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Everything You Need To Know About Transdermal Patch Application

Posted by: Marina Ruleva on 8/4/22 11:47 AM

Transdermal patches are very easy to use, and for many patients, they’re preferable to oral medications that must be chewed or swallowed. However, since these patches can contain powerful drugs, it’s imperative that they’re used and applied correctly.  

In this blog, I’ll explore how to apply and remove transdermal patches safely and securely, and how to avoid common complications. 

TRANSDERMAL PATCH PLACEMENT

First and foremost, patients should follow their doctor’s instructions when using transdermal patches, just like any other medication. Placing a patch in a different area than what is recommended could significantly affect the rate at which medication is absorbed, which could lead to unsatisfactory results. For example, some patches are specifically designed to be placed on the upper chest or upper arm, while others work best when they’re placed on the hip or lower abdomen. 

HOW TO APPLY A TRANSDERMAL PATCH

The specifics of transdermal patch application will differ from system to system. Below, you’ll find a basic outline of how to apply a patch and how to remove and discard a patch safely.

220728_Transdermal Patch Application Process

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION

In addition to following your doctor’s instructions regarding placement, patches should always be applied to healthy, intact skin. If a patch is applied to irritated or broken skin, the drug contained in the patch may be absorbed too quickly. 

2. WASH YOUR HANDS AND THE AREA WHERE THE PATCH WILL BE APPLIED

Washing your hands, as well as the application area, with soap and water will reduce the risk of potential contamination and help the patch adhere to your skin. 

3. HOLD THE PATCH SO THAT THE PLASTIC BACKING IS FACING YOU

This orients the patch so that the adhesive is facing down, which will simplify application. 

4. PEEL OFF ONE SIDE OF THE PATCH’S BACKING

Avoid touching the exposed patch, and use the other side of the patch — the side with intact backing — as a handle.

5. APPLY THE EXPOSED HALF OF THE PATCH TO YOUR SKIN IN THE SPOT YOU HAVE CHOSEN 

Still using the liner as a handle — and ensuring the adhesive side of the patch is facing down — apply the exposed portion of the patch to the application area. 

6. PRESS THE STICKY SIDE OF THE PATCH AGAINST THE SKIN AND SMOOTH IT DOWN

Apply some light pressure to smooth the patch against the skin to ensure there is good contact. 

7. REMOVE THE PACKAGING FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PATCH 

Fold back the other side of the patch, holding onto the remaining piece of plastic backing and using it to pull the patch across the skin. Apply additional light pressure to ensure good contact across the patch’s surface area.  It may take 20 or 30 seconds to get all of the adhesive to stick to the skin.

8. WASH YOUR HANDS

It’s important to wash your hands with soap and water after applying a patch to yourself or someone else.

REMOVING A TRANSDERMAL PATCH

When it’s time to remove a patch, press down on its center to lift the edges away from the skin. Then hold the edge gently and slowly peel the patch away from the skin. 

Before discarding, fold the patch in half (pressing the adhesive sides together) and dispose of it safely. Ensure the discarded patch remains out of the reach of children and pets, as some patches may still contain active drugs. Finally, use soap and water to wash the skin that was covered with the patch. 

It’s normal to see some redness immediately after a patch is removed. However, if the redness does not go away after a short time, contact your doctor, as this could be a reaction to the patch adhesive. 

TRANSDERMAL PATCH SIDE EFFECTS

In the case of oral drug delivery, side effects may occur simply because the drugs must pass through the digestive system, where they can upset the stomach. While transdermal patches typically cause fewer side effects than oral medications, they may not be entirely free of them. 

It’s always important to talk to your doctor about risks and side effects before using a new drug. Ask about: 

  • Expected side effects
  • Possible side effects
  • Possible drug interactions
  • Drugs or foods to avoid
  • Environmental factors, like sun sensitivity
  • Instructions for applying, wearing, removing, and disposal 

The most likely side effect of a transdermal patch is irritated skin, especially for users that have sensitive skin. Sensitivity can also result from the drug itself or the dose being too high. 

If signs of irritation persist, remove the patch and contact the physician or medical professional who prescribed or recommended the treatment. They may direct you to try applying the patch in a different area.

ADDITIONAL AREAS OF CAUTION WHEN USING A MEDICINE PATCH

In addition to applying patches correctly and to the correct location, it’s extremely important to use patches exactly as prescribed. Use only one patch at a time unless your doctor or the patch instructions have directed otherwise.

Furthermore, while transdermal patches are much harder to abuse, overdoses are still possible if a patch is broken, cut open, or chewed on, if too many are worn simultaneously, or if a child is using a patch designed for an adult.

DESIGNING A SAFE TRANSDERMAL PATCH

Developing a new transdermal treatment can be a challenging process, and not all Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) have the specialized facilities or the capabilities required for more complex designs.

With 82 successful commercial product launches in the last 20 years, 22 Rx products already launched or expected for approval, and a 100% audit success rate, Tapemark is an industry leader in bringing new, safe, and highly effective transdermal treatments to market. Additionally, our proprietary platforms continue to expand the number of drugs that can be successfully delivered via patch and improve patient experiences and outcomes.

Explore Our In-Depth Guide to Transdermal Patches Start Exploring

Topics: Transdermal

Marina Ruleva