Fentanyl Patch!! Advice please!

hello, i don't understand why the steady-state med. you take is dosed that way. 80mg oxy. 2x per day but bump it up if you hurt with 60 more. you need a steady blood level or systemic level of your long-acting med. with the level of pain you have two breakthrough medicines may be called for. i do not think you would like the change to OPANA ER from Oxycontin. OPANA IR has just been released with generic versions that are much more affordable. you could use the oxymorphone IR for brkt. along with a even quicker acting agent like Dilaudid or Roxicodone. OPANA IR is indicated for brkt. pain but it takes much longer to kick in and it is a smoother raise in level, it is almost like methadone or some preperations of sustained release morphine in the way it slowly begins to work. the IV ratio to oral administration is 10:1. everyones different but if you are trying to find a better sustained release med than Oxycontin i like the generic preparations of morphine sulfate. it comes in 15, 30, 60, 100, and 200mg so there is room to titrate. i think AVINZA is a good product and would take it over KADIAN. the brand name only of " ORAMORPH " by Xanodyne PHARMA is a true 12 hr. time release morphine thats terrific. good luck to you and any way i can help i would be glad to

It sounds like you are feeling better, Mary. That's great to hear.

In case that changes, I'd like to reinforce Spinal Soldier's words. I take a steady dose of oxy everyday and use hydromorphone for BT pain and it is very effective. The hydromorhone (similar to oxymorphone but not as strong) is inexpensive, powerful and I've heard it has "easier" withdrawal symptoms.

I hope you continue to find relief!

I have been on the patch for 12 yrs and have supliments of Tylenol 3 for pain breakthrough, only need to use them on the third day. I have knee and hip replacements but have constant pain from it as we found out to late in the game that my body doesn't like anything different. Found out at dame time that I am allergic to medical staples and latex. Fun fun fun!

I have used a lot of patches from a lot of makers and for me Teva has worked the best.

I was up to the 100 but worked down, on my own, to 25, and it wasn't all that hard. I do know that when they start to wear off you get flu like symptoms but that was the worst I encountered. I know that as of now I have to take them every two days or go up to 50. I hate the feelings you get at 100 or even 75, like a space cadet. Fall asleep at red lights, or waiting for a train to go past, crazy. Would rather deal with pain than zombie me. Get a really good doctor and work with him.

The beginning of using a patch is different than taking a pill that works for 4-6 hours, you get the relief but not the ups and downs, so it does take a couple of weeks before you even notice. Get something for the break thru pain, but use it sparingly.
Good luck!