Fent users... what brands patches have you had?

[resorcinol]

I've had Sandoz (generics with gel) and Mylan (generics with glue matrix). They both work equally well worn for me, and I don't smoke em so I don't mind the mylans.

I've never had brand because insurance won't cover them plus most pharmacies don't carry them, and I don't see a need since the generics work well for me.

I gather that the other brand (Watson) is on the rare side compared to Janssen, Mylan, and Sandoz.

I'm curious which brands you guys have tried and your experiences with them.

[reddragon3668]

As for wearing as prescribed, I preferred the Mylan patches because they were smaller and stuck better. The only thing that I disliked about them is that once the glue dried, I never found a way to reattach them. Since the delivery system is in the glue, I was always afraid that it greatly reduced the flow of fent in those areas of the patch.

Of the gel patches, I would choose the name brand Duragesics. They stuck better and seemed to be allot smoother and more consistent in its delivery of the medicine. I know the Sandoz was made by Jansen, but they must have used a cheaper glue, and I know that the patch was very flimsy compared to the name brand patch.

[God_Albino]

had mylan, sandoz, watson. from what i gather, watson's patches are almost identical to name brand, they're definitely the highest quality that i've tried, though nothing sticks like the mylans.

opening up a fresh watson pouch is just great, you can smell the quality instantly, the design and craftsmanship is almost erotic and there always seems to be just a little more gel than sandoz.

[Dances with Smack]

I've used/abused the Janssen and Sandoz patches only.

I started getting Sandoz when Janssen's patent ran out. I had insurance then, and at the time no other generic alternatives were available. I liked the Sandoz patches and requested my 'scripts be filled with that brand ONLY, as I found that they tasted the same as the Duragesics (man, I LOVE the taste of that gel!). I was 'scripted for q48, so I had 30 patches total (75 mcg X 2 for 150 mcg/hr) to play with every month.

I hardly ever wore 'em the way I was supposed to.

[Princess]

I have used Mylan & Duragesic. The Mylan's didn't work for me at all. Don't know why. I wish the Mylan's worked for me as I'd really rather not have the gel (love the gel a little *too* much).

I am currently on the Duragesic, 100mcg/h.

[Inspektahdek]

only deurogesic, we love that gel right pto? :D I get 100mcg, 12 a month

[Princess]

only deurogesic, we love that gel right pto? :D I get 100mcg, 12 a month

You can say that again, babe!
;)

[Wretched and Wicked]

I got Sandoz. I have really sensitive skin and they made me break out like open wounds. So I have 3 boxes. I only use them now when I HAVE to get through W/D's from taking other meds before time to see PM. But, I can see why a CP patient would like them. I did. It did help keep pain under control quite well.

[born2lose]

mostly sandoz, but i've gotten the duragesic which is same thing imo before and one time the mylans (which sucked, esp since my roa is to smoke em)

[Young Professor]

I've tried Sandoz and Duragesic. IMO, the brand Duragesic is the best. They invented the technology....They (Janssen) also make Sandoz, but they are not equivalent IMO (more later).

Mylan uses a completely different technology where the glue, med, & byproducts are all lumped together. My PM Doc has specifically warned me to NOT use them. In fact, he said that if I get them and have problems, don't call for a new script....That he's going to say "told you so."

Watson is the new kid on the block. The FDA approved Watsons late in 07. The use the same gel matrix as Duragesic.

Why is Duragesic the best IMO? Current FDA regulations permit a variation of up to 20% either way in the bioavailability of the active and inactive ingredient, according to Hatch-Waxman Act of 1999. In one study (Borgheini 2003), a 31% variation was found in the blood plasma levels of a particular medication after a patient switched from a branded to a generic product. Why does this happen? It is accounted for by differences in the manufacturing process yielding different ingredient qtys that are absorbed at different rates, as well as other factors. Some change the inactive ingredients, while others constantly change suppliers of raw material (drug compounds) in order to cut cost. I can assure you that a well run profit oriented drug company will be "under" (-20%) every time in order to cut costs and improve contribution margin due to the low market price.

Thus, this gives them a leeway of 40% (-20 to +20) on both active and inactive ingredients on manufacturing these drugs; they can be significantly different than their name brand counterparts, and in some cases the effect can mean a drug doesn't work at all, or may have too much of the active ingredient, resulting in serious effects or even fatalities! Generics are not equal to brands, and in fact are far from it!

So, as we all come on this board and talk about all our problems, I'm willing to bet most of the issues can be traced back to generics. Now....You may say "well, I've always been on generics".......Ok....BUT....Since the FDA gives them a 20% variation in each direction, that means generic vs generic, batch to batch, and even pill to pill (or patch to patch as we've discussed), you could be getting radically different drugs.

