Pain patches can be helpful in treating a variety of conditions. They deliver NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or opioids, such as fentanyl and buprenorphine.
To make the most of your patch, read and follow all instructions that come with it. And be sure to dispose of unused patches through a medicine take-back program.
1. Keep it Clean
The most important thing you can do to keep your pain patches safe and effective is to remove them promptly after you use them. This will help keep your skin protected from abrasions, cuts, burns, and other irritation.
You should also avoid applying your patch to areas with oily skin or sweaty skin if possible. This is because it may cause the patch to fall off or get looser over time.
Choose a clean, dry, flat area of your skin to apply the patch. Make sure the skin is free from lotions, oils, and powders that might attract bugs or microbes. You should also consider using a tape or tegaderm to secure the area and keep it from sliding off. This will also prevent any accidental scratches or other annoyances that might occur with a loose or falling patch. Keeping the above mentioned suggestions in mind will help you get the most out of your new pain patch, and the rest of your medicine, pain patches cheap.
2. Keep it Dry
When you apply your pain patch, it needs to be dry. If the area where the patch is applied gets wet, it may loosen or fall off. If this happens, you can tape the patch back onto your skin or use a sticky adhesive film to hold it in place.
Alternatively, you can also keep the skin dry by not wearing clothing that is wet or damp (such as cotton shirts and shorts). Avoid using long hot baths, saunas, electric blankets, heat pads, hair dryers and sunbathing.
Choose a suitable site, such as a flat area of non-irradiated skin with no irritation or broken skin (see images below). Gently cleanse the surface of the skin and allow to dry.
Do not use soaps, cleansers, oils, lotions or alcohol on the patch application site as they may interfere with adherence or alter drug release. Instead, you can gently wash your skin first with water, then wipe it down to remove any residual soap, cleansers or alcohol.
3. Keep it Cool
When you use a pain patch, make sure it stays stuck to your skin. If it doesn’t, talk to your pharmacist or health professional about what can be done to help it stay on better. You can also try using first aid tape or a sticky, see-through dressing such as Bioclusive or Tegaderm over the patch to help it stick.
Fentanyl patches can be sensitive to changes in your body temperature, so you should avoid activities that may increase your temperature. Examples include heating pads, electric blankets, heated waterbeds or saunas, sunbathing, hot baths, and tanning lamps.
Check the patch each day to make sure it is still on and don’t cut or divide the patch. A damaged patch can release too much medication and can be dangerous if it gets into the eyes, throat or mouth. If it does fall off, remove it from your skin and throw it away. It can be reapplied at your next appointment.
4. Keep it Clean
Before you apply your patch, make sure it’s clean and dry. Avoid lotions and oils that might cause the patch to stick to your skin or get stuck in your hair. It’s also a good idea to wash your hands thoroughly before and after application. If your patch is prone to slipping off, you may have to use a small magnet or tape to keep it in place. In addition, it may be a good idea to keep a close eye on your patch in case it bleeds or peels off during a shower or bath. Alternatively, you might want to consider a portable patch monitor.