Fentanyl Transdermal System User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Mer...
• December 23, 2009

For Pain "3 years ago I was prescribed one 12.5 mcg patch every 72 hours for unidentified pelvic pain. My doctor increased the dose until my pain was manageable with 100 mcg/72 hrs. I've found that the patches with gel reserves (i.e., Watson) won't stay on unless taped down. Also, by the 3rd day, my pain would spike, even with the additional oxycodone I took for breakthrough pain. Now, instead of putting on one 100 mcg patch at a time, I put on one 50 mcg patch and then another on the next day. On day 3, I don't put one on, and then replace the first patch on day 4. Ask your doctor to cut your dose in half but prescribe 2x the amount of patches (10, 50 mcg patches = 20, 25 mcg patches). And invest in medical tape! The patch has been a lifesaver."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2014

For Chronic Pain "I have severe low back pain, spinal stenosis, and a bulging disc. I was on my feet a lot because of my job, which caused my pain to become worse. I was taking Norco alone, which I couldn't take while working, plus the pills would not last long. Many times, I was in tears. Finally, my doctor put me on Fentanyl 25, then increased to 37, then finally increased to 50. It was a godsend because the pain decreased tremendously. I have the sweats and chills at times, but that's a small price to pay for the relief I have received. At first, I had severe itching, but my doctor gave me Cortizone. I put it on and applied the patch about 30 minutes later, and no more itching. I am now retired, and my patch was decreased to 25."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2012

For Chronic Pain "I have been on the patch now for 10 years, about started at 100 mcg x 72 hours and am at 200 mcg x 48 hours due to chronic pain from a 90-foot fall from a radio tower. I have been placed on every medicine, literally, for pain management, and this medicine gave me my life back."

• new...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 31, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I've been on the 50 mcg fentanyl patches for approximately 10 years. I've found that using the Mylan brand covered with a Tuff Strip extra-large size Band-Aid (cloth or waterproof type) stays in place for the 3-day period very well. The patch is the same size as the cotton square on the Band-Aids."

• STE...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 14, 2014

For Chronic Pain "I have three damaged discs in my lower back. Doctors wanted to remove. I refused and started out on 120 Lortabs per month. That was increased by the additional 120 tabs of 15 mg oxycodone per month. My life was consumed by pain so bad I could hardly get out of bed or walk. Six months later I was prescribed an additional 60 30 mg of morphine. Needless to say, I am no longer in any pain, I was nodding out everywhere. I took morphine for a year. Detox wasn't fun, and it's worst if you are a weak junkie. I took oxycodone for another year. My doctor suggested Fentanyl. It changed my life."

• mlb...
• October 23, 2008

For Pain "Thank God for this medication. It has allowed me to have a life. Initially there was some nausea, but after a couple of days it subsided. Before I was honestly suicidal because I could not get relief from my back/hip pain. Now, most of the time, I'm able to function like a normal person."

• Anonymous
• November 24, 2011

For Pain "I had shingles, and the bumps went away, but the pain didn't. It was so severe that I could barely work. People didn't understand or believe me because you could not see my pain. I went to several pain specialists, and I feel I was in the ER every other week. The pills they were giving me didn't help. I finally found the pain specialist who believed me. I am blessed that I found the right specialist, and I am now using the 100 mg Fentanyl patches along with other medicine. It has saved my life, and I am only in my 30s."

• cal...
• March 10, 2014

For Chronic Pain "I have been using fentanyl on and off for about 4 years. I had spinal fusion done on L2-L5, also, out of the 8 screws in my back, the doctors left one of the screws with the sharp point on it, so it jabs into my back muscle. I have tried every pain medicine on the market and have to say fentanyl works the best. I no longer wake up from pain. It is, in my opinion, the best pain medication available on the market. I used to have to get it off the streets because no doctor believed I was in pain (I am in my 30s), now I finally found a doctor who prescribes it to me, God bless him for it. I'm using 50 mcg every 48 hrs. I still get a little pain after any activity that stresses my back, so I might ask to try 75 mcg, but I am glad I have these patches."

• Mau...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 15, 2020

For Pain "A thousand words or less, I guess. I started taking fentanyl patches, 25 mg, about 10 years ago. I have chronic pain, my back has been fused. Don't let the fentanyl scare you, but don't keep going up on the dose. If you go up, you have to keep going up. It does help take off the deep pain, but you need to learn how to cope and just suck up some of the pain. Talk with your doctor and see if he can add a little bit of Norco, muscle relaxers, or Valium, something like that, to kind of help. The pain will come back around when you are really stressed out, so try to keep yourself calm. Off insurance, fentanyl is about $75 a month, make sure you use any discount vouchers."

