Fentanyl pain patch – anything I should be concerned about?
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Fentanyl pain patch – anything I should be concerned about?

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Fentanyl pain patch – anything I should be concerned about?

  • Post
    • January 12, 2015 at 9:43 pm
    arthurjedi007
    Participant

    I've been taking 5mg oxycodone pills for a couple months now for the pain. That was via my medical oncologist.

    Today my radiation oncologist prescribed this Fentanyl patch.

    i assume it won't hurt the affectiveness of Keytruda Pd1?

    Any other major concerns I should have? It seems like the side affects I've read are similar to oxycodone. But since it is a skin patch and I have melanoma I'm like huh is this really what I should be doing.

    Thanks.

    Artie

Viewing 17 reply threads
  • Replies
      • January 12, 2015 at 11:31 pm
      tschmith
      Participant

      HI Artie!   I used Fetanyl patches for about 6 months.  I needed them before I had surgery on my spine.  They didn't work the greatest for me, but I hope they help you.  I had to take something for "break through pain".  Some people swear by them.  I changed them every 72 hours but found they wore off at around 48 hours.  At the time, I was seeing a palliative care doctor.  I found her to be very helpful!  Some brands are better than others…I had to use surgical tape to keep one of the brands in place because they lost their stickiness even though I was careful not to get the patches wet.

      Take care!  Thinking of you!

      Terrie

      • January 12, 2015 at 11:31 pm
      tschmith
      Participant

      HI Artie!   I used Fetanyl patches for about 6 months.  I needed them before I had surgery on my spine.  They didn't work the greatest for me, but I hope they help you.  I had to take something for "break through pain".  Some people swear by them.  I changed them every 72 hours but found they wore off at around 48 hours.  At the time, I was seeing a palliative care doctor.  I found her to be very helpful!  Some brands are better than others…I had to use surgical tape to keep one of the brands in place because they lost their stickiness even though I was careful not to get the patches wet.

      Take care!  Thinking of you!

      Terrie

      • January 12, 2015 at 11:31 pm
      tschmith
      Participant

      HI Artie!   I used Fetanyl patches for about 6 months.  I needed them before I had surgery on my spine.  They didn't work the greatest for me, but I hope they help you.  I had to take something for "break through pain".  Some people swear by them.  I changed them every 72 hours but found they wore off at around 48 hours.  At the time, I was seeing a palliative care doctor.  I found her to be very helpful!  Some brands are better than others…I had to use surgical tape to keep one of the brands in place because they lost their stickiness even though I was careful not to get the patches wet.

      Take care!  Thinking of you!

      Terrie

      • January 13, 2015 at 1:16 am
      kylez
      Participant

      Artie, there are different brands. I understand the Mylan brand stays on the skin well. Something to consider.

      -Kyle

      • January 13, 2015 at 1:16 am
      kylez
      Participant

      Artie, there are different brands. I understand the Mylan brand stays on the skin well. Something to consider.

      -Kyle

      • January 13, 2015 at 1:16 am
      kylez
      Participant

      Artie, there are different brands. I understand the Mylan brand stays on the skin well. Something to consider.

      -Kyle

      • January 13, 2015 at 4:50 am
      Lil0909
      Participant
      Hi Artie!

      I don’t know anything about thr patches, but I have read a bunch of your posts over the last several months and just wanted to say that I’m sending you good vibes. Keep being a warrior and good luck with everything!!!!!!

      … ps, during all of my surgeries, infections, etc… I developed an allergy to the stickey stuff in bandages, but still needed to keep my wounds covered. Any stickey bandage caused a really painful rash. If this becomes a problem for you, and the patches aren’t sticking for whatever reason, try an ace wrap.

      Good luck and hope you feel better!

      • January 13, 2015 at 4:50 am
      Lil0909
      Participant
      Hi Artie!

      I don’t know anything about thr patches, but I have read a bunch of your posts over the last several months and just wanted to say that I’m sending you good vibes. Keep being a warrior and good luck with everything!!!!!!

      … ps, during all of my surgeries, infections, etc… I developed an allergy to the stickey stuff in bandages, but still needed to keep my wounds covered. Any stickey bandage caused a really painful rash. If this becomes a problem for you, and the patches aren’t sticking for whatever reason, try an ace wrap.

      Good luck and hope you feel better!

      • January 13, 2015 at 4:50 am
      Lil0909
      Participant
      Hi Artie!

      I don’t know anything about thr patches, but I have read a bunch of your posts over the last several months and just wanted to say that I’m sending you good vibes. Keep being a warrior and good luck with everything!!!!!!

      … ps, during all of my surgeries, infections, etc… I developed an allergy to the stickey stuff in bandages, but still needed to keep my wounds covered. Any stickey bandage caused a really painful rash. If this becomes a problem for you, and the patches aren’t sticking for whatever reason, try an ace wrap.

