it is superior when it comes to pain relief.  But I have read a lot of discussion about it over the web.

You need to get some Tegaderm at Walgreens or some other drug store in your area.  You are supposed to cover the patch with tegaderm as this is a special clear surgical dressing that keeps the patch from coming off.  The tegaderm is also used in hospitals to keep an IV needle in place once inserted into hand.  Now I bet you know what I am talking about.  The tegaderm patches are water proof.  I have used them for the application of lidocaine ointment and I would place them in various places on my back as it would keep the lidocaine ointment medication from evaporating and hence would provide extended pain relief.  My insurance doesn't cover the lidoderm patches so I have to "make do".  

I hope this was helpful to you and there are others here in the community that use the patches and can answer any additional questions that you have.  

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

femmy
Helpful - 0
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