I started the Fentanyl patch 17 hours ago and I can not tell whether it is working, if it isnot going to work I am in big trouble if you know what I mean, how long does it take for the patch to work, I am at 17 hours and I have never used it before?
Fentanyl Patch - how long does it take for it to start working?
Question posted by ksmbroadway on 15 June 2012
Last updated on 15 October 2018
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.
27 Answers Page 2
dfdmedic
8 Jan 2015
The amount of time that it takes to feel the effects depends on a number of factors, such as patch placement (I have found that on the left side of the body works better for me, due to the proximity to the heart and great vessels of the circulatory system), the amount of fat in the area you place the patch, among others. Personally, I can tell when the patch is running out of medication due to an increase in pain and sometimes, if I wait longer than the 72 hours that the patch is designed for, some slight withdrawal symptoms. On the rare occasion that this happens, I can generally feel the symptoms that I just mentioned begin to disappear in 3-4 hours. This is different than when starting the patch for the first time, however. When I first started using the patch 3 years ago, I started to feel relief from pain after about 12-16 hours after putting that first patch on.
My doctor and all the literature I've read stated that it will usually be around the third patch before the levels of Fentanyl stabilize in your bloodstream and you get complete pain relief. This was true for me also.
On an unrelated note, let me give you some VERY valuable advice on how to keep the patch on. The patches themselves work great, but the adhesive on the patches WILL NOT keep the patches stuck to your body unless you are completely inactive (such as a bedbound patient). If you are the least bit active, then the patch will come off, I assure you. In order to keep them on, get yourself some Tegaderm dressings. They are made by 3M and they sell them at most all of the large chain drugstores and Walmart. They are a clear, transparent, breathable dressing that you place over the Fentanyl patch that keeps them on great. Get the medium sized ones. I am up and moving all day at work, I exercise and sweat a lot, and I've never had one come off. In my opinion, you cannot use the patches without the Tegaderms.
penrose79
17 Nov 2014
I have found that 12-24 hours suffice to work for me. I have only had the generic brands and ALL so far have sent me overlays. There will be a 1 800 number on the box. Call and tell them your patches are falling off. I have had 3 different company's mylan, PAR, and I can't remember the other one have sent my overlays. Good luck on your journey.
ArmyMedic61
27 Oct 2014
Just some advice for those of you who cannot keep the patch sticking to your skin. Go to Amazon.com and order Tegaderm. It's a see-through waterproof bandage. As a medic and a patient who has used Fentanyl patches, I assure you that Tegaderm is foolproof. And by the way it only took me about four to six hours to start to feel the effects of the patch the first time I was on it.
remynancy
3 March 2015
What affects are you feeling?
buckleybets
8 Sep 2015
I have been applying fentanyl patches for 4 years.
I use a cotton ball and alcohol and remove such things as dust etc. Or buy a box of alcohol swabs! Guaranteed to work or your money back!!! $0
Cindy bigmam jackson
12 Nov 2015
I've been on 30mgs of oxycodone 4 times a day and now they put me on fentanyl 50mcg/hr I've had it on 2hours nothing my legs and hips hurting still how long does it take to start working
Kimberly72
29 Nov 2015
The companies Mylan and Duragesic will send you clear adhesive bandages that they have tested and approved for free if you just ask. Mylan sends me them each month... no problems and they are even better than tegaderm.. They haven't tested tegaderm btw.
2ducksqwacking
6 March 2016
I know these posts are a year old but I figured I would add what has worked for me. The fentanyl patches make me sweat a lot which caused a problem keeping the patches on. I used the Tegaderm to keep the fentanyl patches on. It works but my skin reacts and gets very sore after while. I discovered some brands stay on and others not so much. The brand name Duragesic stays on but because of the new heathcare law I lost my amazing health insurance policy so I cannot afford them. But the Sandoz generic brand are identical to the Duragesic brand and stay on just as well for me. The Mylan generic brand stay on. They used to pop off for me but they are not as stiff now and stay on just like the Sandoz generic. Hope this helps someone.
