I have been on the patch for 2 years. It has made it possible for me to continue to work full time without going on disability or medically retiring to due multiple disc surgeries & rapid degeneration of my lumbar & cervical spines. It definitely gave me back my mobility. I had been on heavy medications or doing without pain killers due to the long term effects those drugs have on liver & kidneys. Side effect for me is decreased appetite & tiredness.

The name brand patch stays on better than the generic & is more effective. Although the patch causes excessive sweating, it is working using for the pain. It is highly addictive & when not changed within the 72 hours I have experienced nausea and extreme tiredness. I recommend that the patch be placed under the breast to make sure that it stays on.

I have had chronic pain due to lumbar stenosis, spondylthesis and 3 bulging discs for at least 2 years. My physician was afraid of dependence and would only give me a few Vicodin every month. I finally changed physicians and he started me on 50 mcg. I have had so much relief! I can finally turn on my sides during sleep without excrutiating pain and spasms. The first few days were difficult adjusting to the med, but the benefits far out-weigh the adjustment period. The only problem I have is keeping the patch on. I will be trying tegaderm or a surgical tape. I am thrilled with my pain relief.

patches fall off to easy, also the last 12 hours of the dose cycle drug seems to be less effective

I am allergic to many of the morphine based pain medicines and to hydrocodone etc....I have very bad back problems (won't bore you with details). Some of the pain meds do nothing at all for me, even the strong ones. I was at my wits end as was my doctor. The patch gave me my life back. I was able to work thru the day without crying from pain. Many of you are complaining about the patch not sticking on to you. That is why you need to get the company that makes the patch to send you the overlay to put on top of them. The company mails them to me for free. I called and complained and they told me to just give them the number on the bottom of my box and they came in a day or two. I keep plenty on hand now. The company has me fill out a form to send in in advance and they send them for free. Call customer service of your drug maker and get some. They are wonderful! Best wishes to everyone. I hope the patch helps you as much as it has helped me!

I took this drug 75 mcg/hr every 48 hrs for two years after a long run with vicodin, percocet and oxycontin. This drug almost ruined my life! Is it effective for pain? YOU BET!! But! If you ever plan to come off of it, may God have mercy on your soul ! The physical withdrawl was hellacious at best, and my experience has been that while pain doctors are GREAT at prescribing, they stink at tapering patients down. Do your research before attempting to come off and be prepared for it to be rough for awhile.

i have been taking this drug for about 6 months for bad arthritis in my back due to crohn disease.i had try other pain killers like oxyxontin, dilaudid but duragesic is the one that keeps the pain away and dont give me any sides effects. the relief is constent and last for up to 4 days. the only problem is that the patch fall off.. the only location it stick well to is the upper arm. also a good point; for poeple with crohn disease it prevent me from having diahrea. for poeple with chronic pain i think its the best drug.