Hey all,

I'm a new guy here. I have many questions and topics to ask and raise in the future. My first question is regarding the fentanyl patch. I have been using the Fentanyl patch for a bit over a year now. I am also on Norco (7.5mg.-4/day), Tramadol (50mg.-4/day), and Flexeril (10mg.-4/day). I applied for disablilty on my own and received it the first time.

My biggest problem with the patch is moisture caught between the patch and my skin. I have found the patch to be a great pain stopper. And since on the patch, I have felt a lot better. Only probem with that is, the better I feel, the more I want to do. I am disabled and do not work. But when I feel better I want to do more exercise, and just plain be more mobile.
So, then my skin gets warmed up to a sweat and moisture is trapped under the patch. And, after wearing about 140 of these patches, it decreases the effectiveness of the medicine.

Obviously, the act of showering with these patches is an act of futility.
Anybody have any secrets in keeping the patch dry in the shower?

I have been disabled for 4.5 years now with Lumbar problems, and neck problems. I have been to 3 different pain docs, my family practioner, a neuro surgeon, and a Osteo surgeon. I have had many injections, and tests, including a discogram, a pain pump, and a nerve stimulator. The fentanyl patch has done the best at easing the symptoms along with my other mentioned meds.

I know this is a long one, but I hope a few of you get to the end and have some experience with the patch. Oh, and I should mention that I have been prescribed two different patches over the past year. One is a standard looking "sticker" type patch. The other is also a stick-em type patch., but has a jelly goo that you put right onto your arm. Much worse for stickability (word?), and gets "crispy" after a day on your skin. Help??!!

Paul

I wonder if applied a prescription strength antipersperant to the skin before applying the patch, if that would help?

J.

All the fentanyl patches have strict directions to not alter the skin before applying. This drug can be misused and too much can
be accidentally absorbed, and then the patient is in for trouble, or even death. Read the directions carefully that come with your
patch. The reservoir type is being discontinued and the type with drug in the adhesive is more common, now. Abuse and diversion, and accidents during use have lead to the new type.

Some people use a Tegaderm type cover to protect these patches and keep them adhering better.

http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-teg...sing/qxp140261
They come in various sizes.

Do not apply anywhere the skin is even a little moist. It must be completely dry and not recently washed with soap. The non gel ones can be cut to customize the area you apply. Custom a Tedaderm to go over it with 1/8 to 1/4 inch bigger than patch. Do not place where the skin gets a lot of movement. STOP the work until you sweat stuff, because they will lift off. Full shower every 3 days before patch change. Clean up without shower inbetween.The patch company Mylan also has there own patches covers just call them, they are free. Patches that have lifted off will not restick. I have been placing the patches on my daughter every 3 days for the last 4 years. Find 2 or 3 places on your chest that can be used and alternate between them .photograph where you are successful because it is easy to forget.

Hey, thanks for the replies. Ya, I have mainly used tagaderm's or some other op site to cover my patches. The basic problem is, and always will be for these patches....moisture. As mentioned, I was a medic, so caution and care are paramount. I am all to aware of problems with these patches. Didn't really want to be on tem in the beginning. But my doc persisted. I am sold on them now. But the main fault with these things is (as you mentioned,,,,) moisture. I always clean the site before applying the patch. And try my best to keep it dry during a shower. But it's nearly impossible.

My biggest problem though is that since I have been on them, I have tried to become more active. And, boom! We are right back to moisture. Any activity worth doing in an attempt to stay active for health, makes one sweat. And obviously, sweat comes up to your skin and next thing you know....the patch has lost it's ability to adhere to that area. I've tried only excersizing every three days now. And waiting three days to take a shower is very hard for me. The little clean ups in between showers helps. But I am a clean nut.

I am glad they are doing away with the gel patches. They are worthless in my opinion, after 36 hrs. I would just like for them to creat a patch much like a nitro patch. Taken in intrevals throught a day. So you can have an hour or so every day to get sweaty, take a shower, or both!! Yeah Anyway, thanks for listening! Take care