I have to jump in with Amy on this one. In 2005 the FDA cleared a generic Fentanyl patch by a company called Mylan. J&J also released a generic patch and there were big problems with the adhesives and the patch sticking properly. The delivery system on the generics is different in that the drug passes through the adhesive. Many complained about the generic and it's efficacy in 2005. I have not been able to find anything more recent so perhaps the problems with the generic patches not sticking has been solved.

The original Duragesic patch uses a time release transdermal transfer system through a permeable membrane. I used the Jensen patches (Duragesic) and occasionally had a patch the didn't adhere well but basically had an overall positive experience with them. They worked quite well. I also used Vicodin for a while until they switched me to Morphine Sulphate for breakthrough pain. It is much faster acting and more effective than Vicodin. I was also up to 3 25 mcg patches at a time. Some here have had as much as 300 mcg, In some extreme caes they can go up to 500 mcg (5-100mcg patches).

They have a titration formula that is a balance between his long term meds (Fentanyl) and his short term (Vicodin). If he is taking 10 a day then he should either get a stronger breakthrough med or have his fentanyl dose increased. DO NOT do this yourself without strict supervision or orders from your doctor. Be very careful handling these patches, NEVER use a damaged patch and follow the manufacturers instructions for use meticulously. Even after they are used they can still contain lethal doses for children and pets. They should be folded in half and flushed down the toilet after use.

I was on the patch for at least 4 months.

If his pain level is greater than 3 (out of 10) then they have to up the dosage. For most of us the worst pain occured immediately post Tx.