Question about Fentanyl/Durogesic patches

I have used them on MANY patients with sever OA (usually LOLs) with very good results (back when I did LTC). They are expensive but not so bad when compaired with the cost of BID to TID dosing of sustained release narcotics (keep in mind the horrors of US drug pricing).

Actually my brother had horrible osteo and it helped him. ALOT.

renerian

Yes, I have 2 patients who are taking it for osteo pain. Have to withstand constant demands from float staff wanting to know why fentanyl is indicated, but I firmly believe it works.

they work wonderfully when they work...bear in mind:
absorption rate will be affected by:
~amount of body fat (med is fat soluble)
~body temp (higher temps result in quicker absorption)
~hydration/dehydration (dehydration hinders the absorption)

this is what i recall from my times in pain clinic nursing and hospice...

I love this drug!

BID = twice a day
TID = three times a day
LOL = little old lady

Sunnygirl your 100% Right. I have used Duragesic patches from anything like chronic OA to terminally ill. Remember like any drug patients can become tolerant and the dose needs to be adgusted. This drug is a wonderful for the geratric population esp for individuals whom have trouble taking medications. I have had several patients whom skin beccame irritated by the paste. Make sure that the site is rotated and the skin is cleaned after removing the patch.

I have also seen it used very successfully in the elderly with sever DJD (degen joint dis aka arthritis OA etc...)

One lady was so snowed from the qid (foru times a day) darvocet, she luterally was wearing a diaper b/c she had no strentgh to move. I suggested the lowest dose patch to her doc, we stopped the darvocet, and her dtr was so amazed, in a week's time, she perked up, started making it to the BR, and stopped using the doapers. Her entire quality of life was changed.

One thing, it is difficult for the elderly to manipulate this patch. I wroite to the manufacturer and c/o b/c it was so hard to see the clear backing, and I can't tell you how many times I found someone wearing the patch w the backing still on it. I asked them to color-code the doses and to make the backing and the pATCH A CONTRASTING COLOR or make an outline, so the older folks could see it. They write me back thanking me, but not sure if it has changed anything.

Also , have to dispose of the used patches carefully, it could kill a young child or animal if they ate it out of the garbage or laying around the home. They need to be folded up and flushed.