Help with Fentanyl Patch

[MP41]

Will my pharmacist replace a fentanyl patch that got cut? I was opening it up and cut the wrapper like an idiot but my hands hurt too bad to tear it open. Anyway I cut a good sized hole in it and the gel started leaking everywhere so I hurried and flushed the patch so I didnt get gel everywhere. I'm only 23 so doctors and pharmacists are already curious if I'm making excuses to "drug seek". I just dont know how to approach the situation or if I'm S.O.L.

[DiJac]

I have had a few come off and replaced them a day early because of that.  Switching pharmacies, different ones use different brands with different adhesives.  But my relationship with my Dr is such she trusts me.  Sometimes I wish she made me more accountable but that's not an issue.  I am trying to cut down but that's a different group.

[lizzie1954]

Hi, I am on 50 mcg of Fentanyl, I changed my patch this morning and it wouldn't stick, In fact when I opened the package the backing sort of popped off. I spent a couple of hours trying to keep it on. I finally gave up and opened another one. The same thing happened again. I went to the pharmacy to show them. He looked at it and said he has heard of it happening before. I am going to contact the manufacturer and make a complaint. I was told they would probably replace the 2. They will send them to my pharmacist. I have been on and off this medication for about 10 years. BUT this has never happened to me before. I have lost a few over the years, usually in my bed. Its like they had dried out. Thank god my pharmacist was understanding. Of course I had to get a new box and pay for them again in the same month. Has this ever happend to anyone else in our community?

[MP41]

Thanks everyone for your time and responses. Sorry it has taken me so long to get back here. They replaced it but told me they probabaly wouldnt do it again. I'm just starting this pain management thing and its intimidating and scary at times especially all the fentanyl horror stories but I've been very grateful to be on the patch because now I sleep and can do some normal stuff again. Its taken me from being a shut in due to pain to now I can go out and see friends and do my PT. Thanks again everyone!

[marycarmel]

i also weaned off it and wouldn't use it again unless /i was dying.  I agree it's not the best drug for chronic pain.

[Mollyrae]

Hi Mary,

I weaned off of the Fentanyl patch about a year ago and it was the hardest thing I have ever tried to wean off of. I am sooo glad that I did. I no longer take any opiates and I actually feel human again. That's a bad drug.

[StacyCPHT]

Not worried at all about needing any early. Haven't worn one in 2 days because I was worried it was going to kill me.

[Mollyrae]

Hey MP41:  When dealing with the Fentanyl Patch, be very careful that you don't ask for extras. I found that when I was using the Patch, the flags were on guard in both the Pharmacies eye's and the Doctor office.

Since it is a scheduled ll medication, it is watched more closely. I asked 2'c in a year and received them but the next time I asked a few months after that I was denied. It's certainly not because I was abusing them but found myself in situations where I needed an extra patch mainly because they wouldn't stick and were useless.

If you've never asked for an additional patch or an early refill, you should be OK. Just don't make it a habit, even if the circumstances are valid. They here all kinds of stories on why patients need extra patches...you'd be surprised.

Hope this helps  :).

[StacyCPHT]

I was put on the fentanyl 25mcg patch June18 after 10+ years of pain management.. For the first time in 10yrs I got to wake without pain, not have to carry a bag with meds at all times, had consistent pain control, felt like I had my life back. (was on 20mg oxyIR every 6hrs for 1.5yrs)
Then we went to a water park Friday, for 4 hrs in 85 degree heat. I covered it with a white gauze and tegaderm as the pharmacy said to reflect sun and keep it on. We left the park due to a rain storm and by the time we were in the car I was losing consciousness in and out... I have lupus combined with multi level spinal trauma damage/surgeries... so We both thought I was just exhausted, it sometimes doesn't take much...but all day Saturday I was looped and couldn't fully awaken, called the pharmacy and found out that what likely happened was that the patch DUMPED due to heat. IF I hadn't been under pain management for so long and had a tolerance, I would have likely gone into respiratory arrest right there in the car with my kids and spouse...

[marycarmel]

You can ask.  You may want to talk to your doctor as well.  Not that you asked, but be careful with Fentanyl.  I was on it for a while and realized I wasn't fully educated on it.  It can be very difficult to come off.  I would never use it again unless I was using it for end of life pain.  Aren't you worried about how they'll cover your pain if you need something in the future, whether it's an illness or surgery?  I just know how hard it is to come off and the side effects can show later on.