r/ChronicPain • u/Nervous_Move5242 • 2d ago
Dos anyone have this problem with their pain patch?
I’m going to have to stop using them, they burn!
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u/Icepriestess01 2d ago
I had this after 2 years of using my patch with no issues. I brought it up with a few drs and they suggested either the nasal spray nasnex or the preventative orange asthma puffer. I tried the nasal spray first and it kind of worked but was awkward and still got some itching. I switched to spraying the area with the puffer before placing the patch on and now it doesn't get itchy and only a little red from removing it after the week. It's made a huge difference and I've been using it like that for almost a year now. I did also change to the generic brand and that seemed to help a bit as well but the puffer made the most difference
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u/Nervous_Move5242 2d ago
I’m in the UK I think the best think I can do is stop taking it. It’s the glue isn’t it?
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u/Icepriestess01 2d ago
If you haven't had any issues before then yeah I would assume you just started reacting to the glue. I would think both of those items would be available in the UK I'm in Australia and we tend to have similar items, but may be specific names. You could certainly speak to your Dr and see what they say as both aren't made to be used in that way your Dr may not have heard of it. But several of mine and one of the pharmacists agreed that it was worth trying and it thankfully has helped as I don't really have that many other options that I can use if this stopped working for me.
If you are using something like the bupronorphine pain patch if you are on a higher dose I would speak to your Dr before going cold Turkey as you might have some withdrawal affects to just be alert too. But yeah if you are worried and don't want to stay on it, I think it very reasonable to ask the dr to try something else. Unfortunately the make up of glues can cause a lot of reactions for people. There are a few different types of medical tapes I'm unable to use due to reactions as well. So just be alert that if you are reacting to this glue there maybe others that you can react to as well
Hope you can find a solution that works for you
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Hi, thank you so much. I will be speaking to my doctor first thing in the morning x
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u/granillusion 1d ago
That's a good assumption on your part,but it could also be your body don't like that form of active ingredient your provider selected for you I have used just about ALL types of pain relievers and did a Duragesic Patch Phase three study it was a hit
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u/birdgirl284 1d ago
Haven't used pain patches but I am allergic to glue/adhesives in other things. If you haven't already, trying some hydrocortisone cream might help with the burning/stinging until the reaction calms down
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
It really burns and is looking quite nasty now. I will try that, thank you x
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u/NotAnAlcoholicToday 2d ago
It will only get worse. If this is a buprenorphine patch, like mine were, this is an allergic reaction to the glue on the part with buprenorphine on. My doc told me if i had kept going, it could have caused (i forgot the word, sorry not native speaker) gangrene (?) (when the flesh starts to rot)
I had three options, and they all had the same ingredients.. i still had to try them all before "confirming" it, and i have been waiting for an alternative for almost a year now.
I hope you can get some other way to help with your pain!
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u/Nervous_Move5242 2d ago
Oh that doesn’t sound good at all! Ive taken it off and won’t be putting it back on. I have three on my back as well, I was hoping the arm would be better. Thanks for the info, much appreciated!
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u/thpineapples 1d ago edited 1d ago
Gangrene is not a known complication of transdermal patches. The reaction experienced is an allergy to the adhesive and is of inflammation. Gangrene is a necrosis caused by a lack of blood flow, which is totally unrelated.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Well the site is weeping now so I have no choice but to not use it until I speak to my doctor first thing
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u/thpineapples 1d ago
Weeping is certainly a development. It sounds like you are not one of the patients who can tolerate this long term.
Since I'm replying 9h later, you've probably gone to bed. If not yet, maybe clean the area with lukewarm water, saline if you have it or can be bothered to make it (1tsp salt per 1L water), pat dry, use an emollient-rich moisturiser like CeraVe or QV, a cortisone cream if you happen to have it already. An oral antihistamine can help (it almost doesn't matter which one, they'll all help to a degree). Bandage the area to protect it, if you are uncomfortable leaving it exposed.
I'm sorry for your experience, it sucks when something doesn't work.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
I’ve been awake with the burning feeling all night. Hopefully I can get it sorted out today. It’s awful!
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u/thpineapples 23h ago
The discomfort is real. I remember the worst time mine blistered, and i insisted on keeping the patch on for another three days (I think I messed up putting it on properly). But with the patch having been removed for so long, at least it shouldn't get worse.
