Opioids Pain managment question about Fentanyl 25ug/hr patch

[Livinginthealps]

My doctor put me on 25 ug/hr fentanyl 25ug/hr transdermal patch today and I have a few questions. I am suppose to wear the patch for 72 hours. If I experience nausea or tiredness can I remove the patch and store in a plastic bag until later? It could be a few hours or overnight. It says to throw away if you remove, but the medication pamphlet guide says if the adhesive is not working you may use medical tape etc. Could I remove my patch if needed for a few hours and store safely than place on my body at a later with tape?

My insurance said they wont cover the patches so they are pretty expensive, I only get 10 a month so I really would like to not throw it out if I wanted to remove for a few hours.

Thanks

 

[tommykatt]

the medecine has to go somewhere. i think it would ooze out of the opened patch.

 

[Toz]

My doctor put me on 25 ug/hr fentanyl 25ug/hr transdermal patch today and I have a few questions. I am suppose to wear the patch for 72 hours. If I experience nausea or tiredness can I remove the patch and store in a plastic bag until later? It could be a few hours or overnight. It says to throw away if you remove, but the medication pamphlet guide says if the adhesive is not working you may use medical tape etc. Could I remove my patch if needed for a few hours and store safely than place on my body at a later with tape?

My insurance said they wont cover the patches so they are pretty expensive, I only get 10 a month so I really would like to not throw it out if I wanted to remove for a few hours.

Thanks

In my experience, this works fine. But I have only stored them for max 12 hours, don't know if they would work if stored longer.

 

[Livinginthealps]

In my experience, this works fine. But I have only stored them for max 12 hours, don't know if they would work if stored longer.

It wouldn't be for more than 12 hours most likely. I'm sure I will be fine with the patch on full time, it's just taking some time to get use to.
How did you store it? fridge?plastic?etc...

Thanks for the responses

 

[Jktm]

If you're using the adhesive matrix patches, then the adhesive might not attach back properly after removal/it might not penetrate the skin as well. I only have experience with BuTrans patches, but I remember being told that about them. You could ask your doctor about an anti-emetic like phenergan (promethazine) or zofran (ondansetron) to help with the nausea. One might even venture vistaril (hydroxyzine). Another issue I see with taking the patch off for a few hours is getting back on the pain roller coaster. I would call your doctor's office and ask to speak with a nurse about this, or call your pharmacist for a more reliable answer.

 

[Livinginthealps]

If you're using the adhesive matrix patches, then the adhesive might not attach back properly after removal/it might not penetrate the skin as well. I only have experience with BuTrans patches, but I remember being told that about them. You could ask your doctor about an anti-emetic like phenergan (promethazine) or zofran (ondansetron) to help with the nausea. One might even venture vistaril (hydroxyzine). Another issue I see with taking the patch off for a few hours is getting back on the pain roller coaster. I would call your doctor's office and ask to speak with a nurse about this, or call your pharmacist for a more reliable answer.

I appreciate this response. I have the Sandoz patches if that makes any difference. I'll speak to the pharmacist tomorrow and the post was more out of curiosity. I have a condition that causes a good deal of nausea so it was a thought that popped into my head after I filled my script. If I were to take off the patch after 24 hours how long will the fentanyl keep working for? I'm not sure of the half life of the fentanyl gel solution.

 

[Jktm]

I'm not sure on that tbph. Like I said, I only have experience with the BuTrans patches.