Angels Paradise
30 July 2014
I'm new on the Fentanyl patch - about a week now. I've read the comments and generally agree. For me at 50mcg and 30 oxycodone 10-325 for break through pain. In the beginning I was extremely frustrated because the patch would not stick. I'm female and lack hair on my chest, single and live alone so couldn't get it on my shoulder blade. I've decided that nothing was going to stop me in life no matter how bad the pain in my knees is our how many times a Baker cyst ruptured. If I could put one foot in front of the other I would. So working 40+ hrs a week doing high energy live demos to the public probably isn't the best condition for anything to stick to the skin! So I did some research and found that Tegaderm (TM) 4 in X 4 3/4 in on my hip or side was prefect. I had such amazing relief in 24 hrs and was not on the oxy-coaster.
For me the pain in my knees was so severe I was setting out a pain pill on my night stand and was setting my alarm 30 minutes early so I could get out of bed without extreme pain. I was amazed that 24 hrs after the patch I could get 1) get a full nights sleep without the pain waking me and 2) not dread getting out of bed or go to the bathroom and be able to get up and down without much assistance (pushing on the wall or sink or seat for assistance.) For me, once I figured out how to keep it on my body has been truly a great thing. That being said today completing my first 7 days it seems like that 3rd day is it not nearly effective. Other than that I'm thankful that I'm not a slave to pills and that for the most part I can now lead a fairly normal lifestyle that a 35 yr old woman would thanks to the fentanyl patch.
It took 24-48 hrs for me to see the full effects of the patch.
Whiteboy9964
2 Sep 2014
I am on 50 mg patch and I love it. It works great for me. They are a pain in the ass to stay on but I use sport tape on mine and it works great. Hope this helps.
Whiteboy9964
2 Sep 2014
I use sport tape on my patches and they stay on great now.
backinaction
11 Sep 2014
I was on up to 150 mg of roxis a day until I found a Dr willing to write me the patches. He started me on the 100mcg patches every 72 hrs along with 20mg roxis 3 times a day as needed. He is going to change my patches to every 48hrs next visit. I have found a great Dr here in Florence SC that genuinely cares about his patients and listens to me. He will stay in my room for an hour if I need him to and he is the first Dr to ever do that!! Needless to say I am very happy with him. Best Dr of my life and we are both 43 so we will have a long standing relationship. Also the Tegaderm over the patch works wonders, will not come off. Good luck to everyone out there that legitimately needs pain meds bc those that dont make it so damn hard for us that do.
My Kiaya
24 Sep 2015
I'm using the patches too and I found if I put them on under my bra it helps to hold them on.
Zyskie
11 Oct 2015
I have Mylan Fentynal Patches I wrote the Company and told them their patches won't stay on. They sent Me 10 coverlets to put over the patch every month when I get my script I get another box of coverlets in the mail for free all I have to do is fill out the sheet they give me with the lot number on the patches box send it to them and a few days later ups or fedex delivers the coverlets to me.
H
kimmcg
12 Nov 2015
Hey :) idk if you're still on the F Patch..but I've been on it for a while di5e to osteoarthritis..I'm only 47 :/ anyway just wanted to share a tip on how to get the patch to stay on. I usually put it on the upper part of the breast..alternating every 3 days of course. But first I clean the area gently with alcohol.. then the patch... Then I use Leuko Tape over it. It's a type of breathable sports tape my daughter PT uses to tape her knees, you cold also use KT Tape. It's sticks through showers..swims..etc for DAYS..until you take it off. :)
kimmcg
12 Nov 2015
Try lightly cleaning the area 1st w/alcohol and the cover the patch with breathable medical tape. I use one called Leuko Tape.. I also use KT Tape. Both stay on for days thru shower after shower! :)
ElpisIsrael
20 Nov 2015
If you use the Mylan brand they will supply you with Tegaderm patches to keep them on but only 10 each month so you have to keep applying for them. I got fed up and order 50 at a time online, usually through Amazon. Search for the best price.
