The doctor tells me I need to stop using patch because of the blisters, but it's the only thing that helps. Anyone know of a way to stop the blisters and itching to stop?
Love the Butrans pain patch. What causes the itching and blisters?
Question posted by MargoDenae on 21 Oct 2011
Last updated on 3 November 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
26 Answers Page 2
diazs
24 May 2018
I know this is like 7 years old, but I had a hypersensitivity rash to the Butrans patch after using it for months. Every time I took the patch off, there was a blister in the shape of the medicine pad, and whilst wearing the patch, it felt like something was pinching my skin. I have scarring from it. My pain management doc took me off the patch straight away.
sara12345
25 May 2018
There is a very simple solution. Please look at my comment above.
Babyboybiker1
25 Jan 2018
I've used alcohol wipes and flonasal spray as mentioned with quality relief from burning and itching. One concern, ive been using 10+ mg since, 9-10-13, no issue with Butran transdermal patch until 11-1-16. Any known changes to adhesive or medication? My attempts to get answers were unsuccessful? Any and all help greatly appreciated! Thank!
sara12345
26 Jan 2018
I also developed terrible itching rashes from the Butrans patches until I was told to spray Flonase on the area, let it dry, then apply the patch. I have not noticed any changes with the patches. I'm not sure what flonasal is, but try to use only Flonase on the area without the alcohol wipes. Or you may have developed an allergy to the adhesive. Big bummer. I don't know what you are using the Butrans patches for, but getting acupuncture, I have so improved with my major pain that I have been able to very gradually cut the amount of Butrans from 15 mcg down to 7.5 mcg. I went from 15, down to 12.5 (a 5 mcg + the 7.5 mcg), then to 10 mcg, now to the 7.5 mcg. But it took a couple months after each reduction because my whole body would hurt. Maybe worse for me with my fibromyalgia. So if you really can't manage, that might be a way to get off of the patches. AND find an acupuncture place with "community" in the title. They are very low cost. Let me know how you are doing. I would really like to know.
Glen Pegg
10 Sep 2017
I have been using Butrans 5 mcg patches now for about 4 weeks no problems. This week however my
patch has fallen off two different times at which I had to put a new one on each time. I have no problem with the adhesive part of the patch but I have started getting very rough welts from the medicine square of the patch for 2 weeks different patches . This week the patch has left very raw blisters and leakage.
PLEASE has anyone else had this particular reaction. I told my doctor and showed her the welts/ blisters
and she just gave me a new batch of patches and said if it continues we will have to take me off them and try something else. I really need this pain relief.
sara12345
11 Sep 2017
kismetangel 25 Feb 2017 left the answer below. Just spray on something like Flonase, let it dry, then apply the patch. I was told that i couldn't wear it any longer with the welts until a new neurologist told me this trick.
Jimimac60
9 Jan 2018
The same thing happened to me when the doctor put me on 15 mcg from 10 mcg. I had to get off the patch. I started on BELBUCA 150 mgs. today. It’s a small patch you apply inside the cheek of your mouth & it dissolves in 20-30 minutes. I was prescribed every 12 hours. It has the same medication that’s in the Brutrans patch. ( buprenorphine ) I’m praying this works because the Brutrans was relieving my pain but I couldn’t take the iching, burning, blisters which started getting infected.
Mclanes
17 Sep 2019
I have been on Butrans patch for years. It's the only thing that works. All of a sudden it gives me this rash with blisters. It is like eating my flesh. It does this on all sites I put the patch on. I need this patch and have no idea what to do.
texanapurls
27 April 2017
My rheumatologist says it's from the type of adhesive used on all sorts of patches, pain meds or otherwise. After the 4th time I was left with a chemical burn, I vowed to stay away. But, needing the pain assistance and reading the below suggestions,I may try one more time. btw, I've been trying the steroidaltopicals, but wasn't allowing to thoroughly dry. I wonder why the pharmaceutical companies do not suggest using the Tegaderm???
sara12345
28 April 2017
I'm wondering if Tegaderm is similar to the Nexcare patches. Aren't they used to keep the Butrans patches adhered? But the Nexcare patches cause more severe red blistering than the Butrans patches do with me. I am instead using the flexible fabric Band-Aids to keep the edges adhered.
