Side effect or allergic? - Pain Management Message Board

pigtailpagirl2 · 03-20-2005, 07:00 PM

My doctor just started me on the Duragesic patch 25mcg about 2 weeks ago. It wasnt lasting the whole 72 hours so he upped it to 50 mcg. It seems to be lasting longer and relieving my pain much better, but Ive noticed my sleep is VERY interupted and I feel very itchy all over for the first 24 hours after I apply the patch. Is this normal and will it pass or am I having an allergic reaction? He won't be in until Wednesday, so I'll call him then, but I figured I'd ask anyone who might know here first. Thanks!

SheSparkles · 03-20-2005, 07:22 PM

[QUOTE=pigtailpagirl2]My doctor just started me on the Duragesic patch 25mcg about 2 weeks ago. It wasnt lasting the whole 72 hours so he upped it to 50 mcg. It seems to be lasting longer and relieving my pain much better, but Ive noticed my sleep is VERY interupted and I feel very itchy all over for the first 24 hours after I apply the patch. Is this normal and will it pass or am I having an allergic reaction? He won't be in until Wednesday, so I'll call him then, but I figured I'd ask anyone who might know here first. <

Hi PTPG
If your patch strength was increased, that does NOT mean the patch will last longer...it's just stronger. For longer lasting pain control you need to change the patch more frequently. This drug CAN play games with good sleep and sometimes THAT S/E does not go away, so keep an eye on it. I have to take Klonapin 1mg. to sleep. The itchies may or may not pass....it's worth hanging in to find out. Lots of narcotics cause rampant itchiness that may or may not lesson in intensity. But, boy, if you can give the patch a couple of weeks to try it thoroughly, you may be really glad you did. It works! My life is so much more pain-free with the patch on. Exspensive yes but very effective.
Hope this gives an answer or 9...:):)
SS

kds01 · 03-21-2005, 07:06 PM

Hey pigtail - I was on Duragesic 25 mcg patch for a while and at first I could not sleep and itched. I think it is because the histamine effect some narcotics can have. The itchiness went away and so did the insomnia but it was replaced with major sleepiness. I had to go off of it unfortunately, it really worked pretty well but I do agree it only lasted for me about 60 hours. I was trying to avoid changing it every 48 hrs since my doctor said it would only make me more tired. I am now on 30 mg Avinza, it doesn't work nearly as well as the Duragesic patch, but I have a 3 year old daughter that doesn't allow me to be so sleepy. Maybe I can try it again later. Good luck and let us know how you do with the 50 mcg patch. Take Care - Kimberly

pigtailpagirl2 · 03-29-2005, 07:46 PM

Hello! Heres my update, I called him and told him about the side effects and he said to hang in there, they should subside soon. The 50 mcg doesnt last the full 72 hours (about 60 at most) and he told me I could change it every 48 if I want to and see if that works better. He gave me medicine (hydrocodone 10 mg) to take every 4 hours as needed for breakthrough pain. Since Ive talked to him Ive hung in there for about 60 hours before I change my patch and just fill in with the breakthrough medicine and that seems to work fine. I don't need them every 4 hours though, just after the 60th hour until I apply my new patch.

It still seems like it takes the new patch I apply to take about 10 hours to start working, is that normal? Or should it start relieving my pain sooner since it has been in my system now for a few weeks?

I wish I would have known about this patch sooner, what a difference it has made in my life!! (except for the itchiness, thats annoying and I hope he is right that it will pass!) I am able to do things easier than I was before, I am very thankful, I think it helps that my doctor will bend over backwards to help me! I just started seeking treatment not that long ago and im glad I ended up with a wonderful doctor, thanks to my family!

SheSparkles · 03-30-2005, 04:59 AM

[QUOTE=pigtailpagirl2]
It still seems like it takes the new patch I apply to take about 10 hours to start working, is that normal? Or should it start relieving my pain sooner since it has been in my system now for a few weeks?

You are changing them at 60 hrs right? Well, since you say its taking about 10 hrs for the new patch to work, try changing the patch at 48 hrs and you should cut down the time you are low on the drug in your body. I was changing at 60 hrs but I was also feeling withdrawal so I know I had very little of the drug left at the 60 hr. mark. If the itchiness is localized try a Benadryl spray on the skin before you put on the patch, or a steriod nasal spray. I am thrilled for you that your pain is being addressed. I do hope you can work out the bugs. Are you sleeping ok? It's 3:58 here so I guess I am not...I am trying to take a litle patch vacation and my legs hurt! Keep in touch.
SS
PS I just reread your post and you are having all over itchiness...take an OTC antihistamine pill...non-drowsy for daytime and try that.