Kimberly72
29 Nov 2015
I have been using the patch for several years. My doctor has me change mine every 48 hours, but I find that is stretching it for me still. I find it stops helping around the 40 hour mark. I did have trouble with them sticking at first... but I found out that Mylan (the brand I use) will send you adhesives much like tegaderm for free each month and they are better than tegaderm. You just have to call them and ask about it. I heard the Duregesic company will do the same.
Inactive
1 Aug 2016
I had the same problem with it sticking but once I started using the Tegaderm and found it worked best on my outer ribcage/side the doctor did have to change it to putting a new patch on every 48hrs instead and that worked great
Casey1005
10 April 2017
Yes when applying patch on the back upper shoulder use your left hand to hold a mirror and use your right hand to apply the patch. Make sure to clean eres thoroughly then dry area before applying patch.
taz1641
24 May 2014
I put my 25_Mcg on the night I got them.
Poof, it REALLY does WORK.
NEXT A.M. I WOKE UP WITH VERY LITTLE PAIN.
+++ NO MORE COUNTING MY PERCOCET'S :-)
bgj
27 Jan 2016
What mg of Percs were you on? My pharmacist and my doctor say it DOES take 72 hrs to know if it works. I put on my first 25mcg patch on at about 5 or 6pm last night and woke up in extreme pain. I was also very depressed and a little suicidal. I am not on the Percocets now although I took it after 5 hrs after I woke up because I couldn't stand the pain. I'm doing much better now. I was on percs and a higher dose of Fentynol in the past and fell and couldn't move and called 911. I ended up in the hospital and then in physical rehab to learn how to walk again. I have since changed doctors and told the new doc what had happened and he said it was bc I was on the Percs too and that this is a small dose of the patch. Is there anyone out there that has anything to say about any of this and please don't tell me not to take the Percs because I explained everything to my pharmacist and she suggested using the Percs for the first 72 hrs.
Has anybody experienced any of my reactions? Especially the depression. I'm thinking, after talking to two docs and two pharmacists, that the depression may be from all of the pain which interferes with everything I try to do in life. Anybody???
Cmqa12
9 Feb 2016
Don't feel bad. I have a condition with my trigeminal nerve and I'm on both. I recently tried to stop my patch and just do percs but I can't do just one. Just watch and realize you'll still have some level of pain. I'm so sorry your going through this.
jstp
17 Oct 2013
Hey man. Listen.. I've read a few of these comments and there just funny.. first off fentenyal don't come in mg.. its mcg.. seconed. I read a few comments down this page that he scratches his skin before application... good way to OD... NEVR PUT A PATCH ON aggrivated skin. And never shave the area that the patch is applied...
Instead
Wen u get ur boxes take the papperwork out and look up the pharmacutical company's numbr. Call them and tell them u need them to send u a box of tegaderm overlays.. u no wen u get an IV and they put a big clear bandaid on. That's tegaderm.. its free of charge and sent discretely by fed_x.. I. Use the clear patch filled w gel. That's the activas brand.. if u use the mylan brand the number u need will be in the thin phamphlet.. don't ever tape on ur patch w anything other than wat the manufacturer provides for free...
if u r a person that has allergies to the adheisive of the tegaderm u can go to any riteaid pharmacy or even walmart and buy a deoderant called certain-dry. Its a 72hr long strength. Put it on the patch cite 12hrs prior to application of the patch and that should help keep it on.. remember.. more deaths occor to people on this drug than any other drug out there. Please be responsible... good luck to all... god bless a healthy life...
Mick Aldighty
11 Oct 2014
Well actually they do come in milligrams. A 25 microgram patch is 2.5 milligrams of Fentanyl etc... so yes mr drug know it all guy they do come in milligrams it is just delivered in micrograms. Ric Flair woooooooo! !!
