Fentanyl for Chronic Pain User Reviews (Page 5)

• CRPSGuy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 5, 2020

"I have been on the name brand Duragesic 72 hr transdermal patch (75mcg) for years for my chronic pain from systemic CRPS, Fibromyalgia, Failed back syndrome, and a few other things. It has worked great for me BUT I just talked with Jansen Pharma that makes it and was told the reason my pharmacist has had a hard time getting any is because they (Jansen) have stopped making it! The generics are still out there but they didn’t come close to touching my pain. Anyone have thoughts about what I can try now? I am very worried."

• paulm...
• November 9, 2013

"I have ben on Fentanyl for more than three years now with great success, no major problems or side effects. Although about three months ago I started having some real bad side affects from the drug. After about 24-36 hours of putting on the patch I would start to get pain, agitation,sick feeling all over my body, fatigue, restlessness, very tired, neck and back muscular pain and bad headaches as well as confusion and the sweats etc.. All the classic symptoms of the patch not working properly. I am in the process of talking with my doctor about rectifying the problem with my dosage and time frame on how often to change the patch. If I knew how bad the feeling was to withdraw from this drug was i would have never taken it."

• Tvanh...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2016

Fentora (fentanyl) "Fentora gave me my life back! But it is very hard to get it covered. They do, however, offer a coupon program for those who can't. Our cost out of pocket was going to be just about $5,000 per month. Insane! Thankfully my pharmacist told me about the coupon program. This brought our co-pay to $5 per month! I have been on Fentora for years now. Probably 5-7 years. I've been through 3 insurance companies. I've always gotten my Fentora, after long battles. The only negatives to Fentora are: 1) if your mouth is too wet it will dissolve almost instantly and it won't give you the same help so I try to dry my mouth out first. 2) if you put them in the same spot you will get sores 3) hard to cut in half; they disintegrate Otherwise, miracle med"

• Kitty...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2016

Subsys (fentanyl) "I live with chronic pain from many different health issues. I have 3 types of migraines, liver disease, Crohn's disease, gastroparesis, IBD, IBS, gerd, ulcerative colitis, pseudotumo cerebri too many things to list. However I stay in pain. I have been on every drug known to man and this is a fast acting medication that helps the pain and you don't feel like your on cloud 90. My insurance has been great and now they don't want to cover it but want to pay for a drug that cost more then this medication that will do nothing but make me in more pain because we get to play the guess game till we find the dose that will work if we do find one and then pay for more er trips. Not happy. Subsy gave me my hubby and kids back somewhat again."

• vlg
• January 26, 2024

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I've been on the patches for severe nerve damage resulting from a relatively common pelvic surgery 24 years ago. It was so bad, I couldn't eat and could hardly stand up. The surgeon accused me of imagining things! I found help with some much better doctors at a well-known prestigious hospital. After some pain mapping surgery, a neuroma was found and removed from the pelvic floor. Lidocaine injections to the area helped, but not enough. I was referred to an excellent pain management facility where I was prescribed 100 mcg patch, which helped tremendously. I've since reduced the strength but noticed some issues from other commentary. I was told by my docs that when applying the patch, cover it with the palm of your hand and press for 1 min. The heat from your hand helps the adhesive stick better to the skin. (and try placement behind the hip) Next, NEVER cut a patch down thinking it's a way to reduce dosage or wean off of it. This brings a rush of fentanyl to your system causing overdose."

• beto
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 30, 2018

"Three levels of the lumbar spine have been fused, and I've had a spinal stimulator for about 6 months. I was on Fentanyl patches and, given all of the political controversy surrounding the drug, I decided to come off of it and use Hydrocodone for pain control. The supply in drug stores was being rationed by their distributors, and I couldn't count on my required dosage always being available. The drug has become a political football in the state where I live. I came off of Fentanyl in stages, dropping the dose each time by 50%--and at each transition experienced withdrawal symptoms. In retrospect, Fentanyl was very effective in pain control. The alternatives at this point are meditation, exercise, injections, RF probes, and lesser drugs--all of which I'm familiar with. Interestingly, when I inquired of my physician as to the use of cannabis-based approaches, I was advised that I would be dropped from his care after two months if I chose to pursue this alternative."

• Sbay
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 27, 2016

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Only pain med that has worked consistantly for a long period of time but you must be careful. If being outside in sun it must be covered to prevent over dose because heat will increase output. Worked best for me with a low dose and using methadone for breakthrough but most Dr's wont prescribe methadone because of stigma associated with its normal use but had my pain level to around 3. Roxycodone can only get me to 6 at best."

• Gypsy...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 11, 2017

"I currently wear 50mcg/72 h patch. Have been on this same dose for 1 year. Prior year began with 100mcg, then 75mcg, then 50mcg. Last few months my left knee down to my foot swells ENORMOUSLY. Went to E.R. couple months back and they weren't able to give me a definitive answer. The only relief from this swelling is to take the patch off. Problem in doing that is my pain comes back with a vengeance! This patch literally changed my life for the better. Simple tasks use to be impossible. Now I may have to give it up! Anyone else with this issue? Suggestions?"

