Opioids Swimming with fent patches

[StaffWriter]

Hey folks. Been a while since I've been on here but I just want to ask a quick question. I did a simple search which I didn't find what I was looking for. Can anyone tell me a way that I can go into the pool with a fentanyl patch on. The last time I did this, the water (and possibly chlorine) ruined my patch, even though I had a "waterproof" bandage over the actual patch. I even used an ACE bandage to cover the "waterproof" bandaid and ended up in withdrawals the next day, even though the patch was less than 36hrs old. I wear these quite frequently and would like to hear some possible tricks or ways to keep the patch from becoming unusable. I know these bandages that are waterproof are not to be submerged in water and that it may keep them dry from being splashed or simply used in the shower. Has anyone found a successful way to enjoy the pool in the summer while using a patch? Or is simply not an option? By the way, I can't swim, so I just kind of relax on the most shallow end. Thanks in advance for any comments!

 

[Numb19]

You can look into waterproof arm protectors for swimming. They are typically made for casts but I don't think they are all that expensive.

If you're looking dirt cheap DYI, then you can try wrapping your arm in seran and then duct taping both ends to ensure the edges of the seran are completely covered firmly with tape. But of course that part of your arm won't be able to breathe and I'd imagine the comfort factor being low. You can also test this on your other arm before jumping in the pool.

And we don't swim around here (couldn't resist haha). ACE isn't going to do crap for water by the way and waterproof bandaids, as far as I know are only really for adhering to the skin under water and not really for preventing water to seep through (they are still very porous).

 

[Jesusgreen]

I know it's not recommended but if you can't find anything that'll actually protect the patch - maybe try swimming in short bursts so that you can take the patch off for the duration? I know a lot of people hate removing transdermal patches at all because they can be tough to get to stick back a second time, but you can use a bandage or wrap of some kind to get the patch firmly back in place if nothing else. If it was me and I didn't have extra patches or other pain medicine in the case that something would go wrong with whatever I was using to protect the patch and I'd lose it - then I'd go for taking it off for the duration instead. As long as you aren't in long enough to go into full withdrawals you should be fine - being in water can reduce the discomfort from withdrawals as is so if your dose starts to wear off at all while swimming you can probably stay in a little longer still before having to get out and grab the patch.

Also if you're swimming in a public pool, even if you have backup patches, if you're even 1% sure your method won't stop the patch from leaking or whatever then I'd avoid it if possible, since although the dose leaking out might not affect you, or probably 99% of the people in the pool, I imagine a badly placed mouthful of water or two full of Fentanyl for a kid would probably get them rushed to ER. Even if that risk is minimal, not something you want to take.

 

[Nicholai]

Remove the patch and reapply when you are out of the pool. If it doesn't adhere, use a Tegaderm, which you can get at any pharmacy. You won't go into withdrawals taking the patch off for a couple hours...

 

[Pill__Head]

Remove the patch and reapply when you are out of the pool. If it doesn't adhere, use a Tegaderm, which you can get at any pharmacy. You won't go into withdrawals taking the patch off for a couple hours...

yeah seriously, if your on fent patches, chances are youve got quite a bit a fent thats been slowly building up in you system, so a little swim isnt gunna bring you into WD eve if its a few hours..perhaps, IDK for sure.

 

[crzydiamond]

No do NOT take off and reapply patch. My friends mom is scripted these and was told by her doctor if patch comes off never try to reapply in a different spot because it doesn't work right when reapplied. Something to do with the membrane (part of patch against skin that lets med thru) only working the first time. She was told if one ever comes off due to sweat, shower, etc. ALWAYS apply a new one. He even gave her extra 5 per month so she can change every 48 instead of 72 due to issues with them not sticking well in shower after a few showers...

She went swimming but just taped waterproof adhesive tape over the patch.

 

[SRLMJ23]

I know this is an old thread, and I am a new user but I am on Fentanyl Transdermal 100 mcg/h. I use Tegaderm Cover Patches made by 3M, and they are amazing. They stick really well and I have NEVER had one come off. I get them prescribed to me and my copay for them is like $3.00, but they are $22.00 if you had to pay for them out of pocket because you do not need a script to get them. Any pharmacy should have them. You can swim, shower, do anything really that involves water OR if your patches do not stick well to your skin, just because of how your skin is naturally or if it is the summer and your skin is all sweaty from being super hot or if it is really humid out. I would give these Tegaderm patches a 10 out of 10. They are truly that good. Here is a link to them:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/...g-Frame-Style-1626W?N=5928575+4294925426&rt=d

They come in different sizes, but the size I get covers any patch I have ever used. My favorite brand of patches are Sandoz, but I have had to try other brands when my pharmacy could not get the Sandoz in. The Tegaderm also works over the patches with Gel in them. Hope you read this and this helps. Have a good one, and good luck!