 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Nov 2002 Posts: 3,552 | According to the Indications For Use, Fentanyl patches have a residual buildup in the blood for around 24 hours so patches can be removed and replaced and a correct therapeutic level maintained. Possibly you are taking too many break through meds? There is a titration formula where the Fentanyl dose rate is increased based on the consumption rate of breakthrough meds. Please do not alter your meds without clearing it with your doctor.
There was also a problem with some lots of patches with the adhesive, causing a low dose rate.
Cancer fatigue is a well known side effect of treatment. And probably only distantly related to your pain meds if you have been on them for a while.
Gary Allsebrook
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Dx 11/22/02, SCC, 6 x 3 cm Polypoid tumor, rt tonsil, Stage III/IVA, T3N0M0 G1/2
Tx 1/28/03 - 3/19/03, Cisplatin ct x2, IMRT, bilateral, with boost, x35(69.96Gy)
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"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes" (James 4:14 NIV)
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