• Catla...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 28, 2019

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "My life changed on 11/2007 from a bariatric surgery I have been in severe pain in my back at the bra line. I just wanted to walk and it was the only relief to a tolerable level. I take more meds than ever, been dropped by my HMO insurance due to employment sponsor insurance plan changed with acquisition, given 7 days notice, no idea of new insurers information, wouldn't treat non HMO member, even with cash payment or offer a transition plan to new PPO pcp from KP HMO for new referral or transition to pmgnt program. Now I have been on patch (Costco) for 11 months. I am hopeless, my life isn't living, just maintenance of pain by yoga, diet, no dairy, no sugar, no life, I lost my teeth because dry mouth and HMO gave me dolophine found out generic was simply methadone. What!!! "

• Amber...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2017

"I've been on Fentanyl patches for over a year. Even at 100mcg, I'm still in pain. I was on Dilaudid (Hydromorphone) for break through pain, but it did not help because I was tolerant to it. I currently take Opana (Oxymorphone) instead, which does help some. I do not believe my pain can ever be fully managed, since I am in severe pain in over 8 areas. They say they have me on the two strongest medications, so they can't do anything more. I've been told to switch doctors since most of the people at the office quit, but I'm afraid the next one will be worse. A problem with Fentanyl is on the 3rd day I went through withdrawal symptoms because the medicine only lasted 2 days for me. Another problem is the strong chemical smell when you sweat"

• Chumbie
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2017

"Yo Fellow Pain Endurers ~ 34 yrs. suffering Severe chronic pain from 10 hr. preventive surgery & 5 Disc Fusion re: rare Diastematomyelia, Tethered Cord & resulting Scoliosis. Tried every known Therapy/treatment. Avoided ALL meds for 29 mind-bending yrs. 'till I was @ life's end. Enter Pain Mgmt.: 7 various spinal blocks + Gabapentin/ Prednisone/Tramadol/ Butrans/ Oxy/ Methadone ~ ONLY relief came from high Morphine IM/MS Contin & Fentanyl IM/Patch. I HATE meds BUT they have SAVED MY LIFE. Literally. (ya'll know what I mean) Thank God!!! Peace out. Matt"

• Epict...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 24, 2023

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I spent 18 years in critical care and 15 years in forensic medicine. I use a fentanyl patch to control relentless pain. When the pharmacy said they were forced to change to the Mylan brand, I noticed a severe decrease in pain relief. Not wanting to speak ill or falsely accuse the manufacturer, I tried a different box. Still, I found a severe decrease in pain relief. I thought maybe it could just be that the Mylan patches had a less effective delivery system, or that their smaller size (less surface area exposure) resulted in a lesser degree of absorption. I do know that the Mylan Brand patches are EXTENSIVELY less effective than the Mallinckrodt Brand patches I was used to."

• Nanant
• November 17, 2016

"I have severe DJD, bulging discs and spinal stenosis . I have tried everything, was on Opana ER and oxycodone for breakthrough pain. I would still wake up at 4 am in misery and would take more medicine and end up running out of pain meds. So after this yoyo with oral meds I finally asked my doc about fentanyl patches. He started me on 50 every three days. I'm at the 48 hr mark and it is definitely helping. I actually slept through the night last night for the first time in months. I'll change it tomorrow but so far it's really helping me. I have the Mylan brand and the patches stay on very well."

• Livin...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 21, 2016

"Have used a Fentanyl or Duregesic patch for 11 years following spinal fusion from T-2 to the Sacrum. Started on 50mcg every 72 hours. After five years, stepped down to one 25 and one 12 every 48 hours. Then two years ago stepped down to just one 25 every 72 hours. The patch works best for me if I wear it on lower abdomen area, otherwise have problems with it coming off. Maunufacturer also makes a difference. Sandoz brand is the best, but have found it hard to find. Most pharmacies use different manufacturers. Mylan brand the worst. They will not absorb into my body and I go through withdrawal. All the other manufacturers work just ok, but again not as good as Sandoz brand."

• BBBth...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 5, 2016

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have had bad back, neck and shoulder pain for 12 plus years. My Dr's.tried several times doing guided steroid injections and for several hours after the injections I would feel pain free. Once the numbing agent wears off the pain returns to normal. They tried trans dermal compounded creams as well as NSAID's and oral medications. Some of the oral medications worked but not long enough. I would take one at bed time and 5 to 6 hours I would wake up in pain and couldn't go back to sleep. I was only allowed to take 3 a day so if I used one at bed time and one near morning I had nothing through the day. the patches worked well but they tend to roll up and fall off. I am told not to put tape over them. Not sure what to do about that."

