Sunbathing with Butec patches

[Wilson16]

I’m using Butec 10mg patches which do help slightly. The most benefit from changing from Co codamol is that I no longer feel bloated. I have recently read that you shouldn’t sun bathe whilst using the patches. I am due to go abroad in May and possibly in August. I find the warmth helps my pain somewhat. I’m now thinking that I will need to stop using the Butec patches. I’m also worried about the problems with coming off them Has anyone known about not being able to sunbathe whilst using Butec patches.

Many thanks 👍😀

[Blue-52]

I can’t find anything that says about sun and patches, may be check with your doctor or pharmacy. Have a lovely holiday though.

[Wilson16 in reply to Blue-52]

Thank you for your reply I’ll get an appointment with my GP. I wished I’d researched them before starting on them. Maybe suggest the doctor tells people before starting them as I think the withdrawal from them won’t be very nice

[Blue-52 in reply to Wilson16]

Mm yep, depending on how long you have been on them, I don’t know enough about them, that’s why I looked them up, I can’t tolerate any strong meds, let alone opioids. I hope you find your answer!!

[AgedCrone in reply to Wilson16]

Yes do speak to the doctor who prescribed them.I was on them very successfully for a couple of years…but I needed to come off them,& my GP who had not prescribed them said it was fine just to stop them. Well it wasn’t. I had very very nasty withdrawal symptoms that lasted for at least a couple of months….meaning I had to postpone all sorts of treatments because I couldn’t keep a limb still.

I really would advise you to definitely not to just stop cold.

[Iamthemedicalmystery]

I never even thought about this when I went to Tenerife in Dec and I'm on 20microgram patches. I didn't have any side effects though, just a white rectangle when I needed to change it halfway through holiday lol.

Patch

[Wilson16 in reply to Iamthemedicalmystery]

Thanks for that. Apparently the heat is supposed to increase the rate that the drug gets unto your system 🤔 Sounds like you didn’t feel any change. Do you find these patches take all the pain away or just lessen it ?

[Iamthemedicalmystery in reply to Wilson16]

They definitely don't take all the pain away because sometimes I wonder if it's got any drug in it lol.

[Wilson16 in reply to Iamthemedicalmystery]

Yes that’s exactly how I feel some days 😣

[Badbessie]

I use the patches and if they get too hot they can deliver a higher dose of medication. I would speak to your pharmacist as there are warnings about using them in high temperatures.

[Badbessie]

Found this from my pain management program. Heat can cause the buprenorphine in the patch to be absorbed into your body faster. This may increase the chance of serious side effects or an overdose. While you are using this medicine, do not use a heating pad, a sunlamp, or a heated water bed, and do not sunbathe, or take long baths or showers in hot water. Also, check with your doctor if you get a fever.

[Mitsymoomoo]

Hi i have had butec 5 for around 6 years now we go abroard every year only thing i can say if the patch hits direct sun it may give you more dosage, i felt quite high the first year so now i put the patch on my bottom!!

[Wilson16 in reply to Mitsymoomoo]

Oh that’s a great idea Thank you 👍

[Anna65maria]

What are these patches ? I live in Italy

[Mitsymoomoo in reply to Anna65maria]

Butec pain patches in 5 10 15 and 20

[Wilson16 in reply to Anna65maria]

I use them instead of taking Co codamol. As far as I know they are supposed to give you pain relief continuously for a week and then you put a new one on. I repeat this every Monday

[Anna65maria in reply to Wilson16]

Thank you

[Oscarpops]

Hi i have been on them approx10 years ( 20micrgrams) . The first time I went abroad I felt ill some of the time, I later discovered that they could release quicker in the heat.For future travel my doctor suggested I wear them on my bottom and take a spare one incase the release was too quick leaving me with no pain relieve. This can happen during hotspells here or being in the bath or shower too long, going in a hot tub and so much more. Just be mindful and watch for possible changes. Also I dont know if you do alreasy but always carry a copy of your perscription with you, some countries have rules regarding the medication, you may need a gp letter to proof its yours and thats its for medical reasons. Have a lovely holiday, just to reassure you I'm a sunbathers and now I'm aware what to watch for I havent had problems. I always take a spare, copy of perscription and carry it all hand luggage, plus wesr the patch on my bum lol.

[Wilson16 in reply to Oscarpops]

Thank you. Great advice 👍

[Ontherun81]

Hiya

Even when my patch has been used in another area from a previous one if the sun catches it , your left with white squares as the area still has medication in it from the patch. Best thing to do is move the patches to where the sun won't catch it at least a month before you go.

Have a lovely time!

😎

[Wilson16 in reply to Ontherun81]

I’ve thought about putting it under my bikini bottoms but I’m still worried that any heat from the sun will caused the patch to emit a larger dose of medicine which I’ve read could be an overdose 🤔

[Ontherun81 in reply to Wilson16]

Yes hear will cause more dosage, you'll probably sweat a lot more than normal nd feel sick?!Perhaps keep a cool pack handy to keep placing over it?

Might be worth a try?

Xx

[Lesbob]

I use the patches also. When I’m on holiday I place the patch in an area that’s not exposed to direct sunlight. Maybe on the hip? Covered up.

The patch can heat up in the sunlight due to the metal particles in it.

My GP advised me to do this rather than taking it off (withdrawal symptoms aren’t pleasant).

Hope this helps? And answers your question.

[Wilson16 in reply to Lesbob]

Thank you for your reply. I may resort to 2 pairs of bikini bottoms to make sure. I didn’t know that there were metal particles in the patch.

[Lesbob]

Hi, I didn’t realise it until I went for a MRI scan. I had to delay replacing it till it was over.

The leaflet in the box should also inform of not placing the patch in direct sunlight..

[Wilson16 in reply to Lesbob]

Thank you 👍

[Lesbob in reply to Wilson16]

You’re very welcome 😉