JojosEverydayLife
27 July 2021
Tegaderm is very similar to NextCare wound cover patches, only thinner and better.
kismetangel
25 Feb 2017
I've been using Butrans for almost a year. I don't get the rash or itchiness, but here's my trick... my pain management doctor recommended that I clean the area with alcohol first, let it dry. To prevent any reaction, I spray some Flonase, Nasonex, or any other steroid nasal spray on the area I want to apply the patch. I let it dry, apply the patch, and cover with Tegaderm.
The steroid spray helps to prevent any bumps, itchiness, or other allergic issues with the patch. I hope this helps someone
ChrisMDe
23 Feb 2017
This is an unfortunate problem for many of us. I agree that it is probably an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Something you can try, that has worked for myself and many others in the same predicament, is Flonase for irritation from patch. Spray, let dry and apply the patch. Good luck.
inmate3006
22 Feb 2017
I recently had itch and rash problems with Burtrans patches. Have been using them for a year now, the rash got worse when moved from 10mg to 15mg. I have allergy problems any more and to strange things after Lymes disease treatment.
I think I have fixed my problem. I simply cut the outline of the square area away, tossing the Glue tape. Used 3M Healthcare 1626W Tegaderm Transparent Adhesive Film and reapplied to another area. No itch no problem and the pain patch seems to be working fine.
Inactive
7 June 2018
You may not see this comment but I am terrified to wear patch that has been cut. Even thought I suspect it's the adhesive that I am allergic to. Every piece of literature I have read says not to cut the patch.
Kinda wanted to check in with you to make you're still kicking.
Inactive
7 June 2018
Let me try this again.
I cut the adhesive off of a 15 mcg patch and it stopped itching. However, I have removed the patch several times in the past few days because I am absolutely terrified it's going to cause an overdose.
I have been using Butrans 15mcg with great success for 3 years, without a problem until now. It's disheartening, to say the least. I understand you've done the same and I am hoping without terrible consequences.
Thanks
oldman68
20 Nov 2011
I have the very same problem but i am willing to deal with it cause it helps me SO MUCH . Blister and itching is nothing to me. I just love the relief from the pain in my lifr . this is just how i see it . but best of luck to you whatever you do :)
Inactive
20 Nov 2011
Welcome to our site new friend. That answer was very kind and supportive we're gonna like you being around. Honestly, you might also do well on suboxone or subtext, they are oral meds with the same medicine. Thanks, patti
oldman68
27 Nov 2011
I also have to take many different pills for bipolar disorder and some allergy pills. so i am very carefull about what i am doing . I have a pain doctor and phychaist, allergy ,and primary care doc. i get blood work done every 3 months so i tend to let them all know what the other is doing with my meds but will considerasking them. I work around million dollar equipment at my job . so i have to be carefull and quite. thank you for the info very much :)
uberbmw
29 Dec 2011
I've been on the 10mcG/hr dose patch for about 10 months. Lower back pain due to L5/S1 surgery. Scar tissue build up in my spine is causing chronic pain.
This patch has been wonderful pain-wise but I've been experiencing the itching and blistering. Started about 6 months into wearing the patch. Very strange that it didn't start right away. I guess my body developed a allergic reaction. And let me be clear... it is NOT due to the adhesive. The blistering and itching are localized to the medicine area of the patch. I talked to my doctor about this who said they've had a few other people with the same issue. They prescribed a steroidal cream to apply to the patch site 2 hours before applying a fresh patch. It's helped somewhat and reduced the itching episodes to maybe once a day or two. Blistering has gone down substantially. Overall, the cream has helped and made it much more bearable to wear the patch.
gwebby
29 March 2012
I wanted to add some of the remedies I have found to deal with the blistering and itching caused by the adhesive on the BuTran patch.
First I use barrier wipes - there are many brands all range between 10-15 for a box of 100 - you wipe the skin and it coats it in a film which cuts down on the reaction from the patch.
Second I use Osto Bond - a latex based adhesive and paint it over the glue from the patch - it is water proof and flexible so it peels less. If you have a reaction to latex - there is a Silicon based cement - I buy them from Amazon.com but they ae available at most medical supply places.
Third: when I remove the patch after seven days I use Aquaphor ointment on the site - this speeds the healing so it can recover before the next patch goes there. I rotate to four sites across my back.
This is a trick I have tried when I am very sensitive, I coat the area the new patch is going to be placed on with rx hydrocortisone cream - leave it for 4 hours, then wipe off with alcohol, the med is absorbed into skin and creates a barrier and the BuTran has no trouble working. It cuts down on the itching.
