Re: Duragesic Patches - Generic Options?

Zaphod517@xxxxxxxxx wrote:

Hey All,
This is the first time that I have ever posted to an NG
(Although I have been a frequent browser of alot of the content pain
control wise) My doc just switched me to Duragesic 100mcg/hr every 48
hours from Oxycontin 80mg every 8 hours (Degenerative Disc Problems
with Back.) I had been on the Oxy for 2+ years and was getting to the
point of needing to increase the dose so I asked him about switching to
the patch. At that time, doc gave me some Janssen brand samples to see
what I thought about them. They seemed to work great!!! (with the
slight exception that I was needing to replace them q48 hrs instead of
q72 hrs and no need for any breakthrough meds.) I felt like a teenager
again and was able to keep up with the kids for the first time in
years. When I went to have the script filled the pharmacy filled them
with Mylan brand because my insurance would not pay for Janssen's
Duragesic. I have noticed that the Mylans are not working nearly as
well as the brand. They are about the size of a large postage stamp
and I guess the fentanyl is mixed with the silicone adhesive and there
is no reservoir with the happy gel. I had a serious problem with one
of the Mylans last week. I was working outside the house in 105 degree
weather and apparently the heat caused most of the fentanyl to be
absorbed into my body very quickly. I got very sick and had to flush
the patch. I have since done some research and have come to find that
Alza (the company that manufactures the Duragesic brand) also makes
patches for Sandoz. Sandoz told me that the only difference between
Janssen's and theirs is the printing on the patch (same production
line, same delivery system, same happy gel, different packaging) This
was confirmed by me with 3 different pharmacists.

Never tried any of the generics. Been on the same pills for pain for a decade & a half now. They work quite well for me, so why change what works well? Tried the patch at the docs behest a long time ago, didnt like it at all. Didnt get much pain relief either.


Does anyone have any similar experiences with the Mylans releasing
too quickly or slowly? I would also like to hear about your
preferences of manufacturers of these wonderful patches and find out
what you patch users prefer to use for breakthrough pain??? Does
anyone use Actiq for BT?

I do, and either know a few others who have used it in the past or still use it. I have good luck w/it. Quite effective for everyone I know who has tried or continues to use it. One expensive medication, and chronic pain or BT pain for non-cancer pain is off label, so its hard to get approved by most insurance co's. But if you can pay for it or get it paid for, it's really worth the pain relief you get.



I apologize for the length of this post and would appreciate any and
all thoughts on this subject.

Thank You,
Arthur, King of the Brittons

On the plains of hesitation, lie the bones of countless millions who at
the point of victory, laid down to rest, and resting died
- A. Critchfield

.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Even more on fentanyl patches
    ... Ok maybe not them, but Physicians against Pain, and even various ... But perhaps given some of the responses to the patch issue, ... There's obviously a problem with the Mylan brand and it's known well ... Duragesic and generics a day or two ago. ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Duragesic Patches - Generic Options?
    ... This is the first time that I have ever posted to an NG ... the patch. ... with Mylan brand because my insurance would not pay for Janssen's ... I have noticed that the Mylans are not working nearly as ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Re: Fentanyl Once Again
    ... from brand to brand by my pharmacy. ... My pain Mgmt group writes my RX ... for one patch every 72 hours. ... I switched from Methadone to ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Re: fentanyl patch
    ... yes I had missed the CR as being the clue...obviously the generic of brand ... generics HAVE to have the same exact amount of ACTIVE ... people in this group that are on two extended release pain meds with an IR ... I believe the fentanyl patch she is on as stregth is ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)
  • Re: fentanyl patch
    ... > |to the patch, but in all likelihood you will adjust. ... > |may not even help your pain that much, or it may be the answer to your ... > |However, given time, you should end up adapted well enuf to the meds to ... > where their pain doc made them change the patch every 2 instead of 3. ...
    (alt.support.chronic-pain)