Subsys User Reviews & Ratings
Subsys has an average rating of 8.6 out of 10 from a total of 12 reviews on Drugs.com. 75% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 0% reported a negative experience.
Condition | Avg. Rating | Reviews | Compare |
---|---|---|---|
Breakthrough Pain | 6 reviews for Breakthrough Pain | 6 medications | |
Chronic Pain | 6 reviews for Chronic Pain | 92 medications | |
Add your review |
Reviews for Subsys
- dedel...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- March 26, 2015
For Chronic Pain "I suffer from psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia. My pain doctor recommended this when I became opioid tolerant. This drug works fantastically and fast for pain. Please be aware, though, within six months, my doctor had to increase dosage several times for the same effect, and higher doses caused 'narcolepsy attacks' and severe panic/anxiety attacks. I ultimately decided the pain control was not worth the side effects. Getting off of it was a nightmare, withdrawal from hell, ended up needing assistance to get off of Subsys. For a terminal patient, I would recommend this medicine, for someone trying to function in a normal life, please think twice and tread carefully."
- Mamma...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 23, 2015
For Chronic Pain "I have extreme to severe chronic pain, level 8 to 9 due to multiple disc issues and a 2nd knee that needs replacing. Having been on MS Contin for years I built up such a tolerance that it did nothing for the pain so I stopped taking it. Last fall my pain specialist had me try Subsys. Good news, it was the 1st time in years I actually had some relief from the chronic pain. Bad news, good old Hussain Obama Care changed some of the insurance company rules beginning 1Jan2015 meaning unless I had a cancer diagnosis they would deny coverage as “off label”. After three months of relief followed by six months with zero relief life is almost unbearable as I am unable to function day to day."
Frequently asked questions
- Which drugs cause opioid-induced constipation?
- Which painkiller should you use?
- How long does Fentanyl stay in your system?
- Why is fentanyl so dangerous?
- Kosmo...
- May 9, 2016
For Breakthrough Pain "I was given Subsys as a replacement for 30mg instant release OxyContin. 800mcg 4x per day instead of 4x 30mg OxyContin. My usual opiate regimen is 3x 80mg OxyContin, which has been at this level for 16 years now. Combined with the 4x 800mcg Subsys my pain is controlled more than ever has been (since 1990 when it began), but the dosage is so strict that there are times when I have to live with unbearable break through pain for up to 8 hours. Is my pain under control? Yes, but I live with a pain level of 7-7.5 24/7/365. Without Subsys my pain would be unbearable."
- Kitty...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- January 16, 2016
For Chronic Pain "I live with chronic pain from many different health issues. I have 3 types of migraines, liver disease, Crohn's disease, gastroparesis, IBD, IBS, gerd, ulcerative colitis, pseudotumo cerebri too many things to list. However I stay in pain. I have been on every drug known to man and this is a fast acting medication that helps the pain and you don't feel like your on cloud 90. My insurance has been great and now they don't want to cover it but want to pay for a drug that cost more then this medication that will do nothing but make me in more pain because we get to play the guess game till we find the dose that will work if we do find one and then pay for more er trips. Not happy. Subsy gave me my hubby and kids back somewhat again."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Dave...
- September 4, 2014
For Breakthrough Pain "My PCP doc had increased the amount of Oxycontin I take from 2 to 3 a day when they changed the formula in order to get the same amount of relief. The down side was he said I was maxed out on my pain meds now and took away my meds for break through pain. He suggested seeing a pain management doctor after a car accident that was making break through pain unbearable. The pain doc started me on a P-STIM and wanted me to try the Subsys. With such severe pain I agreed to it. I will never look back at my decision to try it as it has been a life saver for me and will take my pain from a 10 to a 2 very quickly. The only set back I can see is you have to wait a 1/2 hour before you can do another spray."
- MeKosmo
- October 20, 2016
For Chronic Pain "I've been on opiates for 29 years. I lead a successful and happy life because I've always treated painkillers with respect. They are addictive, but they can give you back your life if you use them properly. 2 years ago my pain doctor switched out my breakthrough meds from 6x 30mg oxycodone to 4x 800mcg Subsys. I also take 3x 80mg OxyContin for steady pain control. Tonight I will use my last subsys, tomorrow I was to receive my next 30 day supply. HOWEVER, LINDEN CARE calls me today and tells me they are not sending it. No 30 day supply, no warning. My insurance company called them to okay it, but Linden Care told them since I don't have cancer I'm not getting it anymore. My pain doctor tried talking to them, still nothing."
More FAQ
- Fentanyl test strips: where to get & how to use?
- What are the symptoms of a fentanyl overdose?
- Carfentanil vs Fentanyl: Which is more dangerous?
- How does fentanyl compare to heroin or other opiates?
- RSD-L...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- August 25, 2015
For Chronic Pain "I am really pleased with the pain relief I get from Subsys (400mcg 3xday). The only bad experience I've had was a surprise withdrawal episode. I take the Subsys like clockwork and seldom am late with a dose. The only explanation I could come up with for the surprise withdrawal was a new habit I started of eating a piece of chocolate candy immediately after spraying a dose of the Subsys under my tongue. Apparently, the medication was not being absorbed in my system. I have sinced stopped that practice and hopefully won't have any more 'surprise' withdrawal episodes."
- Diane...
- September 8, 2016
For Breakthrough Pain "I had pelvic surgery from the best uro/ gyn surgeon in the Houston area. He royally meshed up my surgery leaving me with pelvic anuryzm. My pain is at 10+/24-7 without meds. I have not found any meds that would bring the pain below a 7 before I found Subsys. My only issue with Subsys is it only last 3hrs......never more. My Dr. Has me on 800mcg. He is very careful and will not increase it. Subsys is great....it's just not a free for all."
- Deeee...
- October 15, 2014
For Breakthrough Pain "Works for the flares better than the rest of the medicines I've tried."
- King...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 15, 2015
For Breakthrough Pain "Works in just a few minutes. I like the spray in place of the Fentanyl sub-lingual tabs. I like Sub-Sys made by INSYS Pharm. I know I have been on these type med's for 20 yrs."
- Anonymous
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- April 3, 2014
For Chronic Pain "I have severe fibromyalgia amongst other things, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. I was expecting this to relieve all of my pain I had very high hopes. Then again everyone is different."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
More about Subsys (fentanyl)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Latest FDA alerts (14)
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: Opioids (narcotic analgesics)
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Duragesic, Fentanyl Transdermal System, Sublimaze, Fentora, ... +5 more
Professional resources
Other brands
Duragesic, Sublimaze, Fentora, Actiq, ... +2 more
For Breakthrough Pain "I was prescribed Subsys after being on the fentanyl patch for 6 months, 100 every 48 hours, and as my cancer progressed and treatments happened, which caused more pain, I needed something for breakthrough pain really bad. I would be put down to my knees from the pain and just lay in my bed moaning like a child, but Subsys works within minutes, eases the pain where I can feel it just literally fade away. I'd be in a wheelchair without it, or bedridden."