Wow, isn't it fascinating how different people are told completely different things by the pharmacy.

One would think that there would be a certain rule that has to be followed. But as you indicated, you were told something completely different.

I wonder why???

I have never stored my Duragesic Patches or the generic Fentanyl Transdermal Patches in the fridge...and they have all worked just fine and I now have over 6 years experience using these patches. I do avoid heating pads, too long in a warm shower/bath, etc which is covered in the accompanying instructions. Absolutely nothing else my docs have prescribed, including Lyrica, have come anywhere close to controlling my constant 7 to 9.5 pain levels. These patches have reduced that pain to a 2-4 level which I have learned over the years to virtually ignore.

The patches don't always work for everyone but they have been a lifesaver for me. I sufferred horrific pain for the first 14 years I had PN and as I look back on all those years I honestly don't know how I made it. All of you who have this level of pain understand what I'm saying and I sincerely hope you have found a doc that will work with you and that you have also found significant relief. Untreated and undertreated pain is a national disgrace and there is just no excuse for this. I pray that in the years ahead this tragedy will be eliminated.

The patch is not recommended for those accustom to heavy sweating

Melody,

I believe it was because I was not quite ready to start them yet and I still haven't. But there is some literature out there that says they should be stored in the fridge once the box is opened. So, mine are staying put until such time as I make a decision.

Dan,

I have to agree with you even though I haven't tried them yet. And these were NOT prescribed for PN; moreso spinal disorders. And people need to remember not everyone can take oral meds without tearing their stomachs up. So, I believe a transdermal route is VERY helpful to those who simply can't tolerate oral meds. Also, I am one that can't tolerate a variety of meds period. Opiates are about the only ones that I can handle. My PM prescribed this LOW does because he knows all of my issues. And no, contrary to popular opinion, he doesn't just arbitrarily prescribe these. We talked about that too. He makes certain that his patient or patients have been on opioids for awhile before even thinking about it.

As far as sweating goes, I did ask my PM about that as well. I HAVE to take sitz baths and I do have night sweats from time to time. But as he stated, my CORE temp never really goes up. Actually, sometimes I thought I had a fever; I could be having a hot flash, take my temp and it is normal. I have also talked with plenty of people who are on the patch and they take baths, sit in hot tubs and all kinds of things and it doesn't bother them at all. I have also talked to my Neurologist about it and she agrees wholeheartedly with my PM. It is either try the patch or try med after med after. I have already been that route and it was horrible.

I haven't made my decision yet but I am leaning more and more towards it.

Opening the box does NOTHING.... it is a flimsy typical cardboard box.
Each patch is sealed. I don't see how opening that box can affect anything.
If you live in a tropical area or a very hot desert, or leave them in the car,
then they could be exposed to EXTREMEs of temperature. You can call the patients 1-800 listed on the insert and speak to a company representative.
I'd suggest you do that, before keeping them in the refrig. for long periods.

I have some expired Lidoderms, and we do NOT have air conditioning and they still work! (they have an aqueous adhesive and come sealed also). They have the same temperature recommendations.... 77 degrees max.

Kathi:

One good thing to know is that once you apply the patch (sometimes they don't stick), you can take a product called Johnson and Johnson Transparent dressing (I believe that's what it's called).

It's made to be placed right over the patch and secure it in place. It peels away like a bandaid, and it's placed over the patch and it STAYS.

We did this every three days. The patch never moved. Alan showered with it and everything. He just felt more comfortable knowing it wouldn't fall off.

Some people do not have any problems with sweating and the patches falling off.

Alan was afraid that it would come off in the shower. We called up the Endo Pharmaceuticals and they arranged for Alan to get box of these Johnson and Johnson peel off dressing thingees. Very handy little items.

When do you think you will try the patch for yourself??

Thanks Melody,

Yes, I know...some of the people on BT were telling me to do the same thing. My pharmacist said at one time he could get those for me. I forget what they are called too. But it is a good idea because I have heard they can come off fairly easily.

I am not sure when I will TRY it. I have an ob/gyn appointment on Monday; I know he wants to do a bone density scan. So, that will determine if I can come of the HRT patch or stay on it. It has been about 8 years and I have slowly been going lower and lower. I know I will still need the cream; but perhaps I can dispense with patch. My point is...if I come off of it, I want to see if the hot flashes get worse or what may or may not happen. Then it is a Neurology appointment but that is a just a follow up. AND then it is a coccyx injection on the 25th. I am supposed to take 3 5mg of Valium. So, I don't want to start this patch and then be overly sedated. I guess I am saying overall, just don't want to make too many changes at once.

So, give me, oh I'd say about a month; then I will know for certain how, when and if to proceed.

Darn it I forgot something lol. What my PM did say to do since I am such a chicken is to try it for 24 hours. If I feel sick or overly sedated, just take it off, rub the area with alcohol and I should be okay. And I know it takes a few hours to leave your system.

And I should say it is the winter and spring months where I feel my best. But come the heat in August...I will probably be more than ready for a patch!

Your doing fine,it's working for you,you work well with your Dr. .So unless
they the Pharm. or your Neuro lets you know it's been pulled off the
market,stay pain free and if any chilren are Crandchildren put the open
ones ,that you are done with in a container were they can't get near
them,and your a delightfull person that has been very carefull.Don't
forget to be carefull with any pets...We are not Drs.if in anyway this
upsets you call him..Hugs to all Sue