Jasmav
19 Aug 2015
You are correct butrans comes in mcg not mg. Any of you that are cutting this patch in half are a recipe for a bad ride maybe your last. As far as those of you who try to go to percs etc the won't work on you for a while I've been down this road and have a strong medical background.we are here to help one another not belittle
My Kiaya
24 Sep 2015
I think all of you need to read your direction and apply them the way it tells you too. DO NOT scratch your skin or any of that . If it is not working call your doctor you my just need to increase your dose. Follow the directions
breeze54
4 Nov 2015
Yeah I hate rude know- it- all people. When someone is looking for help, they don't need to hear you. As my mom used to say "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"
Mansikka75
17 April 2016
Thank you for all ur great information! You seen very nice at first when I began to read ur post I was thinking "that snob know it all" but I had only read afew lines! I came back, decided to finish reading ur post & u pointed out some VERY IMPORTANT INFOMATION, SOME VERY IMPORTANT DON'TS & DO'S /do's n don'ts so I just want to tell you that you just may of saved lives by this important INFOMATION! I hope & pray that your doing well and also practicing ur own information on safety. Big thumbs-up to ya dude! Sorry about my first expression but really I only had read a couple lines but now amazed after I read the entire post. Take care
-Mansikka75
Forever Pain
4 Dec 2016
To the person that commented that 25mcg's is 2.5mg's... No sir... 25mcg's is 4.2mg's of fentanyl.
meyati
17 June 2012
It takes time for them to work, then it's really nice. Sometimes I use Lidocaine patches to give my system a switch and keep my body from needing higher doses. Hope that it goes well for you. If you have trouble with the patches coming off, you can buy a roll of adhesive tape and use it like scotch or duct tape. Also make sure that your hands and body isn't greasy-as that causes them to stop sticking.
One time my son was trying to get his patches to stick after eating Popeye's chicken-He's a disabled vet with a tans unit that uses patches.
amber1367
28 Sep 2014
If you have trouble with patches staying on buy tegaderm. It's a clear sticking like tape large enough for any size patch. You can find it in any drugstore or WalMart down the first aid aisle. They come in a box. Trust me you'll never need anything else ever again! Spread the word. I'm not sure why many don't know about it. I've used them for years. Please tell everyone you know, especially anyone who uses duct tape to keep them on their skin. Trust me I've read that!
hopkinssl
26 May 2015
I use a 50mg Fentanyl patch (Watson Laboratories). On the back of the box there is a 800 number you can call and request Tegaderm patches. They sent me 200. You will have to provide lot #, product #, and expiration date. Even if you use a different brand, it's worth a call to ask. I came off 10mg of Oxycodone and 10mg Morphine and went to the Fentanyl patch. I am very happy as the patch provides continuous relief of pain. There is no "high" which was an adjustment but happily, I don't miss that anymore.
Pxsux77
5 Sep 2017
Thanks for the answer about the number on the back of the box!! That will save me a ton of money!
HeadStarter
16 June 2012
I have been on 100 mcg changing every 3 days for 8 months now. I see where you stated that you think you are starting to feel the effects. That is a good thing. It felt like it was a slow go for me in the beginning because the pm doc I had at the time didn't want to increase the 25 mcg for at least 3 weeks. I thought I was going to lose my mind with the pain and only 30 percocets for breakthrough pain. After much haggling with this doctor about his lack of care or concern for me... I went back my previous doctor following an implant I received for nerve pain (it's complicated) and he put me on 75 mcg every 3 days for 2 weeks with 15 mg of oxycodone for breakthrough pain. Then upped the Fentanyl patch to 100 mcg where I am at least comfortable an can function. Somewhere in there I had a hip replacement that I am still recovering from but the pain management part is still the same.
These really do work quite well so I hope you get the same type of relief... when you get to the right dose.
Be well and have a great weekend. Try not to stress too much as that tends to exacerbate pain.
Blessings,
Mary
sara12345
16 June 2012
I would like to add another pain patch to consider, Butrans, which came out about a year ago and has opiates. Especially to NEW YORK GUY, it sticks like nothing else. It will not come off as my estrogen patch often softens up and doesn't stick well.
