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Using medicine skin patches safely
Also called transdermal patches
Key points about medicine skin patches
Medicine patches (also called transdermal patches) are attached to your skin to slowly release medicine from the patch into your body over a period of time.
There are a number of medicines available as patches.
Find out how to use medicine skin patches safely and possible side effects.
Medicine patches (also called transdermal patches) are attached to your skin to slowly release medicine from the patch into your body over a period of time.
There are a number of medicines available as patches including pain relievers, nicotine, hormones and medicines to treat angina and motion sickness.
The instructions for how to apply each patch, and how often, are different for each type of patch.
Your pharmacist will explain how to use your medicine patch. There should also be a leaflet inside the box, read it before using your patch.
Each product will have specific instructions, but general guidance is below.
Follow the instructions carefully for the use of your patch. Always ask your pharmacist how to apply your patch. Each patch will have specific instructions for use. Here is some general guidance.
Placement of the patch
Always check the best place to apply your patch: Each patch has specific instructions. Apply the patch to a clean, dry area of skin. Choose an area with little or no hair and that's free of scars, cuts, or irritation.
Before applying the patch: Make sure your skin is clean and dry. Don't apply the patch to oily, broken or irritated skin, or skin that's been shaved recently.
When applying the new patch: Each new patch is best applied to a different area of skin. Press the patch firmly on the skin with the palm of your hand to make sure it's attached. Check during the day to make sure the patch is still in place, especially after sleeping, changing clothes, or showering. If it becomes loose, cover it with an extra adhesive overlay if provided.
Record the date and time it was put on: This is useful for patches that are changed once a week or every few days. Always remove used patches when a new one is put on.
Cutting patches
Ideally, patches shouldn't be cut but, due to supply issues and shortages, or smaller doses, it's sometimes necessary to cut them. Not all patches can be cut — this depends on how the medicine is stored within the patch. Your pharmacist will tell you if your patch can be cut and if the rest of the patch can be used later. Here is some guidance when cutting patches:
Cut the patch diagonally from corner to corner. For round patches, fold in half and cut along the folded line.
If the other half can be used for the next dose, store it in an airtight bag, until you're ready to use it.
Watch the video below to see how to apply a transdermal patch properly.
Video: How to properly apply a transdermal patch
(Apotex Inc, Canada, 2015)
Medicine patches and heat
Avoid applying heat to the patch, eg, a heating pad or hot water bottle. Heat can release the medicine faster and can cause an overdose.
Medicine patches and MRI scans
If you're having an MRI scan, tell your doctor or X-ray technician about any medicine patches you're wearing. Some patches may need to be removed just before the scan because they can overheat and cause skin burn.
Remove all used patches when a new one is put on. When you remove a patch, fold it in half so that it sticks to itself, before throwing away.
It's important to store and dispose of medicine patches out of the reach of children or pets. To a child, medicine patches look like stickers or bandages. There are many reports of children finding patches and sticking them on their body. Children and pets can also chew, suck, or swallow patches.
If you discover a patch is missing from your body, stop everything. Find it before your child or pet does.
