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Problems with Fentanyl Patch.

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Posted 1/14/2013 10:21 AM (GMT 0)
I've been on the patch for almost a month and have had 2 problems. The first problem was when I placed the patch on my upper chest as directed by my doctor within 6hr's the patches fell off and had no adhesive remaining on the patch so I replaced them, This time cleaning with 91% alcohol then water and they stuck great on my upper arm. They were working great for the next 3-weeks but after switching from my left arm to my right arm every 48hr's I started to notice an irritation on both arms.I was wondering if the irritation on the skin could have blocked the patch's ability to release the medication thru the skin.The last 36hr's have been horrible and it continues until I pick up my new script  on Tuesday morning.   Thanks RB

The irritation was only a reddish spot were the patchs were placed.....Thanks

Posted 1/14/2013 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there...

I had written this on your other threads but the directions specifically say to NOT use alcohol, soap, or oils when cleaning the site where you are going to put the patch as this can actually cause it not to stick or more irritation...You are just supposed to use a bit of water.

I don't see how the irritation would prevent the Fentanyl from getting into your system though, but you can certainly ask a Pharmacist.

Others can chime in with the name and I think they wrote it on your last threads so you can look back on those, but there are specific type of coverings that work to help it stick on easier.

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 1/14/2013 11:23:40 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/14/2013 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hey,

That's more of less my experience of trying to get the patch to stick..... they really irritate my skin and don't make a good enough seal that stays on.

Try tegaderm - bought in the pharmacy aisle near the band-aids.

Good luck... --Tina
Posted 1/14/2013 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Ahh..that's the name of it...Tegaderm...thanks Tina:) I was only on the patch for a short period of time quite some years ago so didn't have to use that..

Randy...another suggestion is make sure that you keep every single patch that falls off just in case it needs to be brought in to show the Dr..

Posted 1/14/2013 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
You can also contact the drug company and ask them if they have any coverings for the patch, some do and provide them free of charge. I used Tegaderm and they had to order a box for me.


Susie
Posted 1/14/2013 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Like SB said dont think it had anything to do with the absorption of med from the patch. Try to find a place with no hair as that interferes with its sticking ability,alcohol actually opens the pores in your skin so I would think it could possibly enhance absorption of the med but it also destroys the sticky.

As for the little red splotch its more likely to be just the fact your skin wasnt getting air then a reaction to anything to do with the patch,could be from the alcohol too!

Tegaderm,opsite,any of the generic of those work great. Like they said better not throw away those ones that fell off as they may need to see them and what are you going to do about running out before the next are due? The Drs really cant write more with the new laws they are restricted as to the numbers they can write. I would have taped them back on or something!

Good luck!
Posted 1/14/2013 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
I have never had one come loose before. Nor do I clean or prep the area, doctor said not too. I switch every 48 hours. I use the front side of my upper arms, just below the shoulder on the flattest place I can find.

If you have to use medical tape to hold one in place, you don't want to cover the entire patch, as the patch has to breathe to work properly.

As for myself, never had any skin irratation from using them. If I did have a wound, scab, enflamed area, I would not put a patch directly over it.

Good luck in finding a solution

david
Posted 1/15/2013 8:33 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the help again. I was told by my CP doc it was OK to use only the 91%alcohol then use warm water to make sure the alcohol didn't leave any residue and it worked great until the red spot showed up after 3-weeks.
Posted 1/15/2013 9:03 AM (GMT 0)
Now RJ, you been around enough to know not everything a Doc says works, actually works! LOL Im just kidding you.

IT could have happened for any number of reasons,possibly more sweat that day,soap residue left over,and sometimes different things cause us to secrete more or less body oils. Maybe it wont happen again for awile since it seems you were getting them to stay on ok and then they didnt.

In the meantime try the tegaderm or oppsite.

Could have been just a couple of patches had some problem.
Posted 1/15/2013 11:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there

I use fentanyl patches too. I am sure it must be easier for women than men to use though! I place mine on my back, somewhere in the middle. I usually apply it after a shower, when I know my skin is clean, no more preparation than shower gel and well rinsed.

If the site is red you might have an allergy to the adhesive. I have just written about this on Shell's post, I had always been prescribed the tape type but once got the reservoir type. I very quickly developed redness, then could not make it stay on. My doctor then changed my prescription for Duragesic brand only and I have never once had a problem. Living in Scotland you don't tend to sweat a lot!! However duri g many trips to the Carribbean, when I have been very hot and sticky, it has never moved. Same with baths etc. funny thing is they come off easily too, surprising when they stick so well. As I told Shell I am fortunate in that our prescriptions are free of charge for everyone, so price isn't a factor for me. I would imagine they would cost more than the reservoir type.

Good luck, hope you find something to help as fentanyl is a great medication.

Jane
Posted 1/16/2013 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rj,

I never had problems with the patch sticking, other than the edges curling up on day 2 or 3, but I also found them quite irritating. I couldn't use the same spot for the patch for about 10 days after changing patches, because my skin would get a rash. Sometimes the patches also pinched & even cut me along their edges. The patches didn't work well for me in general, so I was only on them for a couple months before switching to something else.

Skeye
Posted 1/16/2013 4:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rj, welcome to the CP fourm, everyone here is very nice and supportive. I'm sorry you're having to deal with CP it's a real bummer when you do.

I've tried the patches and I can not use them I get contact dermatitis, it's was so bad I was left with a permanent scar that out lines where the patch was.

My suggestion to you would be that you talk with your Dr and show him/her the rash. I hope that you can figure it all out and they can get the proper pain relief for you.

Hugs,
Barbara
Posted 1/16/2013 4:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi rj I use the fentanyl patch as well. I put them on the front of my arm where it goes flat just below my shoulder. I use Tegaderm, and don't have any problems with them sticking. They do itch a little after I take them off, but there's not a rash or anything. I wish you luck with getting this straightened out.

hugs
Loretta
Posted 1/16/2013 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
RJ,
The fentanyl patches can be restuck if they do come loose, however, you are not supposed to ever use rubbing alcohol in the area where you apply the patch. You also need to either cut/trim the area where you are applying the patch since the hair on your body will cause the patch to not adhere well to the skin. Do not use moisturizing cleansers or soaps in the area either. Once you apply the patch, hold your hand over it for at least one minute to allow it to adhere well to the skin. As far as the patch goes, there are over the counter antihistimines(nasal type) that you spray on the area, allow to completely dry, and then apply the patch to the area. This minimizes the rash that you are talking about...then you can purchase tegaderm or opsite patches to cover the fentanyl patch, this helps to keep it in place over the course of three days...
Posted 1/26/2013 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
When I was using them, my skin would get red and irritated where I put the patch, I was told it's either my skin reacting to the adhesive or to the medication itself. I never got open sores or anything like that, just red spots.

to reduce it I always made sure never to put the patch in the same area twice in a row and I avoided putting it on any red spots just in case.
Posted 1/26/2013 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Try to alternate from your upper to inner arm right under your under arm. Thats where I have been placing my butrans patch I know they do not use as a option but it has worked the best for me, sticks the best and I do not get the weird rash anymore. Good luck I hope all of our suggestions help!
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