... but I can't keep it put for 3 days just taping sides
Fentanyl - Is it OK to cover patch with skin tape to keep it from falling off? Directions say no?
Question posted by lari on 22 July 2011
Last updated on 5 May 2023 by lildiva4jc
3 Answers
I have no idea. I'm trying to find out if is transdermal cover I can use that breathes. That is what the directions say. But I'm having a hard time finding one's that breathe. Help
Look on your brochure that is inside the box of your Fentanyl. I use the Mylan brand of Fentanyl and it states I can use Tegaderm covers which I have been buying for quite a long time now. I purchase from a medical supply company.
I'm not certain about the tape this is why I say - look at the little guide they enclose with the Fentanyl. It's really important to read that so you understand how the drug reacts/side effects etc. I get the HP Tegaderm by the way. I always put the date I changed the patch which is very important.
If you use the Duragesic name brand patch there is a number on the box to call the company and after you answer a few questions about how you apply them and that sort of thing, they will send you boxes of overlays that cover the patch and extend out over the sides to help keep it in place. If you use the generic, you might call the manufacturer and see if they offer anything similar or you can buy boxes of what is called bio-occlusive dressings. The ones Duragesic makers sent me are called Bioclusive and are made by Johnson & Johnson. They are a large 10.2cmx12.7cm transparent dressing and it is okay to use over the fentanyl patch. I dont use Fentanyl anymore but I still have several boxes of these so the company did send plenty-I think they send a 90 day supply free of charge. Tegaderm is another brand of the same kind of dressing. You can find them in stores that carry wound care supplies. Walgreens would probably have them.
Try calling the company first because they are rather expensive to buy yourself. The only complaint I had with them is that if they fall off for any reason, it makes the fentanyl patch unusable again because it will be STUCK to the overlay! But these overlays really do help a lot!!!
Dzoobaby I think I saw (Tegaderm) either it or something as close as could be at CVS, they also carry Tegaderm at Hospital Supply places, But I would guess you that CVS would go out of their way to help (also to advise you)
Sorry, but this policy has changed. Hate to butt in my friend, but the brand name of the Fentanyl patch, Duragesic, was reformulated back in spring 2010, I believe, and no longer has the. reservoir of medication. When they did this the entire patch is now covered with adhesive and they did away with their program of providing free Bioclusive adhesive to put over the patch. They sent me 4 boxes of Bioclusive in my last shipment in spring 2010 as the program was being shut down. I haven't been on the patch for about 9 months now so that's the newest news I know, but I always covered the entire patch with the Bioclusive adhesive then put a cloth tape (Hypafix from Smith & Nephew - roll of 4 inches X 10 yards - cut to size - special order from a pharmacy) along the edges. I didn't have any problems covering the whole patch ( the newest kind) and could go swimming etc and keep it on. You can always get the manufacturer's name on the package, google it for a phone number, and call them to see why you can't cover the whole patch.
Both Bioclusive and Tegaderm work well but are very expensive - 50 cents to $1.00 a cover. I found the Hypafix to be much cheaper - a 4 inch X 10 yard role was less than $13 and could be cut to the right size, so you don't waste any.
The overlays get gummed up in heat-humidity where I live. Same with clear Med tape. I wear mine on upper arm so not covered in clothes but 3 days it seems is difficult for us all. If it doesn't last I can't sleep and I get jumpy.. there has got to be a better way to make these patches. Duragesic should get a better stick-um on em!
Related topics
Further information
- Fentanyl uses and safety info
- Fentanyl prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Fentanyl (detailed)
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