I have had my first patch on for about 56 hours now and have not noticed a change in my pain. How long does it usually take to start working and also does water effect it at all. My doctor just put me on the 5mcg/hour patch.
How long before I start to feel pain free with Butrans?
Question posted by Jennifer2017 on 14 Dec 2017
Last updated on 16 June 2022 by sara12345
3 Answers
sara12345
17 June 2022
You can bathe and shower with the Butrans patch on. I have showered with it for over a decade without a problem. But 5 mcg is the lowest level of the patch. It sounds like if you aren't getting any relief at 5 mcg, then you need a higher level patch. They come in 5, 7.5, 10, 15 and 20. I have also used both the 5 and 7.5 mcg patches for a total of 12.5 mcg.
KatsKats8
16 June 2022
My doctor says it should start working immediately. It seems to me it may not be strong enough for your pain. I would call the doctor and let him know it’s not working.
chuck1957
15 Dec 2017
Jennifer; Normal this patch should start to work during the first patch, I don't understand what you mean about water affecting it, Do you mean taking a shower? you do want to keep it dry. you can try to cover and tape it with something use some saran wrap but they have a very good patch that is made for this at the pharmacy ask the pharmacist and also ask again about you not getting any relief yet. And remember each patch must be placed in a different spot. also please read the directions on how you clean the area and pat it dry prior to putting on a new patch. They have a very good directions on the box and folder and dispose of it right if you have any kids or pets it still has some medication enough to od a dog or cat or child when you fold it up and throw it away so look at those directions very good, please.
Jennifer2017
15 Dec 2017
Thank you. I am still wearing my first patch and it has been on since Monday evening. I have been taking a shower but not covering it. Will getting it wet cause it not to work?
Jennifer2017
15 Dec 2017
I have read all the directions but it did not say how long before I get relief and it did not say anything about getting it wet.
Jennifer2017
15 Dec 2017
I am still getting no relief though. I was just wondering if that was normal.
chuck1957
15 Dec 2017
Jennifer; Yes I do believe being wet could cause it to weaken but not loose all of its strengh the best I can say for now is I believe the patch that covers it is called TEGODERM this completely covers the Butrin when you shower then after you are dry take off the Tegoderm patch and please talk to the Pharmacist about the way this is really going to work, Or even call the doctor and let the doctor know this patch is doing nothing at all so far is this normal pain is not fun. But it sounds like the doctor should have given you some kind of pills to wait until this kicks in.
Jennifer2017
15 Dec 2017
Thank you. My doctor put me on this due to a severe spinal injury when my ex kicked me several times in the spine with steel toed boots. He told me to stop taking the pain pills I was on and said this was stronger and would help more. He said if i took the pain pills with the patch i would end up oding. I am in a wheelchair because of the injury.
chuck1957
15 Dec 2017
Hey, Jenn just as I said this is for around the clock pain control and it tells the doctor to evaluate and can be increased every 3 days if needed and us something oral in the meantime. also, we are correct you must be careful that you don't cut the patch when you take it out of an envelope and last not to get it wet. SO you know that you're going to need those patches I was talking about I think teogaderm ask the Pharmacist and call the doctor and say this is day 5 and you are hurting badly. last for now If the doctor gives you any pills be very careful mixing these 2. butran releases small amounts depending on which one every hour. So give that doctor a call. please keep in touch if we can help. Chuck1957 so I would say if they did not get wet you should have started getting relief within 3 days at most. good luck now make that call
chuck1957
15 Dec 2017
Jennifer I have another one on the post please read you should have had some relief in 3 days. so please call the doctor. chuck
Related topics
pain, chronic pain, butrans, doctor, patch
Further information
- Butrans uses and safety info
- Butrans prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Butrans (detailed)
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