I was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago, and my dr just changed my pain medication from oxycodone, to a 25mcg/hr fentanyl patch. I put the patch on my upper arm about 30 hours ago and still feel no difference. Could it be something that i have done wrong?
Should a fentanyl patch take more than 24 hours to begin working?
Question posted by Recon83 on 11 June 2025
Last updated on 11 June 2025
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Answers
Dear Recon83,
First, my sincerest apologies for your recent diagnosis. I have been there. Also, I just lost my mom to glioblastoma and my Dad to squamous cell carcinoma a year ago.
NO. You have done nothing wrong.
While the overlap when changing patches can have a 4 to 6 hour period of "hanging out" if you don't stay up with the schedule*72hrs and switch to the next patch in a different location - try your upper back just over the shoulder. Upper arm is fine though for sure.
**The first application can have a delay of 24 to 36 hours- the delay is due to the serum levels gradually increasing.
It's approaching the 36 hour mark now... yikes I hope it's starting to work.
My consideration also includes your previous opioid medication-- The oxycodone; The dose, frequency, and duration of use-- could also be playing a big part. Opioid naive vs opioid tolerant, and then the degree of which someone's tolerance goes-- all important factors.
My recommendation is to ride it out 'til morning -- do what you can to help with sleep- I know, highly unlikely-- And if you're still not experiencing any analgesic relief from the patch by morning -- definitely call your team, get whomever is handling your pain management on the phone, explain well and make sure it gets documented--- and just know you will get it squared away!!
Titrated 'til you have 24/7 relief by *at least* 30% from your maximum threshold / average level of chronic pain. But a proper dose of a fentanyl transdermal system is the best thing for round the clock care you can get while being free to stay at home.
Best of luck to you, Take care!!
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to help me. I will take your advise as it sounds well informed. Thanks again
Related topics
pain, cancer, fentanyl, oxycodone, medication, patch, pain medication, fentanyl patch, diagnosis
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