      Good luck and hope you feel better!

      • January 13, 2015 at 2:21 pm
      marta010
      Participant

      Artie – my husband has been using the Fentynl patch for quite some time and has found it to be very effective for pain control.  The main side effect is fatigue.  He has developed an issue with the adhesive sticking to his skin – or not sticking.  We always cover with a piece of tape – recently have started to use Tegaderm to cover it since regular medical tape doesn't seem to stick to his skin.  Keep up the fight.

      Ann

      • January 13, 2015 at 2:21 pm
      marta010
      Participant

      Artie – my husband has been using the Fentynl patch for quite some time and has found it to be very effective for pain control.  The main side effect is fatigue.  He has developed an issue with the adhesive sticking to his skin – or not sticking.  We always cover with a piece of tape – recently have started to use Tegaderm to cover it since regular medical tape doesn't seem to stick to his skin.  Keep up the fight.

      Ann

      • January 13, 2015 at 2:21 pm
      marta010
      Participant

      Artie – my husband has been using the Fentynl patch for quite some time and has found it to be very effective for pain control.  The main side effect is fatigue.  He has developed an issue with the adhesive sticking to his skin – or not sticking.  We always cover with a piece of tape – recently have started to use Tegaderm to cover it since regular medical tape doesn't seem to stick to his skin.  Keep up the fight.

      Ann

      • January 13, 2015 at 5:14 pm
      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      Thank you everyone. I'm not sure these patches are right for me. I only had it on for about 5 hours and I noticed I was getting loopy in the head and my chest hurt like it was going to burst out of me. Otherwise though all the rest of the pain was gone for the first time in I don't know when it's been so long. I also had a usual pd1 fever of about 100 and read higher body temp can cause it to release faster than they want. So I took the patch off. Surprising after 12 hours it was still working even though the patch was off. I woke up for the first time in over a year with no pain. Still loopy but chest was fine again. 3 hours later now and some of the pains are coming back but not that bad yet for the oxycodone pills. Or mom thinks we should cut the patches in fourths. I dunno I'm still loopy in the head I can't think too straight but at least the pain isn't that bad yet. Sure made me tired I've slept all morning so far. Very powerful stuff.

      Artie

      • January 13, 2015 at 5:14 pm
      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      Thank you everyone. I'm not sure these patches are right for me. I only had it on for about 5 hours and I noticed I was getting loopy in the head and my chest hurt like it was going to burst out of me. Otherwise though all the rest of the pain was gone for the first time in I don't know when it's been so long. I also had a usual pd1 fever of about 100 and read higher body temp can cause it to release faster than they want. So I took the patch off. Surprising after 12 hours it was still working even though the patch was off. I woke up for the first time in over a year with no pain. Still loopy but chest was fine again. 3 hours later now and some of the pains are coming back but not that bad yet for the oxycodone pills. Or mom thinks we should cut the patches in fourths. I dunno I'm still loopy in the head I can't think too straight but at least the pain isn't that bad yet. Sure made me tired I've slept all morning so far. Very powerful stuff.

      Artie

      • January 13, 2015 at 5:14 pm
      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      Thank you everyone. I'm not sure these patches are right for me. I only had it on for about 5 hours and I noticed I was getting loopy in the head and my chest hurt like it was going to burst out of me. Otherwise though all the rest of the pain was gone for the first time in I don't know when it's been so long. I also had a usual pd1 fever of about 100 and read higher body temp can cause it to release faster than they want. So I took the patch off. Surprising after 12 hours it was still working even though the patch was off. I woke up for the first time in over a year with no pain. Still loopy but chest was fine again. 3 hours later now and some of the pains are coming back but not that bad yet for the oxycodone pills. Or mom thinks we should cut the patches in fourths. I dunno I'm still loopy in the head I can't think too straight but at least the pain isn't that bad yet. Sure made me tired I've slept all morning so far. Very powerful stuff.

      Artie

        • January 14, 2015 at 12:14 am
        tschmith
        Participant

        Artie,

        You might adjust to the patch and the side effects will lessen…it sure is nice to be without pain!  Maybe you need a lower dosage but don't cut the patches!  I've read over and over that they are not designed to be cut. I felt loopy for a while but never had chest pain.  They made me sleepy but that was fine with me because I have trouble sleeping.  The fetanyl will stay in your system after you take the patch off.  It's certainly potent!

        Had infusion #10 today.  

        Best wishes!

        Terrie

        • January 14, 2015 at 12:14 am
        tschmith
        Participant

        Artie,

        You might adjust to the patch and the side effects will lessen…it sure is nice to be without pain!  Maybe you need a lower dosage but don't cut the patches!  I've read over and over that they are not designed to be cut. I felt loopy for a while but never had chest pain.  They made me sleepy but that was fine with me because I have trouble sleeping.  The fetanyl will stay in your system after you take the patch off.  It's certainly potent!

