Fentanyl patch vs oral pain meds | Arthritis Information

 

I have been taking Vicodin HP (10 mg) every 6 hours for my pain management, but was having problems with the pills (remembering to take them on time, getting acid reflux when I went to bed, waking up after a few hours to take next pill, etc).  Since the extended release version hasn't come out yet, I asked my RD if I could try the Fentanyl patch and he gave me a month's worth.  So far (just 2 days), the pain level is more even, but not quite as low as the Vicodin got it to be (which wasn't all that great either, but I was hoping to avoid escalating the pain meds). 

When I did a search on Fentanyl here in the forums, I noticed several people saying they are on both Fentanyl patch and oral pain meds (Vicodin, Percocet or Oxycodone).  I always assumed it was one or the other.  That made me wonder what the relative strenth of the Fentanyl is versus oral pain meds.  My RD said it should be equivalent pain relief (10 mg Vicodin to 25 mcg patch). 

 

I'm wondering if I just need to get used to the patch for it to be more effective or if this isn't the right answer (or dose) for me, or if I still would need oral meds for breakthrough pain.  Any thoughts?

I don't have any answers for you but I just wanted to say I am sorry you are in such pain!  I used a fentanyl patch after my 2nd plurodesis, but I am not used to pain meds and it just made me nauseated.  Most pain meds make me feel like someone is scratching on the inside of my head behind my eyes!   I use fentanyl patches but I also use oxycocet for breakthrough pain.  When I first started using the patches I found it really helped my feet (my foot pain is mostly from damage, I believe) I even found it kind of gave me some energy (maybe it was just because my feet felt somewhat better) BUT as soon as I'd sit and relax, I'd feel so tired and I'd end up sleeping a lot.  After using the patches for a while, the tiredness lessened a bit, but it's still there.  I really haven't found the patches to really help with any RA pain.  To be honest, none of the pain meds I've used really take away the pain...just makes it a little more tolerable I suppose. kelstev2009-07-05 17:29:14Anyone else use the Fentanyl Patch? I was suppose to, but my insurance would not approve it.
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