It also takes effect gradually. It has kept me out of the ER for severe migraines, plus I am able to move around physically more since raising the patch from 5 mcg to 10 mcg. Absolutely no side effects.
Just to let anyone know who may be helped by it. It's a winner with me.
boogerdog1
12 Dec 2014
My doctor actually used the Butrans because I wanted to get off pain meds all together. We came up with a plan to start at 15mcg then went to 10 then 5 then he advised me to cut the 5 in half and get 2.5 then I was off them. I was getting several strong pain meds for 10 years. Seemed to work well and I feel a heck of a lot better. Bup is a great drug. I think the 15 was a little high to start with... don't put the patch on a side you lay on or more will release when sleeping and the patch won't work the full 7 days.
sara12345
13 Dec 2014
What a great story. I'm wondering what effects you had that you thought that the 15 mcg was too strong for you. And it seems that you really didn't need pain killers, but needed a way to get off of them. That's great. In my case, I still have pain and do need them. I got severe 24/7 migraines caused by a major stroke. I also get Botox, nerve block and trigger point injections for my migraines. Thanks for sharing.
boogerdog1
13 Dec 2014
I've also had nerve ablation, trigger point injections, and just about everything else. Surgery as well. My husband suffers from migraines and I'll tell ya that is no laughing matter, he has 16 or more days a month with ones so bad he's laying in a hot shower because he's so dizzy he can't stand and throwing up as well. He's had them since he was 6 years old, his mother and all his children have them. Awful. I hope you have few migraines!
boogerdog1
13 Dec 2014
It didn't post my 1st comment, weird but I do have a lot of pain I've broke my L4 2x twice and have a bad si joint as well as juvenile onset rheumatoid. I'm fully disabled. I use a heat pump called a K pack they use them at hospitals. Works for my pain for the most part... I could use meds at times, hopefully I won't need any.
bfield
23 April 2015
Butrans patches however, take 2-3 weeks to work but once it kicks in it is very effective for chronic pain.
sara12345
24 April 2015
To boogerdog1,
Sorry I missed your last 2 messages. I am really concerned about your husband. Has he tried Botox, nerve block and trigger point injections and the Butrans patches? How can he have a life at all? What is he doing to help his migraines?
Sara
Jasmav
19 Aug 2015
Folks you can not cut a butrans patch in half.good recipe for od. It delivers micrograms. Don't cut them in half I'm sorry but that is bad info to get someone hu
idabbleinthearts
5 Nov 2015
butrans takes a long time to build up in your system. it is very expensive,( especially If your up to the 20mcg) they don't last the full 7 days and if you take a warm enough shower the patch starts curling at the edges. plus you cant take anything for breakthrough pain, unless its very high doses of hydromorphone, oxymorphone, meperidine or 200-300mg of oxycodone. due to the fact that it is a partial agonist/antagonist of the mu/kappa receptors. it blocks the effects due to it being a partial antagonist.
sara12345
6 Nov 2015
Regarding your comment that you cannot use any medication for breakthrough pain, I am stumped. I wear the Butrans patches of 15 mcg. My neurologist and my headache specialist from a top rated university medical center have prescribed Maxalt and Sumatriptan which are great when my migraines get bad. Butrans patches have been such a benefit to me. I used to have to go to the ER about every 3 weeks. Now with the patches, I no longer have to go there at all. They have also helped me to do more physically without exacerbating my migraines. I have seen others on this website say that their patches don't last the full 7 days, but mine do. Yes, they are expensive, but my insurance now pays for them. Now that I've met my full copay and deductible, I pay nothing for any medications or medical bills. I do wear them in the shower. If they curl, then I put a band aid over them. Hope that this information may help someone.
