Ive just started transtec buprenorphine patches ,the 35mg works best for me for pain but my skin doesn't
Like them at all lm scratching like mad and it's making my skin very dry and scabby
I don't want to go back to morphine tablets ,lve tried taking anti hystemine for the itch but
I'm getting to sleepy....any advice would be great
Hello
Most probably you will find the itch is caused by possibly either not taking the dose at the right time, withdrawal, or the medication is too strong for you as you are saying that you are sleepy. Opiate can cause skin irritation. I do not take your patches, although I know if I miss my meds I can get jumpy and I start rubbing to an itch, this goes away after taking my opiates, and taking a further tablet.
All the very best, go to GP for a review, he will keep you right
BOB
Yes, definately see your GP. Butrans patches used to irritate my skin, and after a while began to get painful too. He switched mine to transdermal fentanyl patches which have been fine.
There are many alternatives they can try.
Hello, Have you talked with your GP about trying a different brand of patch? I use the Matrifen, am allergic to elastoplast in general and need to use the non allergenic tape to hold the patches on ( just a me thing lol) but it could be worth trying other brands. I do find the Patch very good at pain control and ease of use etc.
Take care
Cee
I'm not sure whether you are referring to localised itching where you put the patches, which is probably due to being allergic to the adhesive - in which case another brand of patch may help.
Opiates can cause itching all over, though. I find this with Oxycontin and Oramorph if I take either close to bedtime. I haven't found antihistamines helpful, although some people do. There are 'non-drowsy' antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratidine, and it may be worth trying them.
Fentanyl was very "up and down" for me, and I used it up in about a day and half and was left withdrawing afterwards and in pain!
I have found BuTrans a Godsend, and at a dose of far elss than the Fentanyl too, but they DO have their problems, and no doubt the Transtec will too!
Being fairly hairy, and not wanting to shave it off (the bother or the look!), I initially used the area around my neck which was easy just to extend the shaving, but soon found it VERY easy to irritate the skin there, so then tried other places, but found it wrinkled too much, or if I moved onto legs didn't work at all for some reason (the Fentanyl did if I placed them there).
Best for me has been upper arms (some of it, as some wrinkles a lot) there the skin doesn't get SO irritated, and the big find was someone suggested Antihistamine cream (Cheap too, the cream lasts ages) - I use it as soon as I remove a patch and it quietens down the itch and redness, which for me tends to come a day or so after it is removed.
I have heard some even use it BEFORE applying the patch - they put it on the area a few hours before they are changing the patch, then wash it off a bit before, and let it dry for a while before using the patch as normal.
I find it takes a full fortnight for the redness to go, and if by mistake I put the patch on a previously used area, it gets extra uncomfortable, so I try and avoid it for a least a month, not so easy as I use a such a small area of skin!
Hi thanx for writing back,your so right the same as me lve run out of places lm trying upper arm prob being the skin its not healing quick enough ,l will try the cream l didn't know about that.
Many thanx
Jackie
I use 20mg Butrans patches and also find I sometimes scratch at it. I also put an opposite patch over it - that seems to keep the patch in better condition and I know that it stays dry (The Instructions for my brand says Showering 'shouldn't' cause a problem). I found I can only have it on my upper arms. The chest is too sensitive and I get little blisters under it on chest. Only problem is I am only getting 1 week rest before having to apply patch back again - I think that makes the itching worse. I've never heard of creams or using antihistamine, so thanks for the tip, I will investigate that.
Hi yes try the antihistamine it works for me ,just one a day,,,let me know how it's working for you..
What do you mean a opposite patch over ?
I apply to my left arm, then the next week I apply to my right arm, then back to my left arm the following week etc etc.
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