Why is this procedure done?
Your doctor has ordered a drug for you. This drug is best absorbed slowly through your skin. It is a transdermal patch or skin patch. This means you will wear a patch with the drug on it on your skin. Your doctor will tell you how long to wear the patch. The length of time to wear the patch depends on the drug. It may take 1 day or more for your skin to absorb the drug from the patch. Most often, you take off the old patch before you put on a new patch. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
Your skin will absorb the drug for your body to use. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Make sure you have all of the items that you will need. Place them on a clean surface nearby.
- Check the drug.
- Read the label to make sure that you have the correct drug.
- Make sure you have the right dose. Check the amount of drug against what the doctor ordered.
- Know the correct location on your body to place the patch.
- Know how long you are supposed to use the patch and how often you should change it.
- Check the expiration date. Do not use it if it is expired.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water before you begin. You may also want to gently clean the skin where you are going to place the patch. Use warm soapy water and dry with a clean cloth. Always follow the directions from your doctor or on the package insert. Sometimes the drug on the patch needs the oil in your skin to help with absorption.
- Take off the old patch and fold it in half so it sticks to itself or cut it in half. Wash the drug off the skin in that area.
What happens during the procedure?
- Make sure the skin where the patch will be placed is free from oils, lotions, and powders. Some products need to be put in a new area of the body each day.
- Open the package with care. Take the liner off of the skin patch.
- Throw away the package and liner in a safe area. Keep these items out of the reach of children, animals, and others.
- Take extra care not to touch the sticky side of the patch.
- Place the patch with the sticky side towards your skin. Firmly press the patch with your hand. Use your finger to rub around the edges and press them onto the skin.
What happens after the procedure?
- Wash your hands with soap and water to remove any drug that may be on them.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Mild itching
- Rash
- Burning
- Skin redness
- Swelling
When do I need to call the doctor?
You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse ‚
Helpful tips
- There should be no bumps or folds in the skin patch. It should be flat against your skin.
- Take extra care when getting rid of used patches. They may still contain some drug in them. This can harm children, pets, or others. Talk to your doctor about the best way to get rid of used patches.
- Know what you should do if your patch comes off too soon or starts to lift up at one of the edges. Ask your doctor if you should tape it down or get a new patch.
- Do not cut a patch unless your doctor says it is OK.
- If you are having an x-ray or MRI procedure, tell the technician or doctor that you are wearing a patch. Some patches can cause problems during these kinds of tests.
- Always remember to remove the old patch.
Where can I learn more?
American Society or Health-System Pharmacists ‚
http://www.safemedication.com/safemed/MedicationTipsTools/HowtoAdminister/How-to-Use-Transdermal-Patches ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