Fentanyl Patches

July 16, 2004

Donna,

You wrote, " ..have a problem with them [Fentanyl Patches] itching after the

first day?.after I take them off..that awful tape ... takes a " hammer and

chisel " to get off the adhesive off .becomes pretty much raw! "

I have been on the Duragesic Patches for three of four years. Yes, they itch

miserably. I end up lifting the edges to relieve some of the contact with my

skin, which causes them to not have good contact and start falling off.

The itching I find has more to do with how tightly they are on and if my skin

is pinched or wrinkled under the patch. I also think that the medicine is

irritating and has a build up effect. When I am active and sweat heavily, the

patches become very irritating, also. I often have to take them off and transfer

them to another location before the end of the third day. Janssen provides

clear plastic covers to use with the patches. This also allows you to trim the

adhesive off the edges of the patches before putting them on your skin, and

apply the clear cover to keep them on. The adhesive on the covers is not as

irritating as the patch.

I have placed patches all over my body, but for the last two years I put them

on my lower leg, the shin to be exact. It is a place that does not have much

movement of the skin, but gets a lot of moving activity with walking, which I

think helps keep the patches releasing a regular supply of medicine. I also do

not have much adipose (fat) on my lower legs so they are also better

absorbed. I wear support knee highs and these keep a nice pressure to the

patches,

which also keeps them from sliding, as well as maintaining a regular amount of

pressure from the patch to the skin, again to achieve a regular dosing of

medicine.

They also have adhesive removal pads, similar to alcohol pads, which take off

the adhesive gently and without irritation. I also have good results with

bath oil. [FYI: I never use any bath oil, soap, shampoo, etc., that has any

artificial colors, perfumes, etc. as they do irritate the skin]

Contact Janssen at 1-800-JANSSEN or 1- to discuss obtaining these

clear plastic covers.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

Pancreatitis Association International

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