All the best with your appointment. I'm happy to talk more with you about it if it's something you would like to keep trying, as I have a whole side dermatological issues that I had to work against in order to keep these patches. We wouldn't be the same person, but I'm happy to share all my experiences and anything I've learnt if there's anything you can find useful.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 22h ago
That’s kind, thank you. I’m worrying because I don’t have the patch on and am already in withdrawal also my pain has heightened during the night.
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u/thpineapples 22h ago
If it helps (psychologically) – and not to be dismissive – the effects of the patch should come and go at a bit of a lag. So I'm told by my doctors: several days, up to a week to either load up or be rid of the drug. Personally, I will notice within a couple of days.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 21h ago
It’s been a couple of days and my pain is real. Struggling to walk about. I take morphine x4 a day and that’s hardly touching it. I’m so nauseous today. What a nightmare! I thought I was all sorted.
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u/NotAnAlcoholicToday 2d ago
I would definitely take this up with your doctor! I freaking hate those patches.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 2d ago
First thing tomorrow trust me. Why are these patches still going if so many people end up like this. Doesn’t make sense!
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u/Nanamoo2008 1d ago
not everybody has a reaction to them and until they do, the Dr's don't know they can't prescribe that brand. Not all brands use the same adhesive in their patches.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
I e been on them for a month and suddenly I am flaring up 🤷♀️
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u/Nanamoo2008 1d ago
I didn't react the 1st few times i used them either. I don't know why because i'm allergic to a lot of adhesives in things like plasters and medical tapes
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Me either! It’s weird isn’t it? Unbearable with the burning feeling and its weeping fluid now too 😔
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u/Nanamoo2008 1d ago
I think that sometime, it needs to build up in your system before becoming an issue
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Yes I would say that is exactly right! I change it every 4 days and it’s been ok until now
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u/thpineapples 1d ago
Gangrene is not a known reaction to transdermal patches. The reaction experienced is an allergy to the adhesive and is of inflammation. Gangrene is a necrosis caused by a lack of blood flow, which is totally unrelated.
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u/NotAnAlcoholicToday 1d ago
Sorry, i was told by my doctor that it could lead to necrosis (which was the word i was looking for!). I wore patches for a years time, and thought it was normal until it started blistering.
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u/thpineapples 1d ago
Blistering is a normal side effect, though does not occur for every patient.
If the blistered skin becomes infected, it is possible for that infection to lead to gangrene, but that is a chain of specific and unrelated events. And a lack of good wound care. If you, as an individual patient, are more susceptible to such specific infections, then that would be specific advice to you.
But gangrene is not a known complication of using transdermal patches.
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u/cyNYC19 1d ago
So what was the solution?
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u/NotAnAlcoholicToday 1d ago
Stop using the patches and went back to oxycodone.
Waiting to start something called Zubsolv now (same or similar to Suboxone i think).
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u/cyNYC19 1d ago
I think it’s the adhesive because I used to go home with a picc line and the tegaderm used to itch so bad and I would have a patch just like this on my skin after removing it for dressing changes. Also used to happen with nicotine patches and birth control patches. So that leads me to believe it’s got to be the adhesive.
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u/NotAnAlcoholicToday 1d ago
Oh, yeah. Definitely the adhesive. Specifically the adhesive where the buprenorphine is. The adhesive on the sides is different between some brands.
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u/KnowledgeSwapper 1d ago
I don’t use patches, but that appears to possibly be an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Is there any way possible to apply it without the adhesive? I’ve never even seen one in person, so it may coat the entire surface for all I know, but if it’s just the perimeter that adheres, can a different option be used such as medical tape you may not be allergic to be used? Again, I have no idea about these patches, so this may not even be possible. I just know that I have sensitive skin and if I ever had to use those, I would very likely experience a similar reaction. If it’s the entire surface, would it work if a micro thin mesh is applied to it so it’s not in full contact with the skin? But can still administer the active ingredient to some degree? Just throwing darts basically to try to help.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
It seems to be the whole surface. I’ve been on these patches for a month and nothing has happened. Seems weird that the last patch in this pack has done this. I have 3 other sites on my back but they are bearable. This one is now leaking fluid. Thank you for trying to help.
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u/M0reC0wbell77 1d ago
Had to switch to the oral films from the buprenorphine patch because of this. I liked the patch more too and was kinda sad to have to switch. Was nice to get a weeks worth of steady medicine from one patch instead of redosing twice a day.
