My mother recently started using the Butrans patch. A nurse told her to place the patch directly over the pain site which is in the upper lumbar region near the kidneys. Can placement of the patch in this are cause any medical concerns?
Can a Butrans patch be safely placed anywhere on the back?
Question posted by fedman777 on 7 Aug 2011
Last updated on 24 November 2011
4 Answers
tracey05
27 Aug 2011
my wife was just presribed that and her dr.told her not to put on back even though directions say you can.it may be just for her situation but just relaying what he said.hope this helps
DzooBaby
8 Aug 2011
I think that nurse was unfamiliar with this patch. You dont use it directly over the pain site, it is not that type of patch. You want to use it on either side of the chest-above the breast, or on the upper back/shoulder area, just around, slightly below, the deltoid area of the upper arms. The medication is absorbed through the skin into the fatty subdermal area then into the blood stream by the capillaries in the fatty area under the skin. Placing it over bony prominences like the spine will prevent it from being well absorbed. Here is an excerpt from the directions for using Butrans:
Butrans is for transdermal use (on intact skin) only.
Do not use Butrans if the pouch seal is broken or the patch is cut, damaged, or changed in any way. Do not cut Butrans.
Each Butrans is intended to be worn for 7 days.
Apply Butrans to the upper outer arm, upper chest, upper back or the side of the chest. These 4 sites (each present on both sides of the body) provide 8 possible application sites. Rotate Butrans among the 8 described skin sites. After Butrans removal, wait a minimum of 21 days before reapplying to the same skin site [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Apply Butrans to a hairless or nearly hairless skin site. If none are available, the hair at the site should be clipped, not shaven. Do not apply Butrans to irritated skin. If the application site must be cleaned, clean the site with water only. Do not use soaps, alcohol, oils, lotions, or abrasive devices. Allow the skin to dry before applying Butrans.
If problems with adhesion of Butrans occur, the edges may be taped with first aid tape.
If Butrans falls off during the 7 days dosing interval, dispose of the transdermal system properly and place a new Butrans on at a different skin site.
If the buprenorphine-containing adhesive matrix accidentally contacts the skin, wash the area with water. Do not use soap, alcohol, or other solvents to remove the adhesive because they may enhance the absorption of the drug.
When changing the system, remove Butrans, fold it over on itself, and flush it down the toilet. Alternatively, Butrans can be sealed in the Patch-Disposal Unit provided and then disposed of in the trash. Never throw Butrans away in the trash without sealing it in the Patch-Disposal Unit.
Apply immediately after removal from the individually sealed pouch. Do not use Butrans if the pouch seal is broken or the patch is cut, damaged, or changed in any way. Butrans is for transdermal use only.
Keep Butrans out of the reach of children and pets.
Hope this helps!
LaurieShay
7 Aug 2011
Hey fedman,
The butrans patch does not have to be placed over the actual site of the pain. The following describes the appropriate way to use the patch:
Each Butrans is intended to be worn for 7 days.
Apply Butrans to the upper outer arm, upper chest, upper back or the side of the chest. These 4 sites (each present on both sides of the body) provide 8 possible application sites. Rotate Butrans among the 8 described skin sites. After Butrans removal, wait a minimum of 21 days before reapplying to the same skin site [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Apply Butrans to a hairless or nearly hairless skin site. If none are available, the hair at the site should be clipped, not shaven. Do not apply Butrans to irritated skin. If the application site must be cleaned, clean the site with water only. Do not use soaps, alcohol, oils, lotions, or abrasive devices. Allow the skin to dry before applying Butrans.
If problems with adhesion of Butrans occur, the edges may be taped with first aid tape.
If Butrans falls off during the 7 days dosing interval, dispose of the transdermal system properly and place a new Butrans on at a different skin site.
I got this information directly from the prescribing information. Your pharmacist should be able to verify this information which should have accompanied the prescription when you got it filled.
The nurse must not be familar with the butrans patch. It is not like a lidoderm patch which is placed over the pain site.
Best wishes,
Laurie
DzooBaby
8 Aug 2011
Sorry Laurie! I didnt see your answer when i answered this question. I was rather redundant!!
oldman68
24 Nov 2011
If you read the directions that come in the box it clearly states where to put them :)
soldiers girl
7 Aug 2011
I was told by my pain doctor that it should be placed on the body above the level of the heart. Upper arm, upper back placement. Hope this helps!
Related topics
Further information
- Butrans uses and safety info
- Butrans prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Butrans (detailed)
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