So the second day I was re prescribed Fentanyl patches one fell off, I found it in my bed but cannot make it re stick! I tried tagaderms, medical tape and even duct tape! I am freaking out cause I do not want to dr to think I am misusing them, and I do know this is a huge concern with this medication! Plus I only have five patches to start with? ( They gave me 2 weeks worth so that I can switch doses if need be)Do doctors expect them to fall off? Any ideas anyone?
Was just restarted on Fentanyl patches and one fell off & wont re-stick! Help, what do I tell the Dr
Question posted by NikandherPain on 19 Oct 2009
Last updated on 22 January 2018 by Mcwhin333
11 Answers
It states directly in the Fentanyl Instructions to never use an Alcohol rub prior to placing patch on. I think due to the chemical reaction it can have.
I was told never use alcohol, always use plain water and that came from 2 differnt patch companies. Also call the number on the box of patches they will send u sticky covers that are better than tegaderm. Never stick in same place twice. After you but patch on hold it in place with the palm of your hand for 30 seconds. My patches never stick unless i do all this
I had same problem with patch not sticking. I called the drug company listed on the Fentanyl box. Every month now they send me the Tagaderm clear patches to put over the Fentanyl to ensure it stays on. It works. No more problems. And they do not charge me! They realize that the patch does come off some people. Call them! The number is on the box.
hey mine fell off to.I taped it bak on but when i went to change it as it was no longer sticky taped it the wrong way around?am i still protected? or defo not
The Fentanyl Transdermal System is popular for many important reasons: potent, effective pain relief delivered around the clock on one's intact skin. Problems of adhesion are significant, however, and the patch edges are most susceptible to coming off while losing its adhesive property; the patch CANNOT be re-applied successfully. Furthermore, this does not look upon favorably by my physician as this premature replacement of another patch results in requiring more Fentanyl than what is initially prescribed by my doctor. For the sake of confusion, this is an overly complicated predicament that no patient with pain needing relief will want to address with their doctor.
As recommended by Noven Pharmacuticals and stated in the enclosed spec sheet, having the user simply tape the surrounding patch edges does NOT work for me; this has never been successful (it looks like a failed tattoo on my upper arm!) In lieu of minuscule, half-baked measures that only result in frustration, I rely on an adhesive film dressing e.g., Bioclusive to place over the patch.
3M Tegaderm Transparent Dressing, 50 units, 4" x 4¾," is available at Amazon.com ($36).
The Fentanyl System delivers continuous medicine for persistent pain. I have tried several opiates/pain reduction methods for pain relief due to 2 spinal fusions. By my standards, convenience is probably the most appealing feature of this particular analgesic system. Patches are available in 4 different doses and sizes, but due to our own distinctive skin chemistry properties, Fentanyl patches are indeed susceptible to coming off/loosening prematurely i.e., prior to the recommended 72 hours. Issues of adhesion are mainly due to a host of reasons, not the least of which is moisture/oil continuously collecting underneath the patch between the administration site and the patch similar to a common bandaid.
Hi, I'm sorry you too are having problems with the patches. It's a nightmare! vvdfvfdvdsI have the same exact problem and concerns and was told that is just "ridiculous"??? I have tried so many tapes and cleansers... followed directions from the co. and rx. I have severe dysphagia/swal lowing disorder, so I really need these things to work. I've tried different brands as well. My skin has actually been irritated to the point of bleeding. I was told "I don't buy it, it's ridiculous, and use duck tape! I don't even know how to respond to that comment? I've been having terrible night sweats, which I'm trying to resolve because I know that is a big component, but I'm like you.
I only get so many and I'm lucky if it stays on one night and 2 full days! I was wondering if I could plae the patch someplae (not rx'd), maybe thigh or arm and then wrap it with the sticky type gauze? I'm desperate to find a solution because of the severity of my pain and unique situation. I also use Fentora after I drink, so I can tolerate swallowing and get nutrition without the use of TPN and G and J tubes... been there and I'm not going back, so I really need help too! Goodluck.
I did not realize this would be such an issue, but it is.
Sunday I checked my patch in the shower and it was fine- I protect it from water and heat. Three hours later it was time to change it and I was absolutely shocked to find it was gone completely. I was at a concert at the time and was concerned it had fallen on the floor at our hotel and that our dog might chew it. Knowing it is the lowest dose (12.5) and also at the end of its three days helped, but the fact it came off so easily without me noticing was really disconcerting. After the concert we were driving back to the Bay Area (three hours) and during the drive I discovered it had migrated from the side of my upper arm up to the shoulder and was firrnly stuck there. I had unwittingly been wearing two and was really shocked to find it there (though glad to have located it.) I think I will invest in the Tagaderm covers- wish insurance covered them as they are expensive.