        Had infusion #10 today.  

        Best wishes!

        Terrie

        • January 14, 2015 at 12:14 am
        tschmith
        Participant

        Artie,

        You might adjust to the patch and the side effects will lessen…it sure is nice to be without pain!  Maybe you need a lower dosage but don't cut the patches!  I've read over and over that they are not designed to be cut. I felt loopy for a while but never had chest pain.  They made me sleepy but that was fine with me because I have trouble sleeping.  The fetanyl will stay in your system after you take the patch off.  It's certainly potent!

        Had infusion #10 today.  

        Best wishes!

        Terrie

      • January 14, 2015 at 11:10 pm
      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      Strange stuff this is. They had me put the patch on my shoulder and I get almost no pain relief. They did say I can be on both the patch and the 5mg oxycodone. So I'm on both and the pain is somewhat tolerable. I guess that first patch I must have got an overdose somehow that's why it worked so good. The oxycodone only lasts a couple hours. Gonna call tomorrow for the 12 hour version if tonight is as bad as last night.

      But I thought it might be interesting to others we can be on both.

      Artie

      • January 14, 2015 at 11:10 pm
      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      Strange stuff this is. They had me put the patch on my shoulder and I get almost no pain relief. They did say I can be on both the patch and the 5mg oxycodone. So I'm on both and the pain is somewhat tolerable. I guess that first patch I must have got an overdose somehow that's why it worked so good. The oxycodone only lasts a couple hours. Gonna call tomorrow for the 12 hour version if tonight is as bad as last night.

      But I thought it might be interesting to others we can be on both.

      Artie

        • January 15, 2015 at 1:53 am
        tschmith
        Participant

        Hey Artie, 

            I was on both too.  Lydocaine (hope I spelled that right) patches helped me as well.  A palliative care doctor would really help you.  I went to one in the fall of 2013 before and after I had my spinal surgery.  I was also assigned one when I was in NIH.  They are so helpful and I've read that patients who seek palliative care have a better survival rate.  Keytruda is working for me but I still have a lot of pain in my spine and hip.  Wondering what gives with that…..

             Praying for you, Artie!  You never fight alone!

             Terrie

        • January 15, 2015 at 1:53 am
        tschmith
        Participant

        Hey Artie, 

            I was on both too.  Lydocaine (hope I spelled that right) patches helped me as well.  A palliative care doctor would really help you.  I went to one in the fall of 2013 before and after I had my spinal surgery.  I was also assigned one when I was in NIH.  They are so helpful and I've read that patients who seek palliative care have a better survival rate.  Keytruda is working for me but I still have a lot of pain in my spine and hip.  Wondering what gives with that…..

             Praying for you, Artie!  You never fight alone!

             Terrie

        • January 15, 2015 at 3:48 pm
        arthurjedi007
        Participant

        Thanks Terrie. My right hip hurts like crazy but for me I know it is one of the 7 growings spots according to the August scan. The left hip they radiated and it feels good now.

        Artie

        • January 15, 2015 at 3:48 pm
        arthurjedi007
        Participant

        Thanks Terrie. My right hip hurts like crazy but for me I know it is one of the 7 growings spots according to the August scan. The left hip they radiated and it feels good now.

        Artie

        • January 15, 2015 at 3:48 pm
        arthurjedi007
        Participant

        Thanks Terrie. My right hip hurts like crazy but for me I know it is one of the 7 growings spots according to the August scan. The left hip they radiated and it feels good now.

        Artie

        • January 15, 2015 at 1:53 am
        tschmith
        Participant

        Hey Artie, 

            I was on both too.  Lydocaine (hope I spelled that right) patches helped me as well.  A palliative care doctor would really help you.  I went to one in the fall of 2013 before and after I had my spinal surgery.  I was also assigned one when I was in NIH.  They are so helpful and I've read that patients who seek palliative care have a better survival rate.  Keytruda is working for me but I still have a lot of pain in my spine and hip.  Wondering what gives with that…..

             Praying for you, Artie!  You never fight alone!

             Terrie

      • January 14, 2015 at 11:10 pm
      arthurjedi007
      Participant

      Strange stuff this is. They had me put the patch on my shoulder and I get almost no pain relief. They did say I can be on both the patch and the 5mg oxycodone. So I'm on both and the pain is somewhat tolerable. I guess that first patch I must have got an overdose somehow that's why it worked so good. The oxycodone only lasts a couple hours. Gonna call tomorrow for the 12 hour version if tonight is as bad as last night.

      But I thought it might be interesting to others we can be on both.

      Artie

Viewing 17 reply threads
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