getting Lidoderm to stick?

For those of you on here who use Lidoderm patches, have you ever had trouble getting them to stick? I find when I put one anywhere that gets substantial motion or any friction (like under the waistband of my pants) comes off within a few hours. They also instantly come off if I start to sweat. Has anyone found a way around this?

I do have a problem with them staying in place (as well as with flexor patches). During the warmer weather, I'll often sleep shirtless, but then moving around in bed will get them to bunch up. Sometimes, I'll discover that my pillow or sheets ended up the beneficiary of the medication through the night.

One strategy I've tried is to cut them so that they will adapt better to motion. For instance, at the curve between the base of my neck and shoulder, rather than wrapping them around, I'll cut diagonally and just leave off a piece.

Tape will likely help, but as PAlady notes, you should talk to a pharmacist about the right type -- probably a compromise between soemthing that sticks well and something that might leave a rash. You can also try just a few bandaids. I have these "sheer" type made by bandaid-brand. They stick very well and don't leave a rash. Perhaps put one on each corner?

I know my fentanyl patches have a hard time staying, and as I am allergic to most tape, we had to buy Medipore tape that my pharmacist gets in for me. Also, I found that putting the patches on my upper arm, just below the rounding of my shoulder, and switching sides and lowering it keeps me from having bunching or them falling off.

Now I just put tape around the edges if I am not going to be swimming. If I will be in water for extended time, I put tape over the whole thing.

Talk to your pharmacist first and see what they say. I hope you find an answer soon.
Mindy

Thanks for all the suggestions! I might start with the paper tape as I have some and I know it doesn't give me a rash.

Lindaloo, good to see you! I have had great success with Lidoderm, and my PCP was practically doing a happy dance when she heard this, as my pain control was not great before we added the Lidoderm. I know it doesn't work for everyone, but when it works, it works!