Butrans patch for chronic pain

Hi Everyone: I hesitate posting here as our OFF is pretty much dead. Just in case some old timers lurk, am posting although I also posted on the Arthritis forum but got no response.

Maybe someone here has been prescribed the Butrans patch (Buprenorphine Transdermal patch) for ongoing chronic pain 24/7. It is switched out every 7 days, like a square bandaid, supposedly good for arthritis, fibromyalgia and other pains. Has existed since 2005 or so, so not exactly "new" but seems few family physicians know about it. Google it and see the info available.

Since we RnYers can't do NSAIDs, and opiates like Percocet and Dilaudid don't do much for inflammatory arthritis, there is not much out there unless you do steroids. Prednisone for on and off treatment is not what I want because of the weight gain, plus can tip my diabetes into insulin dependance ( once on insulin for diabetes it is rare you get off it). So don't want to go there.

Do you know of someone on the Butrans patch for chronic pain? What are the experiences with the patch?

I was offered the Butrans Patch but could not get it as my insurance won't cover it.

I am on a lot of pain meds and sure wish I could have the patch. I hate all the

medications I must take daily!!

Also... I am qualified for medical marijuana but my insurance won't cover that either.

I am now getting an electric wheelchair so I can get around easier in my apartment and so I can get out of my apartment!!

Sorry I couldn't help. I will check in later and see if anyone does answer your post.

Have a good day....connie d

Thanks Connie, here in Ontario the patch is not that expensive, wonder what it would cost you self pay? 4 patches to a box, so month's supply. Tomorrow I start next dose up: 10 micrograms per hour patch, and will try for 3-4 wks, and will post here and on arthritis forum how it goes. Was hoping to hear from someone on it and what dose they settled at. The 5 micrograms p/hr does pretty much nothing for me.

Connie, sorry to hear you are progressing to an electric chair/scooter, but at least you will be safer than trying to walk. Getting older and in pain sucks! Goid luck and thanks for answering. I am not on Facebook so have lost contact with former regulars here and wonder how people are doing.

hugs

jen

Hi Jen....the patch here is about $200 for 60....too high for me.

I haven't been on here for a very long time. I just saw your post so

I decided to answer.

I am very embarrassed that I now need the electric wheelchair. However...

I can then get around in my apartment easier. I will be able to go visit others,

get my lunch, go to events like Craft group and other fun groups too. Birthday

Parties and BINGO!! WOOT WOOT!!!!

We also have morning coffee groups that I haven't been able to attend.

Have a great day....HUGS...

$200 for 60 Patches? You only need one patch a week ( switch out every 7th day) so 60 patches is 14 months worth for just $200...That's $14.29 a month . Worth self pay if they do manage pain...I'll post here as my dose increases and maybe you might want to try for a month and see if you get relief.

Glad to hear you will be able to join in puzzles again as not wise to be stuck in your rooms.

Always good to hear from you Connie!

Jen

Thanks Jan.....please keep me updated!!

Always good to chat with you too!!

Hugs

Thank you. I am dealing with a chronic pain - but one that for now can be controlled by oral narco. I need o0-15mg narco per day. And often - late at night...

The patch can be useful if I ever need more than that.

Appreciate you shared that.

Actually, the patchcomes in several strengths and is a narcotic ( Buprenorphine) continually absorbed through the skin to avoid taking pills orally. You can add oral narcotic medication for breakthrough pain on bad Days, I use Hydromorphone (Dilaudid) taken orally.

Thanks. I am hoping some of my pain will go away.

Thanks again...I will be seeing about the oral form...would be easier on my stomach!