How to make fentanyl patch stay on?

I changed to Fentanyl patches from Kadian and I'm having trouble making the fentanyl patch stay on. I'm looking for the kind of really strong tape that you use for IV's to use on the patch but I forgot what it's called, I want to search for it and order it. Thanks in advance!

Frances_2008 said...
Lucia,
Don't mean to be too obvious, but I know I had this problem at first:

There are two layers of plastic on the adhesive side of the patch. It would barely stick to me. When I went to the doctor's office he pointed that out & it was super sticky from that point on. Clean your skin w/ rubbing alcohol, then press the patch to your skin for 30 seconds. It should be strong enough to stay on for showers & everything.

If you definitely notice you're getting the medicine (it's really, really strong so you should notice a big difference within 30 minutes of application), then you've done everything right & maybe you just need to put some surgical tape or a band-aid over it.

good luck!
frances

What brand of Fentanyl patch are you using? I am using Mylan and it doesn't stick well. Also the paper that came with the patches said not to use alcohol to clean the area.

You are going to laugh at me, but I have used duct tape in a pinch. Obviously this is not a long term solution, but another option is trainers tape.

i weaned off fent a few months ago...this is what i know:

1.  yes...the directions DO say to not clean the area w/ alcohol.  this can be dangerous as it might allow too much medicine enter too quickly.  cleaning the area w/ soap and water prior to applying the patch should do it.

2.  please be sure to not completely cover the patch w/ any kind of tape...only on the edges.  covering the whole patch could also make the med release too quickly  the 3m tape listed above works.

good luck!

Hi! I was on the patches for a while, and had problems too. Nexcare makes a brand of thin large plastic strips that work great!! they come in different sizes so one will work. I believe the name is Tegraderm. You can even by the big ones and cut them to fit. Nothing gets thru these things. I was swimming alot and I never had a problem!! Hope it helps

Just stumbled into this forum.

My elderly mother uses the 12 mcg fentanyl patches made by Mylan. Her pain specialist indicated that tape might be required to keep them on & suggested Tegaderm, as mentioned above. We tried some less expensive, general-use 3M tapes, but the ones grippy enough to keep the patch on through showering, etc., on are too aggressive for octogenarian skin.

about 6 months ago, I found a non-sterile version of Tegaderm on a 2 x 24" roll -- 3M Nexcare Active Waterproof Skin Cover. You can cut it to various lengths, and once you figure out the backing system, it's great stuff. It's available from a couple of sellers on Amazon, but at no particular price advantage (due to shipping). I get mine in the pharmacy dept at the local Kroger grocery store (go figure) or special order through an independent family pharmacy which we use. Walgreen's cannot get it; I haven't checked CVS.

My experience so far is that few docs or pharmacists know about this handy alternative to sterile Tegaderm. IMO it should be co-marketed w/ any transdermal patch which has adhesion issues.

Here are images of what you're looking for in the store or what you're asking the pharmacy to stock:
/www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw_0_14?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nexcare+active+waterproof+skin+cover&x=0&y=0&sprefix=nexcare+active

--- TheGeriatricFairy

Sorry Guys....in all my excitment at finding this page I forgot to thank "Geriatricfairy" who suggested the 3M tape
Doc told me I wasn't suppose to cover the patch so I stopped trying big Band-Aids etc

So..."Geriatricfairy" If this works,where do I send the case of beer!

Hello nitehawk: dl here, I to have had a bad l4-5and have had surgery to repair.  Had it in 06, pain and saiatca ( or however you spell it) sharp pain right up through your buttocks, like a boil on your bottom.  I had a neuro-stimulator install 7 months ago for continying pain, with moderate relief.  In the process I was given a new drug I had never used and is working good for me.  I was on the fentanyl 100mg also and hated it.  I do not get off on puking my guts out.  Try Ultram-ER 200mg.  It is one pill over 24hrs., it is a time release pill.  The good side effect I am getting from the drug is that it is lowering my high blood pressure.  My dr. said that it is an effect he has not gotten in other patients.  I always get something weird from all drugs, not usually a systome that is helpfull.  I was on Tramadol 50mg for around 2 years and built up a dislike for it, stomach problems and constipation something terrrible.  A good drug though fast and good working for pain, but for sure habit forming.  Not hard to get away from though.  I have found from 25 years of back and neck pain after you hurt for so long you can usually stand just about anything.  Try the ultram, it may  work for you. If you ever think about a neuyro-stimulator, they work but they are a pain in the ass to deal with and for some do not work and give you other problems like I have incured.....  Good luck to all. dlt 

I think I have found the solution we are all looking for......

I went to a pharmacy in Toronto and the old fella behind the counter (Isn't it strange that all those who go out of their way to help you all seem to be older people!)and he told me that this problem has been happening for years, and the manufacturers do nothing to solve it as it sells more patches.
Apparently Wal-Mart with their money back warrenty was having huge probs of their own, with customers bringing back patches that didn't stick.

They now stock a product called Hypafix in their drug section......it is specifically made to cover existing patches,is waterproof,easy to remove and apply and as it is perforated it allows air to the patch surface stopping the problem of the patch getting warm and delivering too high a dose....just cut to size and apply over your existing patch, with a half inch minimum overlap.

Dab it dry after a bath or shower and as it is a cloth like material it air dries fast, just don't scrub at it with the towel or while in the shower

This is available in a 10cm x 10m roll (about 4"x34ft) and costs $9.65 up here in Canada which will prolly translate to about $8 in the States....

All I can say is that in the last week it has worked 100%....although I would say that it is not totally waterproof....I think water-resistant would be a better phrase.

I soaked in the tub for an hour, took several hot showers and yesterday I even went swimming.....and it all stayed together!

Hope this helps you guys (and gals).....

The wal-mart ref # (product #) is 71443-02

Give them a try and get back to me.

Hello tyranicole!

Well it seems that you have answered an old post and is a common mistake. It looks to be inactive for quite some time now.

One thing we suggest is that a new member head to our CP forum home page and start a new topic and introduce yourself there. You will get much more exposure there for sure and the members would love to meet you.

Please take a moment to do so, and we will welcome you once you have made it there.

Enjoy!

SE


This thread is almost two years old. If you are a new member, please start a new topic on the Chronic Pain forum and introduce yourself there. We will gladly welcome you there!

Please use this thread for research only, and start a new topic if this thread interest you. Thanks!

 

       Hello All! This is a very old post....but the information is still useful. That being said...I will lock this thread..and it will still be viewable to all here....and if you are a new member you may start a new thread and introduce yourself there.

       One product that keeps comming up to help the Patch stay on better is "Tegaderm" ....please look this product up on the web if needed.

    Also!...please read the packet contents when applying the patch...they also provide a 1-800 number if you need assistance with the product staying on. It used to be, that they would provide free covers for them....but I'm not sure about it anymore.

  Thanks!

 SE