BennyT
26 Nov 2016
I have been on Butrans patches for almost two years. At first I felt relief, then just like anything else, you have to try something else. The Butrans patches are expensive since they are not generic. I just went on Fentanyl patch yesterday. 25, I know that will not help me, but doctors say I have to start light and graduate. The Butrans patch lasts for a week, not every 3 days. I am not sure what to expect with the Fentanyl patches. Does anyone know which one is worse for your health? Thanks.
sexygrammaof3
15 Dec 2016
I was on butrans for a spinal fusion and also Norco for breakthrough pain. My dr had to up me all the way to the highest 20 mg and it just kept making the pain worse until I could barely walk. She took me down and now off that patch and had to up my Norco while I was going down on the patch. Just today she gave me fentanyl patch which I will start tonight.
balbanese
15 June 2012
You need to give it more time. It's not going to overwhelm you with relief. It's a subtle aid to help you better manage your pain. Hope it kicks in soon.
DzooBaby
15 June 2012
Balbanese is correct. Patches dont flood the receptors with medicine like Oxy 30's do (this is why pain Drs like them-less chance for non medical use because the user wont feel a rush, or a high) so the relief will come on slowly and you may not obtain full relief until your second patch. Usually when they start these they will give you a bit of short acting meds to take for the first few days until your bloodlevel is correct and they are at their full pain relieving potential. Hang in there. You should be able to tell how well these work by the second patch. It is usually about 24-48 hours before you get full pain relief potential.
jjs4you2
24 March 2017
I have been on the Fentanyl 100x2 200mcg/hr for 3 years, starter on 25mcg over 12 years ago. I can drop to 100Mcg for 9 to 12 days about every other month. My patches will start to take effect in about 4 to 6 hours. Best place is on your back shoulders, on the. Front it gets to sweaty.
Pxsux77
5 Sep 2017
I use my oblique area and that seems to work too..
Bartley1972
21 Oct 2017
JJ.how do you get a doctor to prescribe you 200mcg of fentanyl??? I was told that 100mcg was the max dose...
NewYorkGuy44
15 June 2012
I was also on Fentynyl patches, and I started on 25 which literally did nothing. so 3 days later they raised it to 50 mg, which started to work about 12 hours after. They say that it takes 8 - 12 hours to get into your system, but for me, they simply did not work that well to help with my pain, and they kept falling off my chest, I had to tape it on, Pain in the ass. I know it was way too low of a mg for someone like me who is severely hurt, in constant chronic Pain, so when they asked if I wanted it upped, i refused, and they put me on OxyContin.
What MG are you on, and do you take another pain killer for Breakthru Pain? If not, you should ask them, It doesn't hurt to ask. I don't know what is wrong with you, so I can't really go into anymore details. But I find that by taking an Immediate release Pain killer like Percocet, or Roxicet, with my regular meds, seems to boost both of them and it works so much better.
Good luck Vote up if I helped.
Whiteboy9964
2 Sep 2014
Well when I took pills they did not help with my nerve pain at all. I would not trade my fentanyl patches for all the pills in the world. My pain stay up around 8 or 9 and some time I would pass out from the pain. Pills did not help. I change my patch ever 48 hours and it works great pain level is about 1 or 2 now. Hardly no pain at all you have to find the right patch for and it will work great. I had to go to the name brand patches the generic would not work for me. I am just on the 50 mcg and love it. I took 3 different kinds of real strong pain pills and all it done was get your mind off the pain for A hour or two but these patches stop the pain you just have to find the right one.
Bernardino
1 Nov 2014
I had the problem with the patches falling off/not staying on long enough to get the full effect of the med. ANSWER-
Nexcare makes Tegaderm waterproof transparent dressing! It's the same stuff that the hospital uses to cover a IV. Stays in forever until you take it off. I take showers, my pool therapy, etc. Swear by them. Found them at Rite Aide. Pharmacist told me give it a try. Get them and you won't regret it. Didn't know how much of the medicine wasn't getting in my system before this
ElpisIsrael
19 July 2015
If you use a tegaderm patch over the Fentanyl patch it makes a world of difference to getting them to stay on through activity, showers, etc.