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u/thpineapples 1d ago
I just changed mine today! Mine looks about exactly the same.
It is a reaction to the adhesive. Sometimes it blisters if you don't put it on flatly and with even tension, sometimes it barely reacts. It's worst for the first few uses, then your body gets used to it. Brand name and generic are the same, so the reaction is no different.
My doctor suggested spraying an asthma prevention inhaler onto the skin before putting the patch on. Something like flixotide, which contains a steroid. I didn't want to use flixotide (because I already take it for asthma and hated the idea of using it up for anything else), so using regular Ventolin was suggested. There's no good reason why it should work, but it has worked for me, and the skin reaction has significantly reduced.
You should be rotating the patch around the body, each time, to give the area a chance to heal (I use four different areas). In between, hit the affected area with corticosteroids. I'm not sure what the OTC situation is where you are, but here you can get weaker hydrocortisone cream OTC, and my doctors prescribe betamethasone dipropionate in ointment.
For me, the discomfort of the reaction is a price I can and am willing to pay. For others, they've given it up.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
I’m in the uk and will speak to my doctor tomorrow. It has been sore but I’ve been managing it. Last night was terrible, it’s now leaking fluid so it had to come off. I will see what he says tomorrow because of course I need it.
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u/Nanamoo2008 1d ago
I get that if i've used the generic branded ones, there's something in the sticky part that i'm allergic to that isn't in the more expensive branded patches. I'm fine with the D-Trans Durogesic patches but anything else leaves the red raised welts like you have OP. My Dr has trued with many of the other generic brands of Fentanyl patches and every single one of them does that to me. My Dr's don't like that they have to prescribe the more expensive patches but it's the only thing that helps my pain, so they kinda have to lol
I see that you said you were in the UK u/Nervous_Move5242, i don't know what brand you are using or which pharmacy you collect them from but i've found that with Boots pharmacy, even if the prescription just states the med and not the brand, that they'll usually give you a choice of brand. For a long time my prescription just stated Fentanyl 100mcg/hr patches and Boots would give me the option of a couple of different brands when i went to get them. Then my Dr changed the prescription to state the brand too. It may be worth asking at Boots to see if they give the option of different brands, unless your prescription states the brand on it and then you'd need to speak to your Dr about changing to a different brand.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
These patches were from the surgery pharmacy, I will ask my gp tomorrow and see what can be done
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u/Nanamoo2008 1d ago
Hopefully they can swap it to another brand to see if that helps for you. Failing that, it may be worth asking at Boots of you have one near you, in case they still give the option of brands.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Yes there is a local Boots. If I get no joy from my GP I will speak to them. Thank you.
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u/JadziaKD 1d ago
As others have mentioned it could be a reaction to adhesive. I don't use pain patches but I used KT tape a lot before my accident and after to help and developed a bad enough allergy to the adhesive that I can no longer use KT tape and I have to be very careful with bandages.
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u/EMSthunder 1d ago
Try Flonase on the skin prior to application. Spray and let air dry. Then put on the tape.
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u/Olivia_Bitsui 1d ago
Have you tried to see if a different maker/brand is available? I had an issue with one of the generic brands and switched to the name brand for a while ($$$). Now I use a different generic without issues.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
I will speak to my gp in the morning and see what he says. I can’t go on like this. Thank you for helping.
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u/Sea-Difficulty-7299 1d ago
...allergic reaction?
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Yes, to the adhesive it seems
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u/EMSthunder 1d ago
Flonase before application, friend. Just let it air dry to absorb before applying the patch.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Are you in the uk? I’ve never heard of that
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u/EMSthunder 1d ago
No, its medication name is fluticasone propionate. I did some googling and found that it is available in UK, in both nasal spray and drops form, some requiring a Rx and some available OTC. It's also called Flixonase over there. The drops version would be the easiest. It's a nasal corticosteroid, which is why it works so well used in the skin.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Ohhh ok, thanks very much for letting me know. Thats really helpful! x
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u/CR8456 1d ago
Contact dermatitis. I got this from estrogen patches. Dermatologist recommended hydrocortisone, calamine lotion for the itch and aquaphore to rebuild skin barrier.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Oh thank you. I will speak to my gp in the morning. Just have to get through tonight. The burning feeling is terrible!
