Ok, this should be my last question, but reserve the right to ask more should more arise!
So in the insert of the package of patches as well as searching places like RXlist.com, drugs.com, it says that with the patch on you can swim, take a shower or bath, run through a sprinkler, ect .... (OK I added in the sprinkler), basically you can do all normal activities that you normally would where water in concerned. Now that bothers me in and of itself. How does water NOT inter fear with the patch? Is this because there is nothing in the patch, ie, matrix, adhesive (I guess they are really one in the same in these patches as there is no gel reservoir to leak out and wash down the drain?
And this question is actually 2 part as there is another place on those sites as well as the medication insert that day that you should not apply heat to the patch we it could allow more of the fentanyl to be absorbed into the skin thereby increasing the likely hood of an OD, and infact there is a post in here
http://www.bluelight.ru/vb/threads/424365-The-Eagle-s-Fentanyl-Patch-Guide?highlight=eagle+fentanyl where he says and I quote:
Now in this snippet he is talking about the Mylan's Matrix patches, to which he refers to as "garbage", and if you want to increase their potency follow one or more of the above. Now what has my a little confused is that the instructions say it's ok to let it get wet through normal daily activities (bath and shower being a couple normal activities), but to increase it's potency per Eagle, sit in not tub. I don't don't really see much of a difference between being in a hot tub vs. taking a hot showever or bath.
Now as far as I know in the Mylan Matrix style patch there is no gel and the patch is very similar to mine which is made by Apotex Corp. where the patch basically looks like a giant bandaid minus the gauze. Once the protective shield (clear) is removed all you are left with is a patch that consists of adhesive mixed with the fentanyl (I believe) and the backing which is beige in color that becomes the out side or top side of the patch.
So if the instructions in the product state that once applied you can take a shower or bath, but then also say do not expose the patch to heat as this could potentially release more fentanyl and lead to a possible OD?? And Eagle post boasts, how being in the hot water of a hot tub is a good way to abuse the patch (again I must restate that his post was referring to the Mylan's Matrix patches, and not mine which to my eyes look to be the same). If by chance there is a distinct difference between the two please educate me however, again I'll restate that the instructions in mine DO say, bath and shower OK, but heat is NOT.
Anyone care to take a gander?
(I know it a long question which could have been written much shorter, but I would rather ask a long winder question, then a shorter one that would invoke more questions and possible more (new) threads similar in nature, by 10 other people
Thanks!