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| How to use your skin patches |
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Written by Helen Marshall, pharmacist
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Skin patches are thin pads
with an adhesive back that are applied to the skin rather
like a plaster. Patches contain a reservoir or matrix of medicine
that passes slowly from the patch through the skin and into
the bloodstream.
Patches may be designed to provide a continuous non-fluctuating blood level of a medicine. This can have advantages over other dose forms that gradually wear off over time, particularly for uses such as pain relief. Alternatively, patches may be designed to produce a deliberately fluctuating blood level of medicine. This can be useful for things such as testosterone replacement, where the patches mimic the body's natural production of testosterone, which varies throughout the day.
Skin patches
can also be used as an alternative way of getting medicines into
the body, which may be useful if someone is feeling
continuously sick or is unable to take medicines by mouth.
Patches can also be helpful for people who find it difficult
to remember to take their medicines during the day, or
like the fact that it is a discreet way of using a medicine.
How to use
your skin patches
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Carefully remove the patch from its pouch,
taking care not to tear the patch. Use your fingers
rather than scissors to avoid damaging the patch.
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Pull off the plastic backing to
expose the adhesive. Do not touch the sticky surface
of the patch.
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Apply the patch
firmly with the sticky side down to a clean, dry,
non-hairy area of skin, on the area of the body
specified in the instructions supplied with your
patches. Do not apply it to broken or irritated skin
or spots. Don't put moisturiser, creams or powder
on the skin before applying the patch, as this may
stop it from sticking properly.
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Run your finger around the edge of the patch
to make sure it is fully sealed to your skin and no
air or water can get in. If you have applied it
properly you should be able to bathe, shower and swim
without the patch falling off. (Check the printed
instructions given with your patches to make sure
you are allowed to do this – some patches need to be
removed before swimming, showering or bathing.)
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Change the patch as frequently as
directed by your doctor or pharmacist. When applying
a new patch, remove the old one first and apply the
new one to a slightly different area of skin. This
avoids irritating the skin.
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To remove the patch, peel off one corner and
pull the patch smoothly away from the skin. Any glue
or sticky residue left on the skin can be removed
with baby oil.
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If a patch falls
off, replace it with a new one and keep to your
patch change days as normal. If you have just had a bath
or shower wait for the skin to cool down before
applying a new patch.
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These are general instructions for skin patches. Different types of patch may have different instructions for the application site, when to change the patch and what to do if it falls off. You should always follow the specific instructions provided with your patches.
Special
considerations for different types of patches
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Hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) patches should
be applied below the waist on the buttocks or thighs.
They should NOT be applied on or near the breasts.
The frequency that they need to be changed depends on the individual brand of HRT.
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Evra contraceptive patches should be applied to the buttock, abdomen, upper outer arm or upper torso. They should NOT be applied to the breasts.
Evra patches are changed on the same day each week for three weeks, followed by a patch-free week. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully regarding late changes or patches that have fallen off, as you may need to use additional methods of contraception, eg condoms, to avoid pregnancy.
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Andropatches contain testosterone and are prescribed for testosterone replacement therapy in men. They should be applied to the back, abdomen, upper arms or thighs. Avoid bony areas such as shoulders and hips. They should NOT be applied to the scrotum. The patch should be applied at approximately 10pm and changed after 24 hours, as this allows the patch to to mimic the body's natural production of testosterone.
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Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) patches for angina, eg
,
,
should be applied to the chest or upper arm and changed once a day.
If the patches seem to become less effective it may be necessary to remove each patch for four to eight hours in
every 24 hours to allow the body to re-sensitise to the
medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice if this is the case.
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Nicotine patches, eg Nicorette,
or
should be applied to the chest, upper arm or hip. Do
not smoke while you are using nicotine patches.
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Durogesic,
BuTrans
and Transtec
patches contain powerful painkillers related to morphine (opioid
analgesics). Durogesic contains fentanyl, and BuTrans and Transtec contain buprenorphine. They are used to provide continuous relief from chronic, severe pain (eg due to cancer). Durogesic should be changed every 72 hours (three days), Transtec should be changed every 96 hours (four days) and BuTrans should be changed once a week. Durogesic patches should be applied to the
torso or upper arm. BuTrans patches should be applied to the upper outer arm, upper chest, upper back, or the side of the chest. Transtec patches should be applied to the upper back or below the collar bone on the chest. It is
very important to dispose of used patches carefully.
Read the printed instructions enclosed with the
patches.
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for urinary incontinence should be applied to the hip, abdomen or buttock and changed every three to four days.
Other useful
advice
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You
may get slight redness, irritation or itching of the
skin where the patch has been. If this doesn't
clear up, gets worse or a rash develops, consult
your doctor.
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Try to avoid
wearing the patch under tight clothing or
elasticated waistbands.
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If you
sunbathe while wearing the patch, cover the patch so it
is not exposed to direct sunlight.
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Exercising or applying heat to the patch may
increase the amount of medicine absorbed into the
body. This can increase the risk of side effects.
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If you accidentally put on too many
patches, remove the extra one(s) as soon as possible
and tell your doctor immediately.
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If you forget to put a patch on, apply it as
soon as you remember. Do not apply two patches at
once to make up for the one you forgot.
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Never divide or cut a patch.
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Do not use patches past their expiry
date.
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Store patches in a dry place
at room temperature. Don't keep them in the
bathroom as they may become damp or too hot.
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Don't give your medicines to anyone else
to use, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
They may be harmful to other people.
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If the patch accidentally sticks to the skin
of another person, remove it immediately and consult
your doctor.
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Always use your
medicines according to the printed label on or
inside the packaging and as directed by your doctor or
pharmacist.
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Always keep
medicines out of the reach of children.
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Dispose of used patches carefully as they will
still contain some active medicine. Fold the patch
so it sticks to itself and make sure the disposed
patch is kept well away from children and animals.
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Last updated 28.03.2007
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