For me, I've spent tens of hours upon hours researching the fentanyl patch. I can pinpoint at least 100 testimonials (many on this board that are current as well as dated) that talk about how Mylan is much better than Sandoz while others swear Sandoz is better than Mylan. The feedback is pretty much 50/50. How the feedback be that erratic?

I've come to the conclusion that the wide variance in findings and testimonials is due to the +/- 20% variation permitted by the FDA. For example, this batch of Mylan may be right on target, the next batch weak, the next batch strong and so on. The same goes for other brands, thus, accounting for the wide variance. I'll go as far to say that some patches in a box are different than other patches....I've experienced this myself and thought that I was just having a bad day. I've also read many, many testimonials where others have said the same thing...I have to admit, I thought they were crazy at first.

My rep friend told me that this is a very controversial subject within the pharmaceutical industry that the big companies are trying to lobby the Gov't to change. His exact comment was "you know...for allergy medicine it may be alright to be off by 20%, but for blood pressure meds, it could kill you." I didn't tell him about my PM history, but the whole time he's providing me with this valuable information, I'm thinking.....Holly Cow.....What if my patches, or BT meds are varying by +/- 20% or 40% total...No wonder I have good days and bad days!!!

My conclusion.....I'm going to brand immediately and as long as I can afford such, I'm not wavering. My whole life depends on these meds and I"m not going to allow this variation to run my life. Everything make so much sense now! I realize the co-pays & etc. can get pricey, but to me, I can't afford not to. One suggestion I have....Pressure your Doc to write "DAW"...Dispense as Written on the script or "Brand name medically necessary"....Most policies will cover it and charge you the generic co-pay. Explain to your Doc that you've learned about this 20% thing and that the wide variation is affecting your health. At the very least, you'll have more consistent dosing of whatever med you take.

Sorry this got so long, but I figured I really need to explain why one was better scientifically.

YP

[resorcinol]

I've also had watson patches in the past, but I think I got those that one time AFTER I made this thread.

I like Mylan patches the best (which I feel is a minority opinion, but I know I'm not alone).

[rosebud]

No, not alone but probably right about Mylan fans being in the minority! If polled specifically about effective, consistent pain control and people were straight up, I bet Mylan would win. :)

I request Mylan unless it's going to be over 90 for a while because above 90 and they just fall off! I have a really nice pharmacist and she will give me a mixture of brands depending on my needs. Some things to consider before picking a brand or type:


· Your core body temp or temp of immediate surroundings being too high/low
· Exposure to really warm, man made heat ie tanning beds, heating pads/blankets, hot baths, saunas, spa/Jacuzzis,

Out of the blue this week, I got Tevas when picking up my script! WTF? Aren’t they sandals? I just came onto the forum to research them when I saw this thread back up. So, anyone out there have mad love for this particular brand? My first thought when they handed them over at the pharm was-Teva?? Don’t they make really rocken footwear?:confused:

[skeezerjohns22]

I have had the mylans and duragesic.. I actually prefer mylan, *suprise*, mainly because i can make it last WAY longer than the gel..And i get a better euphoria with the matrix rather than the gel (who knows why, apparently everyone else LOVES the gel)..Just my opinion.

[rosebud]

I have had the mylans and duragesic.. I actually prefer mylan, *suprise*, mainly because i can make it last WAY longer than the gel..And i get a better euphoria with the matrix rather than the gel (who knows why, apparently everyone else LOVES the gel)..Just my opinion.

(insert Bruno voice) "Higha fiiiive Skeezer"! ;)

Yes, totally agree as I have said. I swear the Mylan's last twice as long as the others and are so much more consistant and I do think also-much stronger overall. The Tevas---not even sure what to say about those except fuggettaboutit! Things are pretty worthless-impossible to wear and weak too. :(

[Restharrow]

The patches with the glue only lasted about 2.5 days and I had problems with them falling off.

The gel filled patches lasted about 3.5 days and I had to "dispose" of some left over gel in them later.

I MUCH PREFERRED the gel filled patch.

I found that covering the patch with a Tegaderm patch made a huge difference in keeping it on my skin and seemed to "extend" its life by about 12 hours.

EDIT: I may have mixxed up the brands in my mind. All I know for certain is that the "name brand" (NOT generic) had gel in them and they worked MUCH better and MUCH longer than the "glue" patch. I was also suprised at how much gel was left in them after 3.5 days that had to be carefully disposed of.

Will

PS I did not realize how old the thread was if that matters to anyone.

[OpiXPO]

Duragesic and happy about it, although my doc is going to cut me off from them :(

They only last for about a day to a day and half, using the 25mcg, but I have a tendency to end up with heating pads on the patch site mysteriously.:p

[drew1503]

I have the Watson's and the only complaint was the redness on my skin but they stuck pretty good on my upper arm. They last about 50 hours for me, I just switched back to Oxy and am still debating getting the patch again.

