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Original poster

Anyone on Butrans/Transtec/Butec Patches?

28 replies

GrannytoaUnicorn · 29/12/2021 22:33

I've been on them since 2013 for a variety of conditions that cause me excruciating pain & stiffness. They are my lifeline (especially as a widowed parent).

However for the past couple of years since I've been on 35mg ones which of course are bigger, I've had a real problem keeping the buggers on! If it's not coming off, then the centre of the patch lifts off my skin 😳
As you'll know if you're on them, you only get prescribed exactly the right amount for each month so each one is precious & therefore it's imperative none are wasted. I cannot let the Buprenorphine wear off or else I'll be unable to care for my child.
As a result, I've had to resort to wearing a compression sleeve or PICC line cover! Though this isn't as simple as it sounds as you have to find the right one that's precisely the right size that it doesn't slip off or roll down at the top..... Which every single sodding one I've bought seems to do one or the other. Any tips please???? I'm desperate!!!

Thanks 🙏🏻

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Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 29/12/2021 22:40

Also for context, I've tried large pieces of Tegaderm film and whilst that does keep the patch on, it doesn't hold the centre of the patch down onto my skin where it needs to be. This is the case no matter how it is applied. Believe me, I've tried all possible ways to get it on tight. I've also tried clear tape straight across the centre first and pulled tightly - lifted after a few hours.

Obviously the same applies to Micropore tape - that is nowhere near up to the job.

I've also tried knee compression socks - same issue as above with regards to either slipping off or rolling down.

😢

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MNHQ
JoMumsnet · 30/12/2021 10:28

We're just bumping this thread in case anyone's around to help the OP.

Desperate30 · 30/12/2021 10:38

Hi. A relative has these. When he was on the Butec brand he had no problem but a couple of months ago the pharmacist gave him another brand and they wouldn’t stick - can’t remember the name. Anyway, it’s on his notes now that he has to have Butec. Have you been given a different brand recently?

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Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 31/12/2021 03:36

@Desperate30

Hi. A relative has these. When he was on the Butec brand he had no problem but a couple of months ago the pharmacist gave him another brand and they wouldn’t stick - can’t remember the name. Anyway, it’s on his notes now that he has to have Butec. Have you been given a different brand recently?
Oooooh they're the only brand I've never tried! Thank you for this. I've been on Transtec for years

I am SO SO SO SO SO SO SOOOOO grateful to you for telling me this GinGinGinGinGinGin

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Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 31/12/2021 03:36

@JoMumsnet

We're just bumping this thread in case anyone's around to help the OP.
Thank you 💖 That's very kind x
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Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 01/01/2022 03:38

Anyone else??? 🙏🏻

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RobertSmithsLipstick · 01/01/2022 03:52

My girl had the patches, and found the ones they kept trying to give her came off.
We assumed they were the cheaper version as they felt a little more rigid.
The others were more like a thin, very flexible, almost skin like texture, and they moulded more easily to her skin.

MrsDoraDumble · 01/01/2022 04:07

Have you tried physio tape to hold it on? Something slightly stretchy like kinesiology tape or more rigid like leukotape p?

Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 01/01/2022 21:02

@RobertSmithsLipstick

My girl had the patches, and found the ones they kept trying to give her came off. We assumed they were the cheaper version as they felt a little more rigid. The others were more like a thin, very flexible, almost skin like texture, and they moulded more easily to her skin.
What were the brand which you found more rigid please?
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Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 01/01/2022 21:10

@MrsDoraDumble

Have you tried physio tape to hold it on? Something slightly stretchy like kinesiology tape or more rigid like leukotape p?
You're a freaking GENIUS
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Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 01/01/2022 21:10

GinGinGinGinGinGinGinGinGinGinGin

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WiseUpJanetWeiss · 01/01/2022 21:16

Please report these problems. You can do it yourself here yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

Hope you get this sorted.

