Fentanyl for Chronic Pain User Reviews (Page 2)

• Straw...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 11, 2017

"I've been using Fentanyl 50 every other day for 9 years. (Tramadol for breakthru) My pain is controlled, and it had saved me from the pills. Using percocet prior, I would take more pills than I should and now just patch and forget. Problem- new drug laws are keeping ppl who need the meds from getting them. To keep patches on without tape, be sure to rub area with a dry towel before applying, then hold on skin for 30 seconds. I haven't lost a patch in 8 years. Biggest worry is having to find a Pain management center who will let me keep the patch. I played the pill game for years. The new laws are lowering the quality of my life. I am not an addict because I use pain meds."

• Joeseph...
• March 5, 2014

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Been using the fentanyl patch for about 6 yrs. now using 2 100mcg patches every 48 hrs. Using 72 hrs, the pain would come back with withdrawal symptoms. The major problem was getting it to stay on, but covering it with a TegaDerm took care of most of that issue. It works for pain better than oral medicines and you don't have to go through the trouble of swallowing pills all the time, just apply and forget it for a couple of days. I would recommend this as a good alternative to pills."

• Noonny
• February 4, 2019

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have mfp( chronic peritonitis) I have severe abdominal issues I have had 9 surgeries 1978 to 1998 . In 1997 I had gastroparesis I was put on hyperalimentation for 8 years I was put on fentanyl then for pain. I have been on 75mcg for 20 years I have continued to work and function 2 years ago I had to have surgery I asked for them to decrease my fentanyl to 50mcg I also take oxycodone. Recently I was told that the FDA has guidelines that you can only have 90 equivalents in your system my was well over that now they have decreased to 37.5 and they started that still to high they have decreased my oxycodone from 10 to now 5mg three times a day and they have tried cannibus so now I have been pushed back to 40 years ago. I also have pancreatitis crohns and ulcerative colitis on top of all that plus a few more illnesses that cause pain. I am also facing to go back on hyperal because of all this fentanyl worked well and I had 12 years of somewhat good health from 1999 to 2011."

• GEAUX...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2012

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Hands - down THE most effective pain relief I've ever had!! I've been wearing 25mcg for 2 months now. 1st month, I wore Actavis clear gel-filled. This month I'm wearing Apotex band-aid type patch. I'm not certain which I prefer. Gel-filled was great, but I was always paranoid with it buckling. On the down-side, my lips are raw due to my mouth being so dry. I also itch like crazy!! The fact that the pain relief is so phenomenal, I don't see me changing meds. I take no breakthrough meds except occasional Advil. Pills were a problem for me as I would always take too much. Another reason that the Fentanyl patch is a God send!"

• LadyF...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 3, 2012

Duragesic (fentanyl) "It kept my pain at bay very well. I wore a 50 mcg gram patch every two days. Occasionally, I would have break through pain but it was tolerable. The only downside to this medication is that it makes you moody and irritable."

• james
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 24, 2019

"Fentanyl works fine, its the manufactures of the patches you have to watch. The best manufacture being Mylan and the worse is Apotex. I been using Fentanyl for about 29 years on and off. I was using as high as 200mcg a every 3 days to 25mcg every 3 days, now I'm on 37 1/2mcg and only Mylan makes them. Mallinkrodt is ok, Wallgreens uses them, they are about 3 1/2 star were Apotex isn't even a 1 star , the stuff dosn't work. Mylan is hard to get because cost. It is the most expensive Fentanyl, but it works best!"

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have three damaged disc's 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 could hardly get out of bed or walk. 6 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 suggest Fentanyl. It changed my life."

• Anonymous
• May 23, 2014

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "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 increasing to 50. It was a God send 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 have me to use Cortizone. I put it on and put the patch on about 30 minutes later, and no more itching. I am now retired and my patch was decreased to 25."

• Sasha...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 27, 2015

Duragesic (fentanyl) "It saved my life! I can not, despite trying, take oral long acting narcotics. The biggest issue is the perception and doctors reaction, including pain management professionals to this medication. Yes, you develop dependence. Addiction is different. It is when you abuse your medication and continue to do so despite negative problems coming from that. The two words are NOT interchangeable. I am on 112 mcg/hour and change every 48 hours rather than the normal 72 hour dosing. It has allowed me to do the things I need to do in my life. I was virtually bedridden before going on Duragesic. It cover my pain for the most part, unless I am doing things physically that make the pain flare into a breakthrough. I take Morphine 30mg for BT pain."

