I have been using Flector for a few months now. I do have to say it has helped for awhile with the pain and numbness that travels from low back into both hips down my legs to my feet. I don't have a final diagnosis yet for a L and T Spine injury from nine months ago. I had been taking Celebrex but it bloated me SO horribly I couldn't button my pants and could hardly move... the minor help that gave me was not worth that side affect. The Flector patch does seem to be losing it's effectiveness... but my doctor is not prescribing some heavier duty meds now that it's been so long and my pain has only increased and spread....
It's great to hear everyone's opinions and experiences...

well thanks to all about your feedback , I have been debating on whether to try or not . I will put one on tonight . I just cant stand the ringing in the ear side effect as I have it already and dont need more music to my ears. Thanks

hi i am new here and also new to using the flector patch. i have plantar fascitis (may be spelled wrong) pulled the tendon in bottom of foot. this happened in march. i have had 3 steroid injections and doing phsyical therapy. i have 1 more injection left and we are saving this one in case i have a reaccurance. i was presrcibed the patch today 08-12-2009. the patch wont stay on my foot i am going to try and sleep with it tonight. i cant take oral nsaids cause i get sick to my stomache. i hope this helps get my foot back to somewhat normal. i havent been walking much on my foot, i have gained about 20lbs now because i cant move around and those shots put 5lbs on for each shot. this is a workmans comp claim so i dont have to pay for these patches. i still am going to workbut i have to sit there and i have a very physical job. all i can do is keep posting my progress and read all of yours and see what happens. my last resort is an operation to release the tendon.

Good evening,
Just stumbled upon your site and wanted to ask about the Flector Patch.
I had an MRI and my neurologist said I had a few herniated discs, bulges
and some arthritis. I went to pick up the Patches and found that it would
be $50. So I went home and did some reading about it. I have had ulcers
in the past as well as hives for 1 year each time. I swear my Dr. said that
this would bypass my stomach, but it doesn't sound like it. Does anyone
know for sure? I have a feeling I'll be calling him back tomorrow with some
questions. The left side of my neck is really hurting as well as making me
nauseaus. I have been taking Motrin for about 2 weeks now (once a day),
and it's somewhat helping, but I don't really want the side effects of that
to start kicking in, cause they have in the past. Any information or help, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for letting me vent.
PS - I found a site that will give you a $30. coupon --**

The way NSAIDs work to damage the stomach is not a local direct effect. It is a central one. That means that dose is very important. The Flector patches would have a smaller dose entering the body, as they are designed to be a "local" solution.

I use OTC Salonpas patches and they work well for me. They don't cost that much either. They have methyl salicylate in them, not the drug Voltaren, as Flector does. They also stick better. I think aspirin and its derivatives are more potent anyway for inflammation.

After having a good run with Flector, I had to stop using - developed a rash at site.

I was SO bummed, I can't even tell you. Tried a pill version of same med, but did not do the job and tore my stomach to shreds. Odd huh? such a diff...

I did not have a big prob keeping my patch on, maybe where I put it - just below neck, on shoulders - was one of the easier spots for it to stick. And maybe it was the right med for the type of pain.


Okay, I just need a wee rant here, after reading about all the vicodin, and fentanyl and what all....


My thing is, I have done 3 pain clinics (and counting!) 4 neuros and this is the kind of stuff I get. Excuse me if I sound bitter. Nobody prescribes me REAL pain meds.


What am I, chopped liver?

I did the ESIs and all that till I had vagal responses and my cardiologist about slapped me, and told me NO MORE of that. I've tried all the off label stuff too - all the AD's, the anti seizure meds ad nauseum. They do NOT work.

I do NOT work either. I have been laying around like a lump since I was 39, now 46, because why? Because it hurts, I have a neck injury, SM, and either fibro or ms and my pain does not count. I guess I don't whine enough when I'm at the docs or something. Or I look too good.

Those so called docs should have to gimp a mile in my shoes - it would take a month.

But enough whining.

Hi All. New here. Thought I would relate my experience with Flector. I have been using it for about 3 months. I have pretty bad arthritis in my lower lumbar area causing lots of pain and shooting nerve pain down my right leg into my foot. I was walking around bent over and couldn't get up from chairs and couches without help. Was going to a pain doc who was doing steroid epidurals and had me on Norco for the pain. I am also on Ultram to control the arthritis I have in the rest of my body. The steroids helped for a little while but scare me and the norco works some but has to be increased as I kept getting use to it and the docs hate prescribing it because of the DEA hassling them all the time.
Anyway, I got a Flector patch from my hip doc to try on my back and it seemed to help so I got a scrip from him. The difference this has made in my life is amazing. Seriously, I have no more pain in my lower back just some stiffness and no shooting pains anymore. I do have to wear one around the clock and I noticed that there was a build up of relief. It didn't happen over night. Took a few days of continuous wear and the pain comes back if I try and wear only one a day instead of two (these are insanely expensive).
I called Flector because I was concerned about the NSAIDs and my stomach, which reacts really badly to them, and was told that only 1% of the drug enters your body systemically through the patch as opposed to the same amount taken orally. I am having zero stomach problems with the patch.
I make sure to thoroughly clean the area each time I remove one to avoid skin problems and have experienced no rashes, itching etc. to date. They do feel weird, like a cold wet noodle, on my back but I will take that over my pain any day. They stay on ok but I think that is because my underwear keeps them on. My son tried them on his middle back and he couldn't get them to stay on even with tape.
I will keep using these (despite the cost) as long as they work because I no longer need epidurals or pain meds (except for the Ultram for total body arthritis relief and I may even try getting off that). So 5 starts to Flector!

I started using Flector patches for severe pain in my neck after the doctor decided not to do surgery for a ruptured disc. I have severe osteoporosis, which has caused ruptured and bugling disc up and down my spine. The last time he did surgery he had to use a plate and screws. When he put the screws in my bones was very soft. Anyway......... The flector patches have been a godsend!!! I can't take any kind of arthritis meds because they cause acid reflux and ulcers in my stomach and throat. I was concerned to start with but I haven't had a problem so far. Thank God!!!! Did you guys know you can cut the patches up and place anywhere they are needed?? My doctor said I don't have to use the whole patch on one spot. Just cut them up and use them where ever I need them. I end up paying 5 cents a patch because I have Medicaid. Thank God for Medicaid!!!!! I hope everyone has as much luck as I do with the flector patches!!!!

Annborden

Hi Everyone -

I was prescribed the Flector patch from my Dr for a herniated disc in my lower back. I understand that these patches are VERY expensive, however it seems to be a great alternative for me as I don't tolerate oral anti-inflammatory meds. **

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