Placement of fentanyl patches

[orbitn]

I placed one of my fentanyl patches on my thigh for the first time last night, and woke up in full on withdrawal. The pharmacist said i could place it anywhere but for the last several months i've been putting it on my upper arms, although they're prone to unstick.

I am fat, and the thighs have a lot more fat than arms. Anyone have any ideas as to why that worked so poorly?

[Shana]

I was told to place it above the heart.. (not directly) on the shoulders or back. I'm not sure why it didn't work.

[SCI-Nurse]

You will get better absorption above your level of SCI as the blood flow is better there. It is important to always be consistent with putting skin patch medications either above or below your level of injury, but above will nearly always be better. The same is true for injectable (subq or IM) drugs.

(KLD)

[Evonne]

i am c 4/5 and also use a 24 mmg patch. i place mine in the groin area right below my bikini line............how could i place my patch ABOVE my injury level??? i was never told where to place it.

Evonne