Did You Know? Transdermal

Nov 29, 2021 | Clinical Insight

Transdermal Patch Application Information

Generic Name:Buprenorphine
Application• Apply to upper outer arm, upper chest or back, or side of chest
• Remove hair at application site if needed
• Press in place for 15 seconds
• Replace weekly
• Avoid same application site for at least 21 days
If Patch Falls Off• Dispose of patch and replace new patch in a different site
• If patch doesn’t stick well, tape sides with medical tape
• See through adhesive dressings (e.g. Bioclusive or Tegaderm) can be used to keep patch in place
Notes• Avoid direct exposure to heat
Generic Name:Capsaicin
Application• Apply 1-4 patches to painful area for 60 mins• Remove hair at application site if needed
• Remove hair at application site if needed
• Repeat application every 3 months if needed
If Patch Falls Off• Use rolled gauze to keep the patch(es) in place
Notes• Patch may be cut to fit the area
Generic Name:Diclofenac
Application• Apply to painful area two times a day
• Press firmly in place- especially around edges
If Patch Falls Off• If not sticking well, tape sides with medical tape
• Mesh netting that allows air to pass can be used to keep patch in place (e.g. Curad Hold Tite, Surgilast)
Notes• Do not wear in shower/bath
• Remove patch before MRI and reapply old patch if no more than 2 hours have passed since removal, if longer than 2 hours has passed, apply a new patch
Generic Name:Estradiol
Application• Apply to lower abdomen (see specific site on brand packaging)
DO NOT apply to breasts
• Press firmly in place for 10 sec
• Replace weekly and rotate site weekly
If Patch Falls Off• Reapply same patch (only brands that don’t need a new site are Estraderm and Vivelle- Dot)
• Mesh netting that allows air to pass can be used to keep patch in place (e.g. Curad Hold Tite, Surgilast)
• If same patch doesn’t fit, apply new patch
Notes• Remove before MRI: Alora, Estradiol Transdermal System
• Bathing may loosen patch: Climara, Menostar, Climara Pro
Generic Name:Fentanyl
Application• Apply to flat surface (back, flank, chest, upper arm)
• Remove hair at application site if needed
• Place firmly in place for 30 sec
• Replace patch and rotate site every 72 hours
If Patch Falls Off• If not sticking well, tape sides with medical tape
• If patch detaches, replace with new patch
• If same patch doesn’t fit, apply new patch
• Adhesive dressings (e.g. Bioclusive or Tegaderm) can be used to cover patch completely if needed. Double check product labeling before selecting an adhesive
Notes• Avoid direct exposure to heat
• Remove before MRI. After procedure, apply new patch at a new site
Generic Name:Lidocaine
Application• Apply 1-3 patches to painful area
• Apply patches for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period (12˚ on, 12˚ off)
If Patch Falls Off• May apply medical tape to hole in place
• May use ACE bandages to hold in place, do not apply too tightly
Notes• May cut patches to fit the area
• Remove if irritation occurs and do not reapply until irritation subsides
Generic Name:Nicotine
Application• Apply to non-hairy skin
• Press firmly in place for 10 sec
• Replace once daily
• Can be worn 16 or 24 hours
If Patch Falls Off• If not sticking well or gets loose, tape sides with medical tape
• If patch detaches, apply new patch to a new site
Notes• Remove patch before MRI and reapply same patch after the procedure
• Remove patch before bed if vivid dreams or other sleep disturbances occur
Generic Name:Nitroglycerin
ApplicationAVOID application to extremities below knee or elbow
• Rotate application site daily (Nitro-Dur, and Minitran)
• Ensure patch free period of 10- 12 hours a day
• Do not apply immediately after bathing (Nitroglycerin TD System)
If Patch Falls Off• Replace with a new patch at an alternate site (alternate site not needed for Nitro-Dur)
Notes• None
Generic Name:Scopolamine
Application• Apply to hairless area behind the ear
• For motion sickness: apply 4˚ before needed and remove in 3 days, apply new patch if needed
• Prior to surgery: apply evening before and remove 24˚ after
If Patch Falls Off• Apply new patch behind other ear
Notes• Remove before MRI, apply new patch behind other ear after procedure

Disposal: Refer to federal and state regulations for disposal recommendations.

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Brandi VanValkenburg

Brandi provides personalized care as a pharmacy consultant with HealthDirect's northeastern region.  She has been serving our clients for over 10 years. 

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