Recommendations for patients using Butrans (Transdermal Burenorphine) patch for the management of chronic non-malignant pain who experience erythematous (red) rash/ skin irritation at the site of the patch.

27th May 2007 at 16:31 BST by Dr C.A.Jenner MB BS, FRCA. Permalink.

Recommendations for patients using Butrans (Transdermal Burenorphine) patch for the management of chronic non-malignant pain who experience erythematous (red) rash/ skin irritation at the site of the patch.

Recommendations for patients using Butrans (Transdermal Burenorphine) patch for th management of chronic non-malignant pain who experience erythematous (red) rash/ skin irritation at the site of the patch.

Up to 10% of patients who use the Butrans (Transdermal Burenorphine patch) can suffer with local skin irritability, manifest as itching, redness or blistering of the skin- despite the fact that they benefit from using the patch.

Anecdotally many physicians have found the following steps to be of benefit in those patients who find the patches to be helpful, but suffer with skin irritation

The Steps

1. Choose an area of dry, non- hairy skin eg: bottom, back, thigh
2. Apply Hydrocortisone 0.1% (lowest strength preparation)approximately 2 hours before application of the Butrans (Transdermal Burenorphine patch) to the above site
3. Do not re-use a site that has had a Butrans patch for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks
4. Any further skin irritation with the patches, contact your medical practitioner

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