New medication

[misty14]

Hello everyone

I'm new to this site and have just started Butrans 5 mcg patch. I would be very interested in your experiences of this medication. Any side effect problems and did it help your pain?. So far I'm not having side effects.

Many thanks and Happy Easter.

MistyX 

[Libluce8]

No side effects, other than it started off my hot flushes again (I'm a woman of a certain age!) I found the 5mcg to have little effect, so doc upped it to 10mcg, which took the edge off but again didn't allow me to function properly. Doc won't up it again as he says as I get older I will need a higher dose as my issues will get worse. So I'm still taking 30/500 cocodemols - sadly can't take NSAIDs due to inflammatory bowel disease. 

[misty14 in reply to Libluce8]

Hi libluce

Thank you for your reply, sorry you have a lot of problems especially IBD!. I've got U.C mildly which one have you

Could I ask when you upped the dose how long did it take to work?. I've got partial relief and trying to come off two other painkillers one of which is co codamol same dose as you. I've halved it  straightaway!. I guess it's a case of juggling to see what gives best relief. 

Many thanks and Happy Easter.X

[Libluce8 in reply to misty14]

Upping the dose had an impact within 48 hours but I still have to take the cocodemols. In fact to function working, which unfortunately I have to do, I stupidly took ibrufen, this was in January and I was admitted to hospital for two days with gastritis, which they linked to IBD. I am now only taking cocodemol as the hospital took me off everything and the pain is at times unbearable. My doctor will not review the pain meds until I am stable with the IBD and now the gastritis. I wish you luck with Butrans, I have friends that have found it a good pain med but as you are finding, along with others, it takes the edge off but you still need something else to function x

[misty14 in reply to Libluce8]

Hi libluce

Thanks for replying, I hope your pain meds can be reviewed soon as your suffering. It's difficult finding the right combination of drugs to allow us to function and give relief. Good luckX

[derk28]

Hi,i've been on 20mcg for the past 5 years,no side effects although i think you get withdrawal when and if you ever come off it.I had a lower back operation putting pins,nuts and bolts onto my spine and i couldn't get any relief until i got these patch's,although i still have to take other med's as well but i do think the patch help's.I hope this is of some help to you,good luck.derk28. x

[misty14 in reply to derk28]

Hi derk

Thanks for your helpful reply. Can you remember when upping it how long it took to make a difference?. I've got partial relief but reducing other meds at the same time so have  strong pain. It's finding out and juggling it. I may need other meds or a dosage change if it doesn't improve. I'm sorry your back is so bad , must be awful!. Happy EasterX

[derk28 in reply to misty14]

Hey Misty,i was on 5 for about 1 month then up to 10 again that was for about 2 months then i got the 20 which is helping although as i said with other pain relief,i could check and let you know if you'd like,let me know,my pain is 24/7 its just trying to get a bearable level.x

[misty14 in reply to derk28]

Hi derk

Thank you for your very helpful reply, no need for extra checking thanks. I'm going to need added drugs if the 5 mcg doesn't build more. My pain is 24/7 like yours and it's finding the right combination  for relief and function which isn't easy!. Pain like this is so debilitating isn't it?. 

Take Care

[derk28 in reply to misty14]

Hi Misty,how are you getting on with the patches? I was reading through the site and hadn't seen any posts from you,I hope you have found some relief. Take care Misty.x

[misty14 in reply to derk28]

Hi derk

Thanks for your lovely message. It looks like  the  Butrans 5mcg will have to increase as it's not giving me enough relief. I'm having to take 5 mg Oramorph as well !. GP has told me to keep a note of how often for when my Pain Consultant rings end May. I 'm pleased I had no side effects. How are you getting on?. X

[derk28 in reply to misty14]

Hi Misty,not much change in me I'm still fighting the pain but suppose I always will be doing this.It's nice to hear the patch is helping,how long is that now you have been on the 5 ? Take care Misty and good luck with the higher dose,let me know how you get on,all the best.Derek.x

[misty14 in reply to derk28]

Hi derk

I've been on the 5mcg patch for a month now. I may have to choose between an injection or the dose going up. I don't like how many painkillersI'm having to take!. I'm sorry it's tough for you. Have you been thru a Pain Clinic support group where you learn different coping techniques?. I did find it helpful and made two new friends.  I hope you improve 

Cheerio Misty.

[derk28 in reply to misty14]

Hi Misty,I'm glad that you are at least getting some kind of ease,I've been to the plain management course but didn't really learn anything I didn't know,here's hoping for a good summer Misty,at least we'll be able to sit outside.Take care and good luck,let me know how you're doing.x

[misty14 in reply to derk28]

Hi derk

Thanks for lovely message, weather is warming up thru the week so maybe we'll be sitting outside. Hope so. I'll let u know if patch increases.All the best to you. Mistyx

[misty14 in reply to misty14]

Hi derk

Hope your enjoying the sun. Just to let u know I have just put my Butrans patch up to 10 mcg and no side effects. It' has helped the pain more but not sure yet if it will be sufficient.If not I can have a nerve block injection in two months. How are you getting on?. Best wishes misty.

[Hidden]

Hello Misty,

I was on the 20mg patches and found them to be very helpful in dealing with the pain. It was particularly good that the medication is fed into your system continually. 

I had to change to Fentanyl patches after being on the Butrans ones for a while as my skin was reacting really badly to them.

I hope that they work for you.

Best regards,

Dave.

[misty14 in reply to Hidden]

Hi DWT

Thanks for your reply. Did you start on the lower doses first?. How long did you have to allow before trying the next dose?. 

I'm pleased it's giving me the best relief I've had with no side effects. I'm reducing other pain meds at the same time so getting pain. It's getting the right balance which is not easy. I hope your getting similar help from the fentanyl ones.

Happy Easter

Helen

[Hidden in reply to misty14]

I did start on a small dose, Helen. It was quite a few months before the dose increased. I think that I used the patches for about 3 years before I changed over to the Fentanyl ones.

It is all about striking a balance between effective pain relief and side effects that you can live with.

Happy Easter to you too.

Dave