Mickarooni · 01/01/2022 21:39

I’m not on it anymore but I was on them and found BuTrans was the best brand. Others of them felt flimsier and rolled off.

Babyroobs · 01/01/2022 22:40

I don't think you are really meant to cover them due to the heat issue. I think it is ok to stick a tiny bit of tape round the edge as long as the patch isn't covered. You need to be so careful with these opiod patches. My mum died due to issues of overdosing with similar patches ( fentanyl ). As others have suggested perhaps try a different make.

Babyroobs · 01/01/2022 22:41

They can also be very dangerous if for example they come off and a child picks them up or they stick to someone else in a shared bed for example.

Terminallysleepdeprived · 01/01/2022 22:46

I had butrans and had the same issue. No advice other than speak to the pain clinic that prescribed them and see of they can specify a brand that sticks...lots of gp's will swap to cheaper alternatives for budget reasons. I have had to get my specialist to make a note on my file about other meds to stop this happening as the cheaper option has a different delivery method that is totally ineffective for me.

Onmyown1 · 02/01/2022 07:01

I have these patches. I did have one make that wouldn’t stick and I used tape on the sides. I phoned the doctors and explained and they gave me another prescription (think they’re aware it can happen). I have Butec and they stick really well.

missy111 · 02/01/2022 10:26

No experience, but would VetWrap work? It works on keeping dressings still on horses legs? It's a self adhesive, stretchy bandage that can be pulled fairly tight...but not too tight so as to cut off circulation..

Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 03/01/2022 00:32

@Babyroobs

I don't think you are really meant to cover them due to the heat issue. I think it is ok to stick a tiny bit of tape round the edge as long as the patch isn't covered. You need to be so careful with these opiod patches. My mum died due to issues of overdosing with similar patches ( fentanyl ). As others have suggested perhaps try a different make.
I'm aware they're dangerous. I've been wearing a cover over them for over 5 years now, no heat related issue. I'm just fed up of having to either pull up the cover every 2 mins or roll the top back up
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Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 03/01/2022 00:33

@Terminallysleepdeprived

I had butrans and had the same issue. No advice other than speak to the pain clinic that prescribed them and see of they can specify a brand that sticks...lots of gp's will swap to cheaper alternatives for budget reasons. I have had to get my specialist to make a note on my file about other meds to stop this happening as the cheaper option has a different delivery method that is totally ineffective for me.
They were prescribed by a GP. I don't attend the pain clinic
OP posts:
Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 03/01/2022 00:33

@missy111

No experience, but would VetWrap work? It works on keeping dressings still on horses legs? It's a self adhesive, stretchy bandage that can be pulled fairly tight...but not too tight so as to cut off circulation..
Fabulous! Thank you so much!!!
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Ouch44 · 03/01/2022 00:43

No experience with these type of patches but lots with HRT patches that were forever falling off or coming off when wet. Found they stuck best straight after skin was washed with soap and could sometimes get it to restick by putting warm hand in it or applying heat with hairdryer. GP prescribed something now that is a bugger to get off!! Hope you get sorted it sounds like they use different manufacturers use different glues in those too.

Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 03/01/2022 01:03

@Ouch44

No experience with these type of patches but lots with HRT patches that were forever falling off or coming off when wet. Found they stuck best straight after skin was washed with soap and could sometimes get it to restick by putting warm hand in it or applying heat with hairdryer. GP prescribed something now that is a bugger to get off!! Hope you get sorted it sounds like they use different manufacturers use different glues in those too.
Yes my mum was on HRT patches that went on her bum! Definitely cannot use a hairdryer on these as excessive heat drains the patches of all of its medication (they're slow release) instantly and will not only cause an overdose but then be rendered useless. Shame, as it would probably keep it on!
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Original poster
GrannytoaUnicorn · 03/01/2022 01:06

I had to mention the above ⬆️ in case anyone else stumbles upon this thread and tries it! Yikes 🚑

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