Switching From Butrans Patch To Fentanyl

I have been on the butrans 20 mcg patch for 3 months and am getting ready to switch to the fentanyl 25 mcg patch. Will I get same amount of or better pain relief? Also, my Dr refuses to keep me on this patch. Is it wise to even start it then?

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Hi Roxie,

To my knowledge, Fentanyl is the strongest prescribed pain reliever available. So my theory is that it should provide a greater sense of pain relief. However, because we all react/respond differently (and since no two meds are created equally), the only way to know for certain would be to try them both first-hand and make an assessment after giving your body some time to adjust to any changes.

On the other hand, if your doctor is only planning on prescribing Fentanyl temporarily (i.e. giving you a band-aid and ripping it off) I don't see the benefit personally. But only you can make that decision for yourself based on your unique level of pain and whether or not you're in a state of recovery to the point where pain meds are only temporary anyways? I simply don't know your situation well enough to comment further on that.

Does anyone else have some advice or information to add?

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Re: David (# 1)

I was on the Butrans Patch for months for severe pain caused from a spine injury. all of a sudden my insurance stopped covering butrans and wants me to use fentanyl or morphine because its cheaper. the butrans patch was working. when with the insurance companies stop playing doctor. I was told by Humana insurance company that I could appeal but would lose anyway. what do you have to do to get them to cover the butrans patch. I hate taking pills so the patch being a controlled dose worked great. Humana left me with 0 medications and it takes time to get into see my doctor. I am currently looking for a different prescription plan provider. any advice

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