Have tried the patch, thought it was great except for the side effect of a gigantic headache. Have trouble keeping the patch on. The last patch the doc gave me was Fenanyl, that like to kill me. Why would anyone invent something 80 times stronger than morphine? Fentanyl also leaves you broke, it is $25 a patch. The doc is injecting my back Monday hopefully that will help alittle. Fruit
:winky

Hi,Been on Fentenyl (Duragesic7.5,not the generic) and it saved my life,5 years now. Contact the drug co. and see if you qualify for free meds,lower the dose by RX,NEVER cut the patch and under extreme heat they only last 2 days Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My Rheumatologist gave me script for Flector patches to help with pain in my back. I have to say, it did help as long as it would stay on. I soon learned that taping it to the area helped to secure it. But then you have to be careful of which tape to use if you are prone to allergic reactions from the adhesive in the tape. From experience, I recommend a white, medical paper tape.
Hope this was helpful.

Flector is great for Thorasic and Low Back Pn,I also use Duragesic 7.5 and Vicodan,18 years Ive suffered until now I have it in control with Cymbalto 60mg,used for depression it also does wonders for nerve pain which is why I use it Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

I just tried a sample patch and had some benefit but it seemed to make me a little tired and it does not stick well at all, I used tape and then showered after a workout and it came right off in a goppong mess!

Alpharma's professional help line.

He said the adhesive is similar to that used on Lidoderm.
The latter don't stick well either.

Some hints....
1) apply only to clean non oily skin that is very dry.
use alcohol if you have to remove oils, etc. first.

2) covering a curvey area, cut the patch into segments to
fit around the curve and use tape to hold it down.

Perspiration will affect the adhesion, causing the patch to slip off. The gel adhesive is very hygroscopic.

You might try the new Salonpas that were just approved by the
FDA OTC . They raised the methyl salicylate to 10% per patch and they are expensive. Available on drugstore.com

I use the older Salonpas OTC with success. Sometimes they stick too well, and they may cause a redness when removed.
I haven't tried the new ones yet...so I don't know what adhesive is used for them.

The manufacturer of Flector is aware of the poor adhesion. So is the maker of Lidoderm. But answers are not forthcoming.
Sorry.

i just received some sample patches from my doctor and tried them for chronic hamstring pain, I tried only one and found it helpful but had to tape it on and when I showered it fell of and became a goppy mess!

Flecktor and Lidoderm are NOT designed for use in water.

Some patches like Catapres, and Fentanyl which are designed for longer use have water repellent features.

But Flecktor and Lidoderm do not. Don't expect them to stay on in the shower or swimming pool.

If you read the instructions, it does state not to wear it in the shower. Shower in between changing the patches.

There is a new warning about Voltaren (diclofenac) used topically or orally and this would include Flector patches:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/S.../ucm193047.htm

And this link discusses why Voltaren and all other NSAIDs (except for naproxen) raise risk of heart attack sustantially:
http://www.scienceblog.com/cms/aleve...eam-13085.html