Cutting of Buprenorphine patches

[davchar23]

Because the Buprenorphine patch size i need to apply (ie 7.5mcg/hr) is not available in UK i have to half a 15mcg patch. I have detected some variability in the effectivity times obtained by the cut patches.

Has anyone also found this and if so what is the reasoning behind it please?

Regards

Davchar23

[LotteM]

Hi Davchar, I find that both exertion (more than my usual level) and heat affect the duration of the patch. My theory is that through both of these, higher outside/ambient temperature and higher skin temperature the delivery rate of the buprenorphine from the patch is increased, hence it wears out sooner. I maybe wrong, but the effect is quite consistent.

In your case, there is a chance that the buprenorphine is not equally spaced over the surface of the patch. In that case, one half may contain a bit more than the other half. Although generally I think that it shouldn’t be a big difference. Do you find some half patches work better than others?

[davchar23 in reply to LotteM]

Dear LotteM,

Nice to hear from you again.

Yes I agree with you about the temperature and moisture effects on a patch and I have found that some halves work better than others.

I am having to "top up" with portions of table more often that i would like but at least i can control it even though i cannot get into a set routine.

Thanks your response

Davchar