do the first 12 hours count in the 48 hrs?

[Maksene Delianan]

This is probably a really easy question to figure out but...after doing some research i noticed that the patch doesn't kick in for about 12 hours. So...when the doctor tells you to wear a patch for 48 or 72 hours (2 or 3 days), does the first 12 hours when it's not working at all count in that time period? Or do you start counting after it starts working.

The thing is, that if it takes 12 to 24 hours to start working well, that would mean the first day was pretty much out of the question, then the 2nd day it would work great, and the 3rd day I've heard it barely works at all. So, is the patch only good 1 out of the 3 days someone uses it? Or does one start counting the hrs/days AFTER it kicks in?

It just seems weird that doctors would prescribe something that works effectively only one out of the three days youre supposed to be on it...What are you supposed to do the other one or two days?

THANKS!

[dorje]

Doctors are weird. Eat the patch it comes on a LOT faster but be careful of OD. Strong stuff. And yes they count the stupid 12 hours.

[vaxn8]

It's usually only 5-6 hours and that only happens the very first time you put it on. Once you are wearing them, you have a constant level and don't need to wait for it to level up.

[nick]

It's standard practice that all pharm dose timelines start when you take the medicine.The period it takes to actually work is irrelevant.Typical DR/pharma industry crap.

[HistoryofMadness]

It's usually only 5-6 hours and that only happens the very first time you put it on. Once you are wearing them, you have a constant level and don't need to wait for it to level up.

what she said. this only applies the first time you take it, unless the break between patches is longer than the half-life of the drug. and even then, its going to be sooner.

and it doesn't mean it takes that long to get into your system... all it really means is that if you're in a lot of pain, you probably won't start getting real relief until that long into it...

[halfalien_s4]

on the 3rd day u slap on a new patch since the other is starting to wear offf. while it finishes up, the other can be starting to work. ive had them before. didnt eat them.

[Ginger Snap]

Fentanyl is for constant pain, it's not effective for something like a broken arm because it takes about 10-15 hours to build to the hourly dose. It also works for 10-15 hours after th patch comes off. Eating the patch can be DEADLY to someone not used to opiates. Not a good idea. Read the package, Not for acute or postoperative pain. You may need something to tide you over until it kicks in. and most Doc's prescribe something for break-thru pain. If not, ASK.

Ginger Snap

[HistoryofMadness]

Fentanyl is for constant pain, it's not effective for something like a broken arm because it takes about 10-15 hours to build to the hourly dose. It also works for 10-15 hours after th patch comes off. Eating the patch can be DEADLY to someone not used to opiates. Not a good idea. Read the package, Not for acute or postoperative pain. You may need something to tide you over until it kicks in. and most Doc's prescribe something for break-thru pain. If not, ASK.

Ginger Snap

Oxy can be deadly is snorted. Hydro can be deadly if you take a week's worth in one day (haven't we all?). Heroin can be deadly if you... well, hell, pretty much everything you shoot that's not medical-grade clean and approved (whatever that means) can kill you.

Its not always about pain is it?

In fact you can bet if its here, and someone's asking a question like that, its not. Consider the 'its for pain' comment as a CYA file...

[devilsdrug]

ive been thru many many patches of both types , i have only slapped on the gel 100 and it too about 6to 8 hrs to be felt good and i mean real good low tolerance and all , i eat non gel ones cut up and smoke gels ones by the superman method, it a tough life

[insaneike]

Took around 16-20 hours for me to start feeling them when i was first put on them. I'm jsut rpescribed the 25mcg/hr(2.5mg total) ones though with a nasty toler so maybe thats it..? though i read that on avg it's 9-14hours. and the minute you put it on the time frame starts, of course... and after 15 days of wearing them, you have levels of fent built up in you and soon as you put on another patch(unelss you wait 3 hours) it's not gonna take the hours of waiting anylonger, actualy after the firs tone kicks in there no mroe 10hours of waiting. Just the patch hits its 'mean' point or strongest effects after 15days of weairng it...

I get the Sandoz gel ones :)

later