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Suggest Treatment For Severe Osteoarthritis And Fibromyalgia

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Posted on Mon, 27 Apr 2015
Question: why would my doctor switch me from norco 10mg and tramadol 50 mg to a 25mg fentanyl patch when, i have recently had back suregery, have severe osteoarthritis and severe fibromyalgia? and what is the difference between a norco 10mg and the fentanyl patch
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
difference in modalities explained

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.

There are 2 main differences in the 2 modalities of treatment.
1. Norco 10 mg has a mild to moderate effect. Fentanyl has a better effect.
2. Norco 10 has a limited duration of effect. Fentanyl has a longer duration of time, thereby reducing the multiple dosing of Norco 10.

I think that is the reason why your modality of treatment was changed.

I hope that this helps you.
Best of luck. Dr Mittal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (19 hours later)
So he has increased my medication? These patches make me a little nauseated and my pain is worse. Can you explain this. I have taken 3 of the fentanyl 25mcg/h in 3 day intervals. I have had to add ibuprofen on my own. I also started having a nagging headache since the end of the 3rd day on the 1st patch.
Are you saying that the patch is stronger because it is a constant flow of medication? I'm sure the headaches and nausea will subside as with other meds I have taken before but these patches don't seem as effective. I was taking 3 Norco 10 and 3 tramadol 50 a day. So this fentanyl patch 25mcg/h is better?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
specific answers

Detailed Answer:
Yes,
Fentanyl patch is supposed to be better.
Because it makes sure there is a constant supply of the medicines in the body.
However, the dermal route of drug absorption is unreliable.
So sometimes, the effective dose may not be there, and at other times it may be present.
As for vomitting, I think an addition of antacid like rabeprazole 20 mg twice a day before food will help.
And of course, I would suggest meeting a doctor before stepping up the dose of medicine, or adding a medicine on your own.
Best of luck
Dr Mittal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Saumya Mittal

Diabetologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2897 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Osteoarthritis And Fibromyalgia

Brief Answer: difference in modalities explained Detailed Answer: Hi I am Dr Mittal. I have read your query. There are 2 main differences in the 2 modalities of treatment. 1. Norco 10 mg has a mild to moderate effect. Fentanyl has a better effect. 2. Norco 10 has a limited duration of effect. Fentanyl has a longer duration of time, thereby reducing the multiple dosing of Norco 10. I think that is the reason why your modality of treatment was changed. I hope that this helps you. Best of luck. Dr Mittal