Butrans patches

Due to dreadful bladder spasms (I have a complex medical history, bowel problems too, so no oral pain killers really got through to help.)

I was started initially on Fentanyl patches, 5mcg, much too strong for me. I then was tried on BuTrans, 5mcg to start. Great the pains went away. They did take a while for me to feel less of the side effects.

But I got a dreadful headache just above my eyebrows, and I was so very sick. I noticed when I drank milk, or ate anything with milk I instantly got the violent headache and sickness - actual vomiting.

Trial and error I found it was down to the lactose. I bought lactose free milk and avoided all foods etc containing milk. (amazing how many foods etc do have milk in when least expected).

Since using the 5mcg and then eventually going up to 10mcg patches, I have never had a headache or vomiting since. I suggest anyone with similar side effects try a lactose free diet to see how you get on.

[Hzhr7]

I have been on Butrans 35mcg for 3 years after coming off Fentanyl which made me so drowsy. I have had no side effects except for occasional constipation and I'm more or less pain free . Glad you found out it was lactose causing your symtoms but I couldn't give up dairy products even if they did xx

[Hidden in reply to Hzhr7]

Thank you for replying. xx

So good to hear you are okay on the strength of BuTrans. I too was so miffed regarding the not eating/drinking anything with milk/lactose in. I craved and still crave so many foods.

Strangely, and happily I found I was okay eating dark chocolate, yet the milk chocolate gave me the same bad side effects.

Luckily I feel well enough lately to do much of my own baking, and cakes too. I found the Stork margarine was alright to use.

[barbleblanc]

I am totally the same the butrans I would love to stay on but I can't afford the $120-$140 a month for 4 patches. As well same thing with the lactose intolerance. They could replace the fentanyl in a min

[Hidden in reply to barbleblanc]

Thank you for replying. xx

I am sorry you have the same lactose intolerance, but at least I don't feel alone with that happening now, as I hadn't heard of anyone else having that problem. Such a wide range of foods/drinks isn't there that contain milk.

Fortunately as I am in the UK there is no need for me to pay for the patches as I am exempt for that now due to my age, but prior to that due to having 2 stoma's. Just so wish you didn't need to pay for the patches as knowing how they do help you. A lot of money you have to pay out.

[barbleblanc in reply to Hidden]

I am waiting for them to cover it

[Tjwa]

I was on those for a number of years and followed a lactose free diet too.

Worked well for me too.

Glad its helping you with the pain 🧡

[Hidden in reply to Tjwa]

Thank you for replying. xx

So pleased you too found lactose free diet helped you a lot when you were on the Butrans.

Strangely all this time my doctor won't accept the patches cause me the lactose problem, yet I have proved to myself the bad side effects are caused through having anything with lactose in.