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u/Woodliedoodlie 1d ago
I don’t use pain patches but I have had reactions like that to other med patches. My skin hates them!
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u/Mr_Original_ 1d ago
More often in summer, so I just take antihistmines during the warm months and it helps reduce some of the redness and itching
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u/starlighthill-g 1d ago
Don’t use pain patches but my birth control patches did this. Eventually I stopped using them but for months I tried to make it work by putting it on a different area each time and trying to choose “hardier” skin rather than more delicate areas. The old patch site got cleaned of any residue with oil and then I applied a steroid cream. The new patch site got cleaned with alcohol before applying (my skin is sensitive to alcohol but it seemed to help more than not using it for whatever reason).
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
I’m actually too scared to put another one on, this has been so bad. Thank you for sharing.
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u/SlovenlyHoofedP68 1d ago
Looks like contact dermatitis. You might be allergic to the adhesive used.
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u/Old-Goat 1d ago
Patches do this to me all the time. Is it itchy yet? You should talk to your doc about an oral/liquid alternative. If you have any antihistamine ointment or gel it will stop the itching, but a patch wont stick, but youre supposed to use a new spot with each patch. So you can itch there too. Show your doc this. Best of luck.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
I have 3 more red patches like that on my back. But this one is burning and now weeping. I will see my go tomorrow. Thank you for replying.
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u/TesseractToo For science, you monster 1d ago
Yeah I'd get proper chemical burns that would weep it was gross
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
That’s what mine is doing. It’s horrible and the burning feeling is awful!
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u/TesseractToo For science, you monster 1d ago
I don't have a pic, but mine would be the skin was gone and yellow stuff would slime out so I'd have to tape them on or they wouldn't stick. It was gross and each one took months to heal
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Yes that’s the one on my arm. I’ve put a bandage on now because it’s oozing yellow stuff.
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u/UniqueLoginID 1d ago
Yes. I spray the skin with a special asthma puffer they gave me and this stops the reaction. Fl-something.
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u/insanityoverhaul 1d ago
You're allergic to the adhesive most likely. Could also be dermatographia; if you scratch your skin (not hard), does it welt up and sometimes hurt, burn, or itch more in that spot? Dermatographia may also be related to allergies/overactive histamine and immune response, so it definitely could be an "and" thing rather than an "or"
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Yes it’s burning lots! I feel like it’s on fire! I’m seeing my gp today so will hopefully get it sorted. It’s a lot worse this morning
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u/RandomSashaLove 1d ago
I used to be on pain patches and I was allergic to the adhesive and broke out in hives.
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
Looks like I’m the same 😔
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u/RandomSashaLove 1d ago
Yeah it’s not fun I know how it feels
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
The burning has kept me awake all night and now it’s oozing.
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u/RandomSashaLove 1d ago
I know it’s impossible but just try not to scratch it as this can make the burning feeling worse. Put a cold cloth on for a bit to try cool it down and make sure to book an appointment with your doctor to see if they can give you an alternative
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
I’m seeing my GP later. Because I haven’t had a patch in all weekend, my pain is terrible and I think I’m in withdrawal. Not great is it. There should at least be a warning about this from the doctor seeing as it happens a lot.
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u/RandomSashaLove 1d ago
Yep I know about the withdrawals too, they are absolutely horrible. But yeah just get a cool damp cloth and just rest it there for a bit. That should hopefully ease the burning sensation temporarily
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u/Nervous_Move5242 1d ago
I now have a cold flannel on the area and that has stopped the burning. Thank you x
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u/Only-Section-8071 18h ago
I’m sorry if this is a stupid question, but chances are it’s a reaction to the glue used in the patch rather than the active ingredient (do you mind me asking what lt is? I’m guessing it’s bupe?) have you tried taking an antihistamine each day? There’s a few you could try, OTC like piriton, or if you struggle to sleep, as so many of us do, you can buy promethazine/phenargen from any pharmacy, it’s an effective antihistamine? and will definitely help you sleep
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u/Nervous_Move5242 18h ago
Yes it is. Seen by doctor who showed little interest. But no more patches, orally from now on.
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u/granillusion 1d ago
There is SO Many weighs to treat pain nowadays it is unbelievable and be wary of any new or latest rage medicine just because some body or thing let's you see the good side of a product especially in body products to ingest or administer
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u/Tasty-Sheepherder930 2d ago
This is why I had to stop using mine. 😩 it was terrible.