• Ani...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 29, 2012

For Chronic Pain "I also have to change my patches, 100 mcg, every 48 hours. It seems that the research on the patches lasting 72 hours may be faulty! I have been on the patches since 2003, starting at 100 mcg, and having to increase after a surgery to fuse cervical discs, and increased pain from fibromyalgia, degenerative disc in lower back, cysts on kidneys and ovaries, and uterine fibroids. I never have problems with my patches falling off, even with the excessive sweating. I use Mylan brand."

• Inv...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 8, 2020

For Chronic Pain "Sharky, who wrote about Mallinckrodt, switched to Aposto manufacturing. I could have written that exactly as you described... what I did & what I fear. Had to get another Rx from the doctor, but got Mallinckrodt. One week and already improved pain level. FYI: I have tried a number of brands, including Mylan. The only one effective for me is Mallinckrodt. A Post has the same packaging graphics and colors as Mallinckrodt. I didn't notice the change, but my body knew. Med person: 'It's the same stuff.' No, it isn't! My fear: Mallinckrodt is being sued, and rumors on the street are facing bankruptcy. Without that brand, I'm disabled. If they are out, I'm out. What do I do? Trying to be proactive. Thanks. Inventing joy."

• kol...
• May 4, 2010

For Pain "I have been on Fentanyl 50 mcg patches for 3 years. I tried the name brand Duragesic, which worked best, while Mylan stuck best with less relief. Watson and Sandoz generics worked similarly, but Sandoz does not stick as well. Watson seems to work best in the first 24 hours, while Sandoz lasts longer. To keep the patches from falling off, I use a 3M Tegaderm film transparent dressing. The 4-inch by 4 and 3/4 inch size works best for 50 mcg size patches. Tegaderm patches are usually available from the pharmacy counter - no prescription needed. I put it over the patch when I first apply it - you will survive hot showers, etc. Menopause and hot flashes are another story, as the perspiration is under the patch, which inhibits its ability to osmose the medicine. It is best to change every 48-60 hours for the best pain relief."

• Log...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 17, 2016

For Chronic Pain "Have osteoarthritis, stenosis, and poor lumbar discs. Medical retirement with back at age 59, am 75 and have been on 75 or 100 mcg/hr Fentanyl patches for 15 years. I take hydrocodone/acet. 10/325 mg, 2-4 times most days to supplement my up or down daily pain ride. Mylan patches best to adhere and change EVERY 48 hrs. as prescribed. Take 2 to 4 1 mg alprazolams per day for anxiety. This recipe has given me a solid life for years. Only side effects ever have been a 'whoever' would fail to refill alprazs. on time, then anxiety withdrawals are rough. Bottom line: Fentanyl patches are life savers."

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 10, 2016

For Chronic Pain "Years ago, I was on the older formula of Fentanyl, and it worked wonders with minimal dosage and breakthrough meds. After the companies reformulated the drug, it isn't nearly as good as it used to be and has many more side effects, brand depending. Mylan works best for me as far as fewer side effects, but none work for the 72 hours they are supposed to. Originally, my max dose was 75 mcg for 1.5 years prior to surgery. This time I am up to 125 mcg within the first year, plus 10/325 Norco 4 times daily, plus muscle relaxers for aut fusion of L3-S1. Pain level on day 1 is at 7, day 2 is at 4, day 3 is at 8. I have to put my new patches on before taking the old off, or life is hell. Thanks to drug addicts, illegal activity, and government interference, the doctor can no longer help."

• Mar...
• July 2, 2013

For Chronic Pain "This is a lifesaver for me, and I have tried just about every type of opioid out there. Sweating was the only issue, but that went away after my first week of taking the medication. I would highly recommend it to anyone with chronic pain."

• dpo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 14, 2012

For Chronic Pain "I had spinal fusion (L4-S2), and my doctor is stating I need to possibly have L2-L3 fused. My doctor had me on Norco, and this did little, and then while he was out of the office one day, another doctor in his office saw me and put me on Fentanyl. At first, it was great, I had the same problem everyone else had with patches only lasting 48 hours, and it was impossible to find some place they would stay on. But later, it was hard to regulate my body temperature, I would get burning hot and then cold, and it wasn't because the patch was old or not on. This medication helps my pain more than anything else."

