Mepital Film?

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macdebbie
macdebbie Member Posts: 171
edited October 2021 in Radiation Therapy - Before, During, and After

Someone in a FB group recommended Mepital Film as a way to reduce radiation burns. I checked out the manufacturer's site, and it says that burns are reduced by 92% if it is used at the start of radiation therapy.

My RO didn't mention this. I am concerned because I am very fair, and burn to a crisp in the sun, so I want to to do everything possible to protect myself.

Can anyone share their experience using it? Was your radiation team on board or did they fight you using it? Did they apply it or did you have to apply it yourself? How hard is it to apply?

I haven't been able to find it anywhere. Where do you get it? I start this coming Thurs so don't have much time left to find some.

Thx!

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  • Spookiesmom
    Spookiesmom Member Posts: 9,568
    edited October 2021

    never heard of this, or seen it mentioned here. Call your RO and ask.

    I'm very fair too. The first time rads I burned so bad my skin broke. The second time, other side, I used calendula cream and 100% pure aloe. And barely got pink

    image

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  • macdebbie
    macdebbie Member Posts: 171
    edited October 2021

    Hi Spookiesmom. Yes, I will call Mon. Also calling my pharmacy today just to see if they have it and what it costs (heard that it's pretty expensive but it may be worth it).

    Here's the link - https://www.molnlycke.ca/our-knowledge/prevention-and-treatment-of-radiation-skin-reactions/

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  • LW422
    LW422 Member Posts: 1,312
    edited October 2021

    I am a patient at MD Anderson in Houston, currently undergoing radiation (4 weeks done of 6). My RO has the rad techs apply a sheet of Mepitel on my chest in the area of highest concentration, changing it weekly. They provide the sheets. She said if my skin breaks down it will most likely be in that spot. Many people here have used Mepitel, so do a search of the forum.

    Also, the MDA ROs are not promoting any creams unless I am feeling any discomfort (none so far), so I don't use any except a bit of moisturizer on my scar. Radiation is "burning" from the inside out so your experience with sunburn doesn't make much difference as far as your reaction to the treatment. Good luck.

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  • macdebbie
    macdebbie Member Posts: 171
    edited October 2021

    Thanks LW422. These are the days I wish I was back home in Boston at Dana Farber. I have called every pharmacy in the area and none carry it or know where to get it. I will call my RO Monday. I tried to contact the manufacturer to see if there were any reps in my area or if they could tell me where to get it but their "Contact Us" link doesn't work...

    Thank again for the info!

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  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited October 2021

    There are so many myths out there about radiation. If the only info you can find is written by the manufacturer, I would be very suspicious. Also, radiation SE are unrelated to the affect of sun on our skin. That is not a predictor of how radiation will affect your skin. Lots written about the latter on BCO and quality studies. I wish I could refer you to the radiation thread. If you cannot find it, I am certain I could if I searched. Good luck and hope you have minimal SE.

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  • LW422
    LW422 Member Posts: 1,312
    edited October 2021

    Macdebbie--the film is available at CVS and on Amazon, but it would be best to wait to see what your RO recommends, and if they will provide it. Good luck to you.

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  • macdebbie
    macdebbie Member Posts: 171
    edited October 2021

    LW422, I called CVS and they said they don't have it and can't order it and I can't find it on Amazon except for UK Amazon and I think shipping would be too long since I start radiation next week.

    I will be calling my RO Monday.


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