Fentynal patches just won't stick!

Folara

Hi peeps

Any ideas on how to get these critters to stay stuck? Is there a better place to put them than on my arm?

I've only had this one (1st patch) since 8.15 last night and it's already coming off.

Fols x

dreamdaisy

I don't use them but what about a strip of micropore tape to help keep it in place? Or a couple? Ease up on the moisturiser too - I slather on the stuff after my shower. DD

Folara

Thanks DD. I have got some micropore over the top today but even that doesn't want to stick to me. I must be a very unsticky person or something

I have stopped the moisturiser for now as I do tend to use it a fair bit in the summer as I have very dry skin.

I can see these things being a pain

Fols x

stickywicket

This may sound a bit extreme but it'll stick better to itself so, if you could take the micropore right round your arm, or wherever... I've done that when trying to patch up my feet.

earthspirit

nooooooo!

BEFORE YOU ALL GO RUSHING TO STICK ON PAIN PATCHES COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK FIRST WITH PHARMACIST

years ago i got nicotine patches and they were peeling off really quickly & under my microscopic examination i realised the reason for this was ever so slight wetness or sweating round the patch. i didnt think too much about this and used micropore to make them stick. the pharmacist almost had a heart attack when i told her as she said this would make too much of the patch contents be absorbed into my body.

your pain patches contain strong medication and if you stick them on then this might cause uneven absorption of the drug. you might be getting a fast hit and then nothing so this would also make them less effective they are intended.

im not a chemist but not sticking might mean you are having a slight reaction to the product or to the material the patches are made from.


i may be totally wrong but id rather be wrong than not say anything!!!

dreamdaisy

That's a good point earthspirit but we don't just trot out and buy these things, unlike nicotine patches (a whole different ball game methinks). It's humid, clammy weather, skin is sticky so not willing to have anything stuck on it (I've been struggling with mere plasters) and I'm sure Folara has enough common sense to go and check things out with someone if things don't feel right. DD

earthspirit

dreamdaisy wrote:

That's a good point earthspirit but we don't just trot out and buy these things, unlike nicotine patches (a whole different ball game methinks). It's humid, clammy weather, skin is sticky so not willing to have anything stuck on it (I've been struggling with mere plasters) and I'm sure Folara has enough common sense to go and check things out with someone if things don't feel right. DD

just check anyway! you too DD, even tho i know you are very sensible

tjt6768

yeah, it's true.. It's not a good ides to use tape on them.. I did it before and was scalded by the chemist..

What I do now, amass it really helps, is scrub the patch of skin with a wipe, kilter the baby wipes.. Then dry thoroughly with a rough towel etc.. That makes a Hell of a difference. We have naturally oily skin sometimes and that stops them from sticking.
I'm sorry I've only just seen this...
Please try it next time, it works great for me..

Folara

Thanks peeps,

Spoke to the pharmicist who said just use some sticky tape (micropore or similar) around the edges and it should be fine. So I have done that for now.

Tony - thanks hun, I will do that for the next one, due to be attached on Saturday evening. Fingers crossed it will stick better.

I must just be a non-sticky, slippery person lol

Fols x

dreamdaisy

Good for you with checking, I hope the tape helps. tjt has given you some practical help, bless him! I hope the patches work for you. DD

elnafinn

Hi Fols

If you use moisturiser where you are going to place the patch it will not stick too well. Pleased that you have found a solution but it is adviseable not to moisture that area at all otherwise the tape will not stick for long either.

Elna x

tjt6768

mine now stay exactly where they should..
Hope yours do too. Let us know

bevman

Hi Flolara
My husband uses fentenal patches and at first he had trouble withe them sticking but now he has a shower then i put the patch on for him i keep the flat of my hand over it for a couple of seconds and gentley press it seems to work they always stick hope it helps.

Alison

dreamdaisy

Hello Folara, how's it going with the patches? Are they sticking now? DD

Folara

Heya Tony and DD, I've stuck this one on the inside, lower half of my arm with a couple of plasters round the edges. So far so good, it's staying stuck pretty well.

Whether they are working? Hmmm not sure. Hubby asked the same. My knees are still killing me, even when resting/at night so I don't think they are much good/much better than the capsules. I do, however, have a fuzzy head, like I'm totally exhausted and need to sleep but when I lie down I can't.

I need to give them more time as doc said they can take a while to cut in and that each person is an individual in how long it takes.

I shall keep you posted.

Fols x

stickywicket

I hope the do help soon, Fols. I guess they’ve more chance now that you’ve got them to stick

lazicat

I had trouble keeping my patch on my arm , so put it on top of leg instead which is better & I use tape as well, have had any problems at all, They do take a few days to kick in & you will feel tired at times, I found they helped to make nights more comfortable & I got more sleep,

trebor1946

Hello, I am new to this forum, I came on to look for info for myself but noticed this post about Fentenyl patches not working, my husband has used them on and off (excuse the pun) for years, as he perspires a lot he had trouble keeping the patches on, but the solution we found was to put a Tegaderm patch over the Fentanyl and it definitely works,he always put them on his chest or the top of his arm, we got them from the surgery. They don't affect the working of the Fentanyl at all. Hope this helps.

tjt6768

Fols and Lazicat..
Just check that it's ok placing them below the heart. I was always yolks top place above it, how important that is I don't know but it's worth asking the question.. Best of luck with them folks..
I actually thought mine weren't working, until I stopped them :shock: Boy could I tell the difference.

stickywicket

trebor1946 wrote:

Hello, I am new to this forum, I came on to look for info for myself but noticed this post about Fentenyl patches not working, my husband has used them on and off (excuse the pun) for years, as he perspires a lot he had trouble keeping the patches on, but the solution we found was to put a Tegaderm patch over the Fentanyl and it definitely works,he always put them on his chest or the top of his arm, we got them from the surgery. They don't affect the working of the Fentanyl at all. Hope this helps.

Hello trebor1946 and welcome to the forum. How kind of you to use your first post to help someone else. That's why the forum is so useful - we all have needs but we also all have areas of expertise. (Sometimes we may wish we weren't quite such experts in meds, pain and ops but, hey ho, we are and that's that. I hope you'll find it useful yourself. I can see you're going to be an assett.

dreamdaisy

Oi, Tony! How does your phone get 'yolks' for 'told'? That's plain weird. :?

Hello trebor1946, I second Sticky's words of greeting. I'm having a rough-ish day and hadn't spotted your name but I hope you will stay with us and that we will be able to help you with support and encouragement. DD

grifter1

Hi,
Ive been using fentynal patches for many years.I have always found if you rotate by placing them each side of the navel in turn above where you would tighten your belt for example you wont have much trouble.
Hope this is of help to you. grifter1

tjt6768

hi to grifter and trebor..
grifter, that's something I had forgotten to mention, rotating the side you place the patch.. Cheers

Hope you two newbies are finding the place ok?