• Ste...
• February 25, 2010

For Pain "I have used the fentanyl patch in times past with very good success for the treatment of severe (7-9) range pain due to spinal injuries and deterioration. From my broad experience over the last ten years, I believe this to be the most effective medication. I got off it during a period of some symptom improvement and have been using methadone and Percocet instead. I am now at a point that I am needing to resume the fentanyl. It is a very serious medication, and I strongly suggest you don't use it if you can get along with anything else. More than most others, it requires a highly personalized approach to the amount and timing of dosage, so counsel with your pharmacist and doctor. Do NOT try to get off of this med without your doctor's help."

• Kan...
• December 18, 2011

For Pain "I have fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease in my lumbar region and neck, my tailbone is broken in two places and has been for over two years, sciatica on both sides, degenerative disease in both hips, and chondromalacia in my knees. I finally got to go to a pain management specialist this last year. Oxycodone was horrible - worked minimally for an hour or two and then nothing. Lortab was okay, but nowhere near strong enough. Demerol wasn't strong enough and caused me to have seizures. Butrans made me suicidal and had such horrible withdrawal symptoms. If you ever hear that name coming from your doctor, run. Then, we tried Fentanyl 62 mcgs and I'm finally getting somewhere. Needs to go up, but no side effects except sweating."

• Blo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 8, 2014

For Chronic Pain "Have been using Fentanyl for over 3 years now, and wonder what kind of shape I would be in if I hadn't been offered this medicine. It is definitely working for me, and I am so glad I was a candidate for it."

• Tex...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2014

For Chronic Pain "I have epilepsy and first ruptured a disc during a seizure about 4 years ago. I was on Norco, I think, until my neuro saw how bad the imaging looked and put me on 50 mcg of fentanyl/72 hrs. Totally took care of my pain until I had surgery. About a year ago, the pain came back worse than ever, and after a bunch of tests, I was referred to a PM doc. He started me on Vicodin until he could do an injection, but it barely touched my pain. Switched me to Oxycodone 10 mg/6 hrs. I was still hurting bad and had a patch still, which I used. He put me on fentanyl. I needed a fusion, which I had 3 months ago. Pain still bad, on fentanyl 75/48 hrs and oxy. Tried Opana, didn't like it. Worst is sweats and weight gain, plus keeping the patch on. Still lets me live."

• jod...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 2, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I had C-4, 5, 6, 7 fusion that went awry when they accidentally hit my spinal cord. I was originally put on 75s, but my feet would hurt so bad in the morning. I read that it was due to too much in my system, so I had them lower my dose to 25 mg. But I put a new one on every 48 hrs. (leave them in place for 72), so I am basically putting a patch on every other day. I wear them on my chest area so they don't get rubbed a lot and tend to stay in place."

• wm0...
• November 21, 2013

For Chronic Pain "I have been on the 75 mcg Fentanyl patch for about four years now. I've had problems finding pharmacies that carry my patches, so I hope they aren't taking them off the market. But they have helped me a lot with my back before and after surgery. I switch them every 48 hrs, otherwise, I start going through withdrawal."

• Anonymous
• August 9, 2010

For Pain "I have been in pain management for almost a year now, before, I was just being treated by a variety of different doctors: primary, neurologist, nerve experts, and so on. Finally, I asked for a referral to pain management for injection therapy. I have been on every pain medicine out there. I have a bulging disc between C4 and C5, occipital neuralgia, and severe right sciatic neuropathy in my right leg below my knee. Now, I am on 50 mg of Fentanyl every 48 hours and was told by the doctor to leave the old patch on when I put on the new one at bedtime and remove the old one in the morning because it takes about 8-12 hours before the medicines from the patch are fully in your system. I have to use Tegaderm films to keep the patch on, but it seems to work okay. I have Vicodin for breakthrough."

• joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 12, 2012

For Chronic Pain "I was on the Fentanyl patches for approx. 3 months. The 1st month was good, though no patch ever lasted 3 days. My doc updated my script to changing them every 48 hrs. By the third month, no patch was lasting more than 30 hrs, and I was going through withdrawals so bad on the 2nd day that I have been switched to methadone pills for pain. I also had trouble with the patches staying on during showers."

• Suz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2014

For Chronic Pain "This medicine was covered for me by Workers' Compensation when I was taking it, but they decided that they would not pay for it any longer. This decision was made and introduced statewide, and doctors were instructed to prescribe something else for their patients. It has been a terrible decision because pills are not nearly as effective as the patches, and sadly I am not financially capable of paying for the patches myself. I would love to have the patches back, they are an excellent product."