I used the patches for years for a bad back. I quit taking them a couple of years ago. (long story) I have not had to use anything stonger than loritab for my throat pain. If hubby has only used 1 patch he can take it off with no problem at all. Even within the 72 hrs. Keep the unused patches some place other than the bathroom, worst place in the world to store meds.
Hope that helps
Amy

40 yr old. Stage IV SCC found left tonsil. PET/CT shows cancer on base of tongue, floor of mouth, lymph nodes on both sides. HPV 16 pos. 6 weeks of cisplatin, 43 days of radiation. 73gy on each side.
ND March 2, 2009
reoccurance dx'd Aug 19, 2009