Fentanyl Patches Not Sticking! Help?

[thisisaidan]

Hi,

I'm prescribed fentanyl patches by my doctor (the non-gel transdermal kind) and I have a hard time keeping them on. I put them on my upper arm (where there is no hair) and wash and dry my arm beforehand like it says. When I stick it on, I also have my boyfriend hold it down for a minute straight to try to keep it there (we even time it). Now, my doctor says I can tape down the edges, which I do, but that doesn't even seem to always work. Any suggestions?

Thanks, Aidan

[Dougsc]

Tegaderm is the way to go. A little expensive but if you contact the manufacturer customer service dept by phone or email from their website they will quite often provide this free of charge. Just make sure you have the Lot number of your fentanyl. Both Mylan & Mallinkrodt have been very good about this.

[Ellen038]

Yes you need the 4 inch tegaderm to keep the patches in place. They work well even with showering. Amazon sells them

[shinty]

The tape is called Tegaderm. it's the same stuff that hospitals use to tape IV's in, etc. It's expensive stuff, but it works.
            shinty

[marycarmel]

Are you using the right tape?  There's a certain tape to use.  Ask the pharmacist.  You can try other spots. I used the back of my shoulder.  I knew someone who used the front and others who'be put them on their ribs, which wouldn't seem to be a great spot but it worked for them.