I hope this helps, I know how much using the BuTran patch has changed my life so i hope this can help some of you battling with the skin irritations.
Bobtoms
4 Feb 2019
Use a Rx steroid inhaler sprayed onto your skin under the patch. Just spray it in the right area (I use a pen to outline the right area) where your patch will be, allow to dry a minute, then apply the patch. You'll find the irritation is significantly reduced.
Inactive
23 Oct 2011
you have been answered by the best of the best. They are correct, and you might want to try the pill version. If you keep up with this allergy, it can become life threatening!! I know, been there done that! Good luck.
LannysLady
12 June 2012
Hi, I am new to this forum. I have been perscribed the Butrans patch 10's mcg, to start about 2 months ago. I tried them & it worked wonderful but I noticed when I removed the patch that it was red & itchy, no blistering. I continued to use it because (of course not thinking anything of it) that I am allergic to adheasive tape.
My doctor bumped me up to the 20 mcg patch the following month. It was then I realized that I was having an allergic reaction to the meds in the patch. I started vomiting (not to be gross) when I put the 20 mcg patch on. There is a stomach virus going around in our area & I assumed I had the bug. I'm not trying to throw anyone in left field here, just trying to get out what happened to me so someone may pick up the signs before more damage is done. I vomited for 2 days with the patch on. After having it on for the 2nd full day it started to itch.
I decided to peek under the one corner of the patch & saw how red & blistered my skin was.
Long story short, by vomiting with the patch on, I burned my whole digestive tract, throat & tongue. I removed that patch after only having it on for 2 days & it is now 2 weeks since I removed that patch & I am still having the chemical taste in my throat & nose. I am also experiencing extreme vertigo/dizziness & lack of appetite. I don't know if I should go back to the emergency room, were I was told it was a chemical burn from the allergic reaction to the medication in the pain patch or what because I am in between family doctors right now. I don't know what to do. Any suggestions... or does anyone know how long it takes for this drug to work out of your system. It's scaring the hell out of me... the way I am feeling & the return of some of the symptoms that made me go to the emergency room to begin with... HELP!!!
Inactive
22 Oct 2011
The active ingredient in the butrans patch is bupenorphine, the main ingredient in suboxone and subutex pills and films. See if your dr will try you on either of those, I would go for subutex and in a fairly low dose, but I am no dr, but I did use subs. I agree with Dzoobaby, you are probably allergic to the latex in the patch and/or the adhesive and not the bupe the patch has in it, so subutex or suboxone may be your answer. Best of luck, and tell your dr and all drs you may be allergic to adhesive or latex. Patti
MargoDenae
22 Oct 2011
Thanks for the info. I will ask dr about those alternatives.
LannysLady
12 June 2012
I didn't know it came in pill form. It is the one med that actually took the burning across my shoulders away that has been there every single day since Dec. 2006 when I was rear ended @ a stop sign by someone using a cell phone instead of paying attention to what is going on in front of you!!!
Brono
22 May 2018
Also one of the active ingredients is also a PET plastic. That's why it sticks better than say a smoking cessation patch. allergy? Don't think so. I'd suggest a chemical burn.
DzooBaby
21 Oct 2011
It sounds like you are allergic. If the blistering and itching occurs where you have had a patch in place then it is likely the adhesive you are allergic to. If the itching and blistering is all over then it is the medicine itself you are allergic to. There is nothing you can do except stop the medication. Allergies only get worse the more you are exposed and can get to a point as to be life threatening.
MargoDenae
22 Oct 2011
Thanks.
Stashedawden
22 March 2017
My rheumatologist advised me to spray nasonex on my skin, let it air dry, then put on bite and patch. It helps a lot.
Brono
22 May 2018
If you actually look at Norspan patch ingredients you will see it contains a plastic PET. People think what they have is an allergy to Norspan. Many people get a skin reaction from using the patch. It's not an allergy... it's a chemical burn and some topical sprays and ointments may help pre application. However, a burn is not an allergy. Try to explain applying full bleach or petrol (gas) to a skin surface as an allergy. Research the ingredients.
Stashedawden
24 May 2018
My rheumatologist wrote me a RX for a nasal spray for allergies. I spray it on my shoulder; let it dry; then, put my bite and patch on my shoulder after that. It DOES help!
Related topics
pain, pruritus, blister, butrans, doctor
Further information
- Butrans uses and safety info
- Butrans prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Butrans (detailed)
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