Nik,
Sweetie I am sorry to hear about your patch falling off; I had the SAME problem only mine was found on my hubby after being intimate... he was vomiting profusely and I was getting sick as well... Yes, as a health care professional I can tell you that as long as you do not have a history of abusing narcotic pain relievers, your doc should understand that the patches, generic or brand name can and do fall off... since you are a woman, I found that placing them underneath my breast... in the crease and then holding FIRM pressure for up to 10min allows it to stick well... also depending on your bone structure (thin/med/large frame) the hip just below where it juts out where your panties hold it in place also stays well with a TAD bit of moisture and then FIRM pressure for at LEAST 10min... I hope this helps you... I was sooo scared when mine fell off the first time too!!!
Braffshaa
i was having the same problem with my patches especially since they redone them they wont stay on even with tape, my drs office gave me some wide medical tape that completely covers the patch so it stays on better, even tho the new patches arent near as good as the other ones, it is very bad the people have to abbuse drugs that people need to get by every day
Well after two weeks of hell with those darned patches my doctor switched my medicine to a non patch (Oxycontin 30 mg) How ever I just wanted to note for all of you who read my post and replied that number one, thank you all so much for your advise and support, and number two after exhaustive searching I found for what me any how, works best, Tagaderm! I dont know how to buy them if you need a rx or not, but my mother is a nurse and she snagged me a few! They are the thin very tacky but flexible and comfy tape that they put over your IV to keep it in place! I put one over my patch and you guys wouldn't believe how well it worked! I cannot imagine something else working as well ever! I cannot sing this stuffs praises enough, ask your doc for some, you wont regret it I promise! They are the miracle cure for those damned patched falling off! The only downside to them is that once you peel it off, it wont work again, if you peel the corner down or what not, it will not restick itself! Other than that MIRACLE CURE IM TELLING YA!!!
I'm confused... your original post said that you tried Tegaderms and they didn't work, but now (albeit this is from 2009) you're saying that Tegaderms were the miracle solution. I wonder if they were from two different manufacturers? Or if the ones that were used in nursing were a better quality or product than the kind we can buy at the store? Maybe you can ask her for us...
I just started the patch myself; but I used good medical tape to make it stay on because I lost one myself. Tape it around the edges. I messed up a couple myself; but drs should understand when U are new at this , its very possible for to mess up a couple.
I use waterproof bandages and patch stays on, I swim a lot. When I started using the pain patch I would loose them in the shower so I started using the bandages.
use the medical tape and wrao it around the upper arm. A lot of people have this problem. Have you tried using alcohol rubs on the area you use before putting the patch on?? Anyway try the wrap around the upper part of your arm above the bicep..Good luck ...
Yes I have tried the rubbing alcohol, and placing it on many different parts of my body. I will do as you suggest, give it a shot. Do you know if the doctors plan for this type of thing? I mean looking one already puts me at three days of no meds, plus I only got them filled on Friday! I'm worried about loosing another, in the shower per se? Im afraid if I tell me Doc that they are gonna think me misusing them? I had an aunt who would put more that one on, then use a heating pad over them to make them work quicker? I just know it is a common practice is all, and I have tried my damnedest to make sure I have a shinny record with my pain management so that if something does happen, they will have my back you know? Also I believe I am having an allergic reaction to the glue. Anyone ever have this happen to them? It has turned my skin into a big PAINFUL scab!!!
keep all of the used patches and see the doctor asap. Show him/her the skin irration and I'm sure they will come up with something. By keeping the patches you are proving that you aren't selling them or smoking them. It sucks that you have to do this but to many addicts ruin it for people that really need these drugs. Good luck...
Crap I was flushing them because of all the people saying that there children accidentally stepped on one or dog licked it, and because the box told me to, and because of the stories about people dumpster diving behind hospitals to find used ones? Man I am doing this all wrong, maybe since I have a yearly U.A. coming up they can tell that I am not selling them since they are in my system, and hopefully they can tell that I am not "smoking" them from that too! (Honest to God I had no idea that people smoked them! I heard of eating them, but not smoking them! I just Googled that since I had never heard of it and turns out there are a million ways people can misuse them! Even shooting them up!!! I thought a little piece of plastic was the perfect way to make sure that no one could misuse them! But i guess where there is a will there is a way! Its sad!)
Purchase good medical tape that sticks well. Medical tapes are all different. Get the thin light weight kind; its pretty sticky. Just stick it around the edges. My stays on well. It makes a big difference which tape U use.
I used to use duct tape after prepping the area well with a alcohol pad , i never had any trouble with them sticking. I wore them for 26 years. are you a big sweater? I readently took myself of the fentynal patches against doctors orders. I wore a 100mg patch every 3 days for 26 years. It took me 4 days to ween myself off all pain meds , BUT now I'm still suffering raging pain. I wish you the most luck but with very little thinking you will make em stick , and yes you can wear them for 4 days.
And by the way my doctor told me that a patch not sticking is not a valid reason to presribe more patches. They do expect them not to stick well and will except that excuse a time or two , but for the most part they expect you to figure out a way to make them stick. Its a whole different ballgame if you are allergic to the glue , let your doctor now right now.
I use the mylar brand patches and they supply the tergederm covers free of charge. Just call the number on the box
Related topics
Further information
- Fentanyl uses and safety info
- Fentanyl prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Fentanyl (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.