ciemarie
15 Nov 2015
For me it really depends on what patch I use the ones with the gel do not work and do not stay on. The best one I have found is Mallinckrodt. It stays on and works in about 4 hours. I must change my patch every two days. Good luck to you all I found my patches at Target. They ordered them special for me. Try Mallinckrodt. You will be amazed. Thank you Aisha.
ciemarie
15 Nov 2015
For me it really depends on what patch I use the ones with the gel do not work and do not stay on. The best one I have found is Mallinckrodt. It stays on and works in about 4 hours. I must change my patch every two days. Good luck to you all I found my patches at Target. They ordered them special for me. Try Mallinckrodt. You will be amazed. Thank you Aisha.
scout 68
1 Oct 2016
I found that if you can get the gel instead of the matrix patch they work allot better and last longer as far as them falling off that was happing to me my pharmacist gave me this patch that goes over the fentanyl patch it's called tagaderm it holds the patch on and I always apply heat to the patch before I put it on that ensures it sticks good also speeds up the time of absorbsion but be careful not to apply to much heat you can get to much to quick and you don't want that I'm on 100mcg
Pxsux77
5 Sep 2017
Definitely tegaderm is the best for mine to stay on also... been on the patch for 6 years and have used tegaderm the entire time.
CancerMan
4 Dec 2017
Ask your doctor to write a script specifically for the Duragesic brand of Fentanyl patches. They stay on much better than any other brand!! I even shower with mine and I don't have an issue.
kaismama
15 June 2012
They take 12-24 hrs. to be totally in your system. I'm sure your doc started you on the 25. They will need to be increased in a short time, to what your dose will be. Do you have anything for breakthrough pain in the meanwhile?
ksmbroadway
15 June 2012
Well, I have had two (2) consecutive back surgeries and I wanted to get away from the pills so my doc scripted 75mg the patch, Before yesterday I was taking 30mg roxy. I think it is starting to work now and no I dont have anything for breakthrough, the idea was to get away from the pills, I felt like I was a slave to them and when you run out, oh boy, then there is trouble, but I feel something happeining now, it is starting to work, I think, I don't have a lot of trust, a lot of dissapointments when it comes to my particular pain, worse than getting a tooth pulled except constant, so, I was in a constant state of oral surgery as far as the pain was concerned.
kaismama
15 June 2012
Great if its starting to help. I was just thinking something for breakthrough until the patch started working. I hope you have good results from it.
Whiteboy9964
2 Sep 2014
It takes about 48 hours for all of it to get in your system but I would not go back to pills for anything. I still take a few for breakthrough pain but it is very few. I am on 50 mg patch and I change mine ever 48 hours and it works great for me. Love it best move I ever made. Hope it works for you too.
penrose79
1 Dec 2014
I am on 50mcg every 48 hours and wouldn't go back to only pills ever again. It took 24 to 48 hours for me to notice a real improvement. I think I varies person to person and with different brands. I hope this helps.
pphead
10 June 2015
patch is useless for some people... I would stick to oxycodone... the patch takes too long and when it does there really is not any relief... had one on for 72 hours... JUNK... worsed medication I have seen... I prefer the Percocet bar none!
vonkatts04
23 June 2015
I have been on both Roxy and fentanyl in my opinion the fentanyl withdrawals are horrible compared to the Roxy.
Kykbxr
20 March 2017
On my 5th patch mylan 50mcg. Just started feeling some relief and would like to increase it to 100mcg. Is this to early to increase dosage. I have taken a plethora of pain medications in pill form. And never want to go to pills again. I had a serious fall and put on disability. But searching for more quality of life to regulate my chronic pain. A neighbor of mine recommended the dilaudid pump. Will talk to my doctor as well as other input from others. Curt
CAMicucci
18 April 2017
I know exactly what you mean when you said you felt like a slave to the pills
Norma Jean Smith
24 Aug 2017
I put a 75 mg dental patch on 5 hours ago an I am still in so much pain !! Can I take my 40 mg oxicottion till the patch starts working??
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Further information
- Fentanyl uses and safety info
- Fentanyl prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Fentanyl (detailed)
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