O.K., you have my permission to laugh or shake your head or whatever as you read this post, but I need help here. I am pretty sure I put John's 1st patch on wrong and I not sure about the one that I applied today. I can't see all the little 'protective" plastic strips very well. From what I can tell, there is one big one on one side of the patch and on the other side there is a split cover. Will someone walk me through the actual application - and how to tell which side of the patch has the gel without sticking your finger on it ? [I said you could laugh} Amy

Hi Amy :-) I have the same patch on. I thought it was awkward too. Here's how: inside of the bag there's a plastic film, remove both sides (they are not sticking onto the patch). The patch is inside these two films you'll notice a mark in the middle of path. There are two films here two. Tearing in the middle the side of the patch that is sticking shows. Apply the sticky half side on his arm and then remove the other half of the film by peeling it off. Got it?
Have a great night . .
Edgar
39 IMRT radio 3 cisplatin 3 Erbitux
Tonsil Cancer 3/4

Yep- I might have put this one on backwards also. Thanks Edgar- I'm printing this thread before I apply the next one.

Here are the manufacurer's instructions:

"The patch should be applied to a clean, dry area on the upper arm or back. If necessary, clip hair from the site prior to applying the patch. Remove the the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip and immediately apply to the skin. Press firmly for 10-20 seconds to make sure that the patch stays in place. Be sure that the edges are held firmly to the skin. Wash your hands after applying the patch. Each patch may be worn for 72 hours even while showeting or bathing. Remove the patch carefully and immediately flush down the toilet. Apply each new patch to a different area to prevent skin irritation. Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctors approval. Over time, this drug may not work as well. Consult your doctor if this medication is not relieving the pain sufficiently."

Also, when it comes time to stop using the patch, remember that fentanyl is a powerful drug and you should taper off use, rather than stopping abruptly.

As you taper off, it can be helpful to cut a patch in half so that you can get a fractional dosage as you stop using it. - Sheldon

Gary, I got out my magnifying glass and read the manufacturer's instructions before applying the 1st patch. [tho I appreciate your effort above] I have one sighted eye [with a cataract] This patch has 2 long pieces of plastic on the outside [I think] and then a piece cut in 1\2 covering the gel [I think] Edgar's post confirms that [I think]
It is my opinion that the "application instructions" leave alot to be desired At least for this old lady.Oh well, practice makes perfect. Thanks, guys. Anyone want to come down and show me how? Amy

Must concur on the tapering off. It will be a while before you need to worry about it but, take heed. I went from 150mg to 0 in about a week and ended up like a heroin addict going into detox. Not a fun time. Take it slow when it's no longer needed.

150mg = 150 micrograms

That is incorrect. mg is milligrams, mcg is micrograms

While we are on the subject if you wish to better read your Rx's, here's a list of definitions.

abbreviation=English=Latin

ad.lib =freely as wanted=ad libitum
aq.=water=aqua
b.i.d.=twice a day=bis in die
cap.=capsule=capula
c with bar on top=with=cum
div.=divide=divide
eq.pts.=equal parts=equalis partis
gtt.=a drop=gutta
h.=hour=hora
no.=number=numero
O.=pint=octarius
p.r.n.=as occasion requires=pro re nata
q.s.=a sufficient quantity=quantum sufficiat
q4h=every 4 hours=quaque 4 hora
q6h=every 6 hours=quaque 6 hora
q1d=every day=quaque 1 die
q1w=every week
q.i.d.=four times a day=quater in die
s.i.d.=once a day=semel in die
Sig., or S.=write on the label=signa
stat.=immediately=statim
tab.=a tablet=tabella
t.i.d.=three times a day=ter in die

Weight

1000 picograms=1 nanogram (ng)
1000 nanograms =1 microgram (ug)
1000 micrograms=1 milligram (mg)
1000 milligrams=1 gram (g)
1000 grams=1 kilogram (kg)

Volume
1000 milliliters (ml)=1 liter (L)

Hi Everyone:

Just one quick point to echo Brian's. Fentanyl (AKA Duragesic) is dosed in micrograms. the general rule is to start low and go slow on the upswing and taper down slowly as well.

It's also important to remember that it can take 3-5 days to build up an adequate blood level of the drug to feel relief from pain. So, don't assume poor relief in the first few days means the dose is incorrect.

The issue about applying the patch is the one we medical providers hear about most often.The manufacturers don't make it easy and many caregivers get the medication on their hands while trying to apply the patch to their loved ones. Make sure you wash your hands before and after applying the patch.

The other tip to remember is that basic drugs, such as Tylenol and Motrin, is they can bee taken without side effects, work well in conjuction with the patches and often boost the effect of the narcotic.

Kim