Things You'll Need:
- Your Patch
- Family support
- Awareness
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Step 1
Read all of your material that comes with your patch. Ask your doctor a lot of questions before starting these patches. Be aware that there can be serious side effects.
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Step 2
When opening the package, follow the instructions. If you cut or tear the package improperly, you could put a puncture in your patch unknowingly and cause leakage. Take it out carefully, as well. If your fingernail ruptures the patch and you are not aware, it can cause dangerous side effects and even death while wearing a ruptured patch.
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Step 3
After removing the patch from the package, be sure you do not leave it lying around or place it on a wet surface. Keep it away from animals and children.
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Step 4
Find a dry clean spot on your body to place the patch. I found that it is best to put it on a spot with little or no hair. The kind of pain patch I am familiar with is the Duragesic Fentanyl Transdermal System. I started out using 25 MCG/HR to be applied every three days. You place it on and then three days later, you remove the old one and replace it with a new one. I went from that to 100 MCG/HR. I went down to 75 MCG/HR due to leakage. I now am back down to using 50 MCG/HR because of all the leakage problems. These patches are very dangerous if they accidentally break open.
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Step 5
Make sure the spot is a place where you can reach. This way if you start to feel funny you can remove it quickly. Do not hesitate to tell someone that you think your patch has broken open. This way, if someone notices you are acting lethargic, they can call 911.
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Step 6
The only place my patch would stay was my chest, which is not the best or safest place to be. It would be better to wear it on your abdomen or upper back. If it will stay on your upper arm, make sure it is surface without hair. Be aware that it is likely to come off in the shower, so be careful not to let the shower spray directly on the area.
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Step 7
Mark your calendar and make note of the exact time you placed the patch on. Remove it after three days and replace it with a new one. You will usually be supplied with ten patches, enough for a month. Be aware that if one patch gets ruined, your doctor will not be able to replace it. These patches are very expensive if you do not have complete coverage.
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Step 8
If you become lethargic or dizzy, please let someone know. You could fall asleep and no one would even know something is wrong until it is too late. These patches can and have killed people because of breakage. Be aware of any recalls. Even if there are not recalls on your particular patch, there is a chance of leakage. Other symptoms are confusion, sudden sleepiness, and even nausea. These are symptoms that I, myself have experienced. Leaking patches can cause damage to your body and even death, so please tell someone if you feel even the least bit funny.
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Step 9
Please hesitate before accepting this as a remedy for your pain. If there is some other way to deal with it that is more natural, use it. There are two kinds of patches, one has the medicine inside of it and the other has the medicine on the side of the patch that is placed against your body. I prefer the patches that have the medicine that goes against your skin because they have proven to be safer for me. I have had no leakage since I started using these. They are made more like smoker's patches.
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Step 10
This is written from my own experience. I am not a professional, but I have dealt with these patches for five years or more. Be aware that usually when you are on Medicaid, you have to use one particular pharmacy. You cannot even use another pharmacy of the same name. It has to be the one you originated with unless you get your doctor's permission to change pharmacies altogether. Also, you will have to visit the doctor once a month just to get your prescription. The reason I mention all of this is because, if your pharmacy does not have your patches in stock, you will be without pain relief until they get them. You will not be able to go to another pharmacy without special permission from your doctor. Usually, he will not give that permission. This is why you need to call a few days ahead and remind your pharmacy that your prescription refill is coming up. It is horrible coming down from these patches. Not only is it horrible, but it can be dangerous.
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Step 11
From my own experience, it is better to never start on these patches unless you cannot function without them. I have several conditions and suffer with severe and chronic pain everyday. If there are other options, take them. Pain medicine is not good for your body and if you can live without it, do not get started on it. But, if you have to use these patches, use them with caution.
Comments
harleyangelbrat said
on 9/16/2009 I suppose it could be, but if you call the company, they will usually send you a special made tape to hold them on. At least that is what the box has said before. They make the patches a little different now, which has made them a bit safer. They still make the others, but I get the ones that are safer. The old ones had a fluid pouch, the new ones have the medicine embedded into the patch on the side that goes against your skin. If you have anymore questions, I would be glad to answer them. Thanks, and God bless.
taffyjames said
on 9/16/2009 Can a fentanyl patch be covered with anything. like an ace bandage to hold it on?