It depends on the patient - by instruction, the patch must be applied on the upper torso or upper extremities (arms). Most people tend to put them on their back or chest, but I learned early on that for the back you need someone to change them, and the chest/stomach area has both too much hair and the skin flexes too much with activity.
As a result, for many years I've worn them on my biceps - they're flat, the patches easy to put on them with one hand, and the skin doesn't flex very much there. When using 1 100mcg patch, I just switch arms when it's time to put a new one on. When I have to increase to 2 100mcg patches, I use both arms, but take one off a few hours before the other to clean it and let the skin breathe before putting on a new one and taking the other one off. That way your dosage doesn't drop much during the process, and if you feel breakthrough you can take a Percocet or whatever your breakthrough med is to cover it.
The key to keeping a patch on (see the link to my answer on that below) is to make sure the skin is clean and there's no hair present. The literature says not to use any Isopropyl alcohol - that's because it leaves a residue. Problem is, it's difficult to remove skin oil and dirt without it. To get around the problem, clean it with Iso, then rinse the area well to make sure any residue is washed off. Dry the skin well, then apply the patch. If there's a lot of hair or micro-hairs, you might need to shave it off as well. Before you put the patch on, hold it between your hands (still attached to the backing) for about a minute to soften the adhesive. Apply it, then put your hand over it for another minute to ensure the adhesive gets a good bond to the skin. You'll find it sticks pretty well after that.
Whether the Fentanyl patch or oxycodone 30mg is better for your chronic pain depends exclusively on what is causing the problem and what your body can tolerate. Many patients have found better relief with the patch, but you should talk to your doctor about your options.
Fentanyl patches are designed to deliver the medication through the skin, not to be taken orally. If someone attempts to ingest the patch or its contents, it can lead to dangerous levels of fentanyl in the body, resulting in serious health risks, including overdose. It's important to use fentanyl patches only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Misuse of the patch can be life-threatening.
Type your answer here... report and document
Yes, you can use tape to help keep a Fentanyl patch securely in place on your body, as long as the tape does not cover the patch excessively or interfere with its medication delivery. It's important to use a breathable tape to avoid skin irritation and to ensure that the patch can still effectively release the medication. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any modifications to how you use your medication.
True , but all it would do is make the onset of the drug quicker not stronger
It is not advisable to take a fentanyl patch without prior opioid use or without a doctor's prescription. Fentanyl is a potent opioid, and using it without a tolerance can lead to serious side effects, including overdose. If you have not used opioids for three weeks, your body may not handle fentanyl safely. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any opioid medication.
No - anything that insulates the patch can cause body heat to increase in the patch area, which will increase the dosage delivery rate of the patch. If you don't have a really high opiate tolerance above what your normal dosage is, an overdose is a real possibility. Even for someone with a high opiate tolerance, it's not fun - delirium/confusion is the usual result, and it's extremely disorienting, even when you know what's happening. The only way to deal with it is to remove the patch and get yourself cooled off to lower body temperature. Just don't fold the patch - you CAN re-apply it if the edges are intact. If you're having problems keeping it on, check out my answer on ways to keep it on at the related question link below (How do you keep Fentanyl patches applied?). There are many other ways to keep it stuck to your body.
Sweating shouldn't really change it, no. There are many types of patches now, but some are indeed stimulated by heat so the increased body temperature that sweat is a reaction to may cause a patch to release more fentanyl at a time. The way these patches work are quite complex, though, and once it's in your body who knows what happens to get it working?
Yes, it will still show up the same (if you live to take a test) but your body will have massive amounts of the Fentanyl in your system instead of a certain microgram per hour as the Fentanyl Transdermal System is made for. You shouldn't be eating these whatsoever. You can die from this. People whom are tolerant to these but using them transdermally still could die from eating a patch. Be careful and very smart of how you use a drug. Know ALL risks and side effects.
Yes, it is possible that the Fentanyl from your 25mcg patch could still be detectable in your urine even after 36 hours. Fentanyl can remain in the body for a period of time, and its metabolites may be present in urine tests for several days after use, depending on various factors such as metabolism and frequency of use. For a definitive answer, it's best to consult a medical professional or a toxicology expert.
Always apply the detox foot paste patch to clean, dry feet. Apply the patch to the top, arch, or heel of each foot. Leave the patch on overnight while you sleep. In the morning, remove the patch and check the color. If the patch is dark, the next night apply the patch to the same body part, as more toxins need to be removed.
Duragesic and other Fentanyl patches release Fentanyl dosages transdermally (through the skin and into the bloodstream). The dosage is regulated by body heat, which is why immersing the patch in hot water, exposing it to sunlight, getting a fever, or engaging in activity that raises core body temperature, can increase the dosage delivery rate and cause problems if the patient/family/friends aren't educated on the precautions and what to do if they start feeling the effects of an increased dose.