I am being treated for severe chronic back pain as the result of several injuries and several surgeries since 1984. I have been medicated with the Duragesic Patch (brand name) 50 ugh per 48 hours. Several years ago my insurance company insisted on the generic version. I found both generic brands Sandoz and something else to be less effective for pain management, though the Sandoz worked slightly better than the other generic. My insurance company approved payment for the Brand name for years, but gave me notice that if I want to continue with the Duragesic brand I will have to pay almost $300 a month for the prescription beginning on the first of the new year 2008.
Rags, I am writing to tell you you are not imagining the differences. Not only did I find the medicating properties to be much less effective with pain control, I found the generic patch does not adhere to my skin. As soon as I perspire or take a shower I lost the patch.
I have been on the patch for about 7 years and even though it is a huge help with managing the back pain, I have found myself breathing slowly and shallow. I have tried to practice deep breathing, but I still wake myself up because for seconds I stopped breathing. I have been severely fatigued and I am sure the patch has a lot to do with the shallow breathing. I am seeing another spine specialist next week and I am praying he can make some changes. As much as I enjoy the relief from pain the patch provides, I am very anxious to get off it. I have already stretch the amount of time to 72 hours before applying a new patch, but the pain level becomes so intolerable I go back to 48 hours. My heartfelt prayers go out to anyone who must deal with chronic pain.
Peace & All Good,
Izadoglover