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

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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Interesting "take" on the prescription. My doctor always seems to come up with all the "new" remedies as well. I'm trying the patch myself. Just got back from Walgreens and slapped one on. I'll keep you posted. Mac

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.

I have been on the flector patch for 3 weeks now....wasnt really doing much for me........they r telling me i have tennis elbow.been since august 2008.........the dr decided to try this patch cause all the meds i was taking was messing up my stomach.....well all i can say is i rather have a messed up stomach then go thur what i have been going thur these last 4 days......it started 4 days ago....was very light headed........dizzy......actually seeing stars ,which kind of freaked me out cause i have never been thur that before..........then my arm had such a burning feeling......felt like my whole arm was on fire.........from my wrist to my shoulder........after 2 days of feeling like that i no longer put another patch on.........i waited til yesterday to call my dr..........cause i couldnt even get out of bed.........my wrist to my shoulder hurt so bad.......i couldnt even lift anything ......let alone drive to work......today the dr calls me back telling me to stop the patch....that i have had a reaction to the patch....and still today i cant lift my arm......feels like someone is holding a match to my arm and its on fire......just checking to see if anyone has had this side effect....wondering ;-)

I am on my third day of Flector, and found this forum. Thanks everyone for all of your helpful suggestions. It is amazing to me how everyone has to stumble through this process as individuals, repeating the same problems/mistakes. I am a registered nurse, so I have seen many patients who have been dealing with chronic pain. I myself have struggled with it since Vioxx was withdrawn.

This was my first experience with this patch, though I have seen Voltaren used in tablet form (same drug as Flector). I wanted to make a suggestion, some had mentioned poor adhesive properties. I have been planning my showers around the patch dosing to avoid the moisture problem. I do think when I am feeling better that working out at the gym could be a problem. For now they stick on me for 12 hours. I do want to say that some of the tapes are not recommended on transdermal patches, and the adhesive may degrade the gelatin. I would try a large moleskin patch (in the footcare section at Walgreens), if it's okay by the manufacturer.

Moleskin is felt with adhesive, and it comes in a large roll which will cover the entire Flector patch (you can also buy rolls online). The adhesive stayed on the bottom of my feet all day when I used it for a wart it works better than anything I've seen for curved areas. If you are using tape and the entire patch isn't in contact with your skin you are not getting the stated dosage anyway.

Also, my pain is neurogenic and deep, I am planning on an epidural after my surgeon clears it. I am not having a great response to the Flector probably because of how deep my pain is. That being said, I am having some relief superficially. I also am taking some Flexeril, and the combo is better than oral NSAIDS. As you all well know there is a neuro and muscular component to back pain.

What facinates me is that my prescription plan (Anthem BCBS) won't cover Lyrica, as it isn't labeled for lumbar pain. They made me jump through hoops to get to it. So far this month I've been given two full rx for neurontin, due to dosage changes 100, 300 respectively, and now Flector at $360/60 patches. I am amazed at the lengths insurance will go, as it would have been more cost-effective to just approve the Lyrica. Unfortunately I used the samples up so I know it works for me. I cannot afford to pay in addition $250 OOP every month for 1 Rx.

There is also a coated (with Prilosec I believe) Voltaren pill that's supposed to help with the GI stuff. It does block the absorption of calcium however. It is not yet generic (probably raking in too much dough). I have not taken it but my PM&R doc swears by it.

Just an option. Good luck.