Fentanyl Transdermal System and Constipation: What Users Say

• CJa...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 3, 2018

For Chronic Pain "I am on 150mcg Fentanyl transdermal patch and have been for ten years. It adequately treats my degenerative disc disease when many other meds, including morphine, did not. I was treated at a Hospital in Boston, at their Pain Clinic and was lucky. I am lucky but it is not easy street, there are the side effects of constipation, and memory loss, etc. But I don't have many choices, at least the patches take care of my pain for about 90 percent of the time. Different medications affect us all differently. Luckily for me my MDs were able to treat me. We must learn that we don't have to beat ourselves or allow others to beat us up for our illnesses. We wouldn't deny cancer patients their pain meds but we have different views for people and patients with other chronic pain illnesses. A UK study, around 2008, claimed that more than ¾ of pain patients were not being adequately treated for pain."

• Reb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 25, 2015

For Chronic Pain "My husband has been on the 25mcg Fentanyl patch for almost 5 years, and it has been a lifesaver for him. The main problem for him is the constipation, which if he drinks his Smooth Move senna tea daily, it relieves the constipation. Also, for people who say the patch comes off, first use skin prep wipes by Smith & Nephew, apply the patch, and then apply a Tegaderm Film cover over the patch. If you use products like this, your patch won't come off, and it's waterproof too. Even when you get the 'sweats,' the patch will stay on. Most of these products you can get at medical supply stores or eBay."

• but...
• January 28, 2012

For Pain "I have used Fentanyl patch for 8 years. I have oxycodone for breakthrough pain. I have bulging disc L4-L5, fibromyalgia, depression, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc and back disease, chronic pain, and fatigue. The side effects I have are constipation and sweats. When I have a really active day on the 3rd day, I do notice I hurt more and use the pain medicine. I try not to overuse them. I am monitored regularly. Still need an epidural or trigger point shots occasionally. I became disabled at age 39, now 50. That part is not good, but life is manageable now! I can live again!"