• Despe...
• February 11, 2016

" When my medical care first stopped giving me my Methadone for chronic pain, I was switched to a 25 mcg. Fentanyl patch. It did nothing at all. I was then moved up to 37 mcg's of Fentanyl. Again, it didn't work. My PCP finally put me up to 50mcg's, but no luck. Now I'm on 100 mcg's of Fentanyl, and it still doesn't work at all. This medication is worthless, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. I'm finally going to see another pain doctor and get on something that actually helps, so I've got my fingers crossed. The bottom line is that at least for me, Fentanyl patches are absolutely useless!"

• MeKosmo
• October 20, 2016

Subsys (fentanyl) "I've been on opiates for 29 years. I lead a successful and happy life because I've always treated painkillers with respect. They are addictive, but they can give you back your life if you use them properly. 2 years ago my pain doctor switched out my breakthrough meds from 6x 30mg oxycodone to 4x 800mcg Subsys. I also take 3x 80mg OxyContin for steady pain control. Tonight I will use my last subsys, tomorrow I was to receive my next 30 day supply. HOWEVER, LINDEN CARE calls me today and tells me they are not sending it. No 30 day supply, no warning. My insurance company called them to okay it, but Linden Care told them since I don't have cancer I'm not getting it anymore. My pain doctor tried talking to them, still nothing."

• 24 Pain
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 10, 2017

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I broke my back in 2002, 3 years later found out the break did not fuse and after 13 doctors finally found one that would do the operation (as I was cutting my own spinal cord with the broken bones in my back). My surgery was only supposed to be 5 hours but because of all the damage I did it turned into 15 hours. I was cut open from pubic bone over left hip right to spine, now I have 2 rods 4 plates and so many screws they lost count, no bad side effects for me but I wouldn't have a bowel movement for 10 days or so was my only problem. I was on 150 mcg/h"

• Kat
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2016

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "The brand that you get makes a huge difference. I can only find the Apotex brand at the pharmacies within a 70 mile range(25mcg/hr). Some times these patches have very little or no effect on my pain.I am sure it is the lack of consistent medication on some of the patches because I have actually suffered through about 24 hours of no relief then take the patch off and try a new patch,my pain was better 5 minutes later.By each patch being so inconsistent, it can not possibly control my pain consistently.My friend uses Pac brand which she has her pharmacy order, and says they work fine.I will check reviews on different brands and try to have them ordered."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 9, 2012

Fentora (fentanyl) "This medication is the best for taking the severe pain out of my head. I was told I get cluster headaches and I'm glad to get this medication to help with the intense pain. My Insurance Co. will NOT help cover this so I have to pay all out of pocket. My last employers Insurance company paid most of it with me paying $40.00 out of pocket. "

• Huckl...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 25, 2021

"I've got to say this much about fentanyl, one of my biggest problems with these patches is the fact that they have a nasty habit of coming off or not sticking to the skin at all. My next issue is that I am running out of usable places I can reach and keep track of the patch while wearing it, because they are irritating my skin. I've had to stop swimming for fear of the patch falling off of my skin."

• Silve...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 9, 2015

"Condition: DDD L4-L5 S1 & Muscle damage to Left Shoulder. due to gunshot. Previous Meds: MS 30mg x 2 PRN, Percocet 10/325 x 4hrs PRN, & Duragesic 25mcg x 72 hrs. Fentanyl Experience: Excellent around the clock pain management. Side Effects: Light intermittent night sweats. Conclusion: Excellent P/M management."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 31, 2012

"I finally agreed to a long acting medicine to supplement my oxycodone. To make a long story short, on the 3rd day of wearing the 25mcg patch, I woke up with the most debilitating migraine I've ever experienced in my life. I called the doctor to notify him that I'd be discontinuing the medication. I didn't notice any significant change in my pain over the 3 days, and I'm too terrified of experiencing another migraine like that! (Jealous of all those that had great outcomes from using this medicine!)"

• T12U
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 29, 2017

"I've been in chronic pain for over 10 years. Multiple neck, low back and shoulder surgeries. I'm 64years old weight 250lb, I do pool therapy as regularly as I can. I don't drink or smoke. I take tizanidine 4mg at night and currently I'm prescribed A 50 mcg and a 12 mcg patch or a total of 67 micrograms, Milan manufacture patch. All of a sudden I stopped getting relief. At 72 hour mark I'll change the patch and its site and all I can get is 2-4 hours of relief on a 72 hour patch. Then it's pure hell whats going on?? I mean zero relief. Just muscle spasms for hours on end. I have been on all the rest and fentanyl was the only pain medicine that worked without side effects, without any trouble. I'm devastated and just would like to know what happened"

• Peanut
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2018

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I was put on fentanyl patch when percocet no longer worked. After a month I asked the doctor to give me something else. My skin turned grey, my husband said he could smell the fentanyl coming through my skin and I just wasn't myself. Personally would never use it again."