I was prescribed butrans patches to supplement/reduce need for norco (hydrocodone and acetaminophen). pain has increased enormously since then. should i continue using patches?

Continue to use: It will take time for you to find a new steady state with your pain. Getting off, or at least reducing, your need for narcotics will be beneficial in the long run. Talk to your provider about specific issues.

Need Time: This medication is intended for patients requiring pain medications 24hours per day. Nocro is a short acting opioid and will not provide a consistent level of medication in your system. The transition to sustained released opioids can take time and be a little challenging for patients who have been on short acting opioids for a long period of time. You likely need a dose adjustment.