Stopping Duragesic -the pain patch

[Dianna M.]

Is there anyone on the board who has used Duragesic (the pain patch with the medication Fentanyl) in the past, for a period of time and then switched to another long lasting pain medication? I use the 75mcg. strength patch and have been using them for over 4 years. My husband lost his job last week and with it our drug plan. My medications add up to over $1300 per month. The Duragesic is the most expensive by far. 15 patches costs me approximately $700. I know I won't be able to afford this until he gets another job and even then I am sure there will be a three month waiting period.
I appreciate any help or thoughts on how to make the transition as esy as possible. I need to be able to work so I can't end up going through withdrawal and extreme pain. I started using the patch because the oral pain medications were making me very nauseous. The patches didn't because they don't have to go through my stomach.
I appreciate any help you can offer.
Thanks

[Morgan Stone]

Dianna,

I used the patch for a little while but had an allergic reaction to the material it was made of and had to switch to oxycontin. The oxy does really well for the pain and I had no problems during the transition. The oxycontin doesnt make me ill at my stomach if I take it with food and I am able to function completely while on the meds.

Good luck to you hun!

[ICNDonna]

You'll want to be sure to work with your doctor on this.

I also get extremely nauseated on pain medications. The way my doctor worked this out for me was to order phenergan along with the pain meds. If I take a pain medication, I also take a 25 mg phenergan tablet at the same time. The combination made me sleepy at first.

By the way, you should be able to continue your medical insurance under the COBRA laws, but you do have to pay for it.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[blue]

I'm sending prayers your way!