[jo-jo]

Just got prescribed fent for the first time yesterday. 12mcg for the first month since it's a new med for me. The pharmacy gave me mylans. I've read good things about the gel patches but I'm afraid to ask for a certain brand as I think it would look suspicious, kwim?

[arejay]

I'm getting the 100mcg fent patches, watson brand, gel they seem to be the generic of choice at cvs and walgreens in my area (south east s. carolina)

[drew1503]

I had the 100mcg, well still have some of them :) Fent is just different, if you have a low tolerance the first 2 to 3 it is pretty nice.

[Fentx12]

had mylan, sandoz, watson. from what i gather, watson's patches are almost identical to name brand, they're definitely the highest quality that i've tried, though nothing sticks like the mylans.

opening up a fresh watson pouch is just great, you can smell the quality instantly, the design and craftsmanship is almost erotic and there always seems to be just a little more gel than sandoz.

ahaha i know exactly what ur talking about. when i open a watson patch the first thing i do is take a big whiff. its the best smell ever! same thing but also when you peel the plastic off the adhesive. but anyway back to the thread, i have had watson, mylan and sandoz. mylan is best for pain control imo.

[rosebud]

Just got prescribed fent for the first time yesterday. 12mcg for the first month since it's a new med for me. The pharmacy gave me mylans. I've read good things about the gel patches but I'm afraid to ask for a certain brand as I think it would look suspicious, kwim?

Jojo, here are all my helpful fent hints (from the perspective of someone who has been on patches for 16 months solid and literally tried every single brand/dose there is practically). I apologise in advance for the length, but I wish someone in my life had laid it all out there when I started down this path over a year ago!

1. Yes gel patches are way more *fun* but if you can possibly stay away from them, run in the other direction (if I could go back. I would NOT do it). Once you've gone gel, your life goes to hell! lol. That's going to be my new bumper sticker! Seriously, once you start smoking them.....

2. If truly need good, constant pain control, you might try the Mylans. They stick better, are flat and IMO deliver way more consistant dosing. I think because the fent is not necessarily evenly distributed in the gel, so some hours you absorb gel with lots of fent in it and other times the opposite.

3. If the Mylan really doesnt work, or you are "itchen" to try the hell-gel, tell the Pharm you cant get them to stay on and have tried all kinds of tape etc to make them stick and you have already lost 2 of them when they fell off and you didnt notice and........You are VERY worried because you have a rare, exotic, long haired, Hymalayan albino, ravine goat and she lives inside the house 24-7 and you rescued her while volunteering for the Save the Albino Ravine Goat Rescue group and are TERRIFIED little Heidi might eat one of your damn Milan patches and.....Or you could just say you have a dog who's not very smart and eats anything, even rocks....whatever! :D

Then innocently ask if there is a different kind that maybe sticks better? I wouldnt ask for gel specifically-that's a dead give away. Little chance they will give you Tevas (only other non-gel). AND Jojo, if you do gel, start slow and low with your baby tolerance. Pretty easy to mis-judge with fent!You have never used it before you got the 12.5 patches?

OK, that's my advice! I am lucky, each month I get 25% of my script in Duragesic brand gel and 75% Mylans. This allows me to be more....flexible and I dont run out for pain control(which sucks). But, I cannot get all 15 in gel, this I know. I have no will power and have gone through 15 of the 50 mgs in 3 days. So, I use what little WP I have to ask for the 75-25 mix and then scurry out before I change my mind. It took a while to get to that combo with my pharm and I had to make her think it was her idea so.....just be mellow and slow. I have 2 good friends who are Pharms and they have both been scammed/robbed etc for gel patches. They all know they are the top choice of junkies everywhere! ;)

Cheers and let me know if you want to ask any questions regarding my experience! :)

[More Feen]

Tried the duragesic 100ug/hr patches--they were like, WOW!!

It was nice to cap that buzz with a wee IM injection of morphine, did not think one could feel morphine on top of fentanyl, but boy, was I mistaken.

Best damn three days of me life.

M F

[More Feen]

sorry multi post--my bad!

[DOPEiophile]

I just got Actavis patches for the first time today. Never seen them before, but they are gel, and seem very similar to the Sandoz. Anyone else ever get these?

[HandMeSomeOpiates]

I just got Actavis patches for the first time today. Never seen them before, but they are gel, and seem very similar to the Sandoz. Anyone else ever get these?
Oh JOY! My friend just got some Actavis 75mcg and I didn't know they were gel!

He said I could have all the spent patches after 3 days too! This will be my first experience with the gel. I will be very careful because my tolerance is only 120mg Norco(hydrocodone) a day. Should I just wear a spent one and take a hot shower first to test them out? I've heard some ideas on the mylans but not sure about these.