• Anonymous
• October 22, 2012

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I have been on the patch now for 10 years, about started @ 100mcg x 72HRS and am @ 200mcg x 48HRS 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 a life back."

• MRH
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 6, 2019

"So very curious, I've been out of the pain management game for awhile. 5 years to be exact. Then I got hurt again, and here we are now. So I'm on fentanyl 75mcg. I put one on yesterday at noon. It's now 730 pm following day. I then put another one one today at 3pm.. it's now 730. I don't feel like it is working! I'm still hurting and definitely not feeling the way I used to on these things. It's a Mylan patch. Anyone else have an issue that the Mylan fentanyl patches don'e seem to work?"

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I've been on the 50 mcg fentanyl patches for approx. 10 years. I've found out 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."

• caliG...
• March 10, 2014

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "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 30's) now I finally found a doctor who prescribes it to me, God bless him for it. I'm using 50mcg every 48 hrs. I still get a little pain after any activity that stresses my back so might ask to try 75mcg but I am glad I have these patches."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Sharky who wrote about Mallinckrodt switched to aposto manufacturing. I could have written that exactly as u described..what I did & what I fear. Had to get another rx from Dr, but got Mallinckrodt. 1 week & already improved pain level.fyi: I have tried a number Of brands including mylan. The only 1 effective for me is Mallinckrodt. A post has the same packaging graphics & 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 & rumors on the street facing bankruptcy. Without that brand I'm disable d. If they are out I'm out. What do I do? Trying to be proactive. Thnx. Inventing joy"

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I also have to change my patches, 100mcg, every 48 hours. It seems that the research of 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 & ovaries, and uterine fibroids. I never have problems with my patches falling off, even with the excessive sweating. I use Mylan brand."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 16, 2013

Duragesic (fentanyl) "Have been taking Duragesic for 10 years. It works great, I use a coupon that covers up to $50. out of pocket, my insurance copay is $35 therefore I pay noting for name brand. The generic does not work as effective as name."

• Loggy
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 17, 2016

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "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 adher 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: Fetanyl Patches are Life Savers."

• dpowell
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 14, 2012

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "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."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "Years ago I was on the older formula of Fentanyl and it worked wonders with minimal dosage & breakthrough meds. After the companies reformulated the drug it isn't nearly as good as it used to be &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 75mcg for 1.5 years prior to surgery. This time I am up to 125mcg w/in the first year + 10/325 Norco 4x daily +muscle relaxers for auto fusion of L3-S1. Pain level on day 1 is @7, day 2 is @4, day 3 is @8. I have to put my new patches on before taking the old off or life is hell. Thanks to drug addicts, illegal activity & government interference Doc can no longer help."

• Martyh
• July 2, 2013

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "This is a life saver 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 any one with chronic pain."

• Deputy
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2015

"I'm a 37 year old male 6'8" about 250 lbs, I worked in corrections for about 12 years. I've had 3 back surgeries in 18 months and have been on Lortabs, Percocet to Roxycodone and it helped to some extent. I now have to have another surgery for 9 ruptured discs along with epidural fibrosis and granulation of the S-1 nerve root. My family doctor recently put me on the Fentanyl 50 patch and it's the best thing I have ever had. I can actually walk and sleep. I used to spend up to 70% of my day in bed due to the pain, now I can function to somewhat of my old self. Nothing will completely take away the pain, but man, these patches are awesome! No need for pills anymore. Don't let the fear of becoming addicted to these keep you from enjoying life."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "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."

• Bossp...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 25, 2015

Duragesic (fentanyl) "They have been good and bad for myself, mostly good, I was in a accident the messed up my back and surgery hasn't been an option at this point. I started out probably like everyone taking in way to many vicoden to percocet to oxytocin it got to be a fistful of pills everyday. Made me feel like a junkie. I can honestly say I would probably be dead if weren't for the patches. I change them every 48 hours and I've been on the same dose for about 8 years. My biggest worry/complaint is that I'm physically dependant on them and Vivid dreaming it's kinda freaky and being sleepy sometimes but the pain is tolerable. I'm on the PAP program (patient assistiance program) for low income so doesn't cost anything. They are very expensive"

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "I had C-4,5,6,7 fusion that went awry when they accidentally hit my spinal cord. I was originally put on 75's 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 25mg. 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."

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

Fentanyl Transdermal System (fentanyl) "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 patch on. Still, let's me live."