Reports of medication errors in connection with the use of transdermal patches (i.e. patches) have been reported to the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM). The patches allow the administration of active ingredients through the skin in a controlled manner and during a determined period. But since they do not look like drugs, errors in use due to ignorance are common.
The ANSM therefore recalls some safety principles, in order toavoid side effects :
– The patch must not be cut except when the possibility of cutting is specified in the leaflet or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC).
– The recommendations given by healthcare professionals or specified in the instructions must be followed, in particular with regard to the place of application on the body and its method of application. Thus, the protective film of the patch must always be removed before application, and you must not write on it.
– Used patches still contain active ingredient after use. It is therefore necessary to remove the used patch before applying a new one.
– An increase in body temperature may lead to a change in the rate and dose of the active substance delivered through the skin and be the cause of overdose. It is therefore necessary to avoid significant heat sources (hot water bottle on the patch, hot bath, sauna), to carry out sports activities in hot weather, to expose yourself to the sun for a long time or without protecting the patch with clothing.
– The presence of metals in some patches can cause burns during performing an MRI : it is therefore necessary to systematically inform healthcare professionals of the wearing of a transdermal patch before performing this examination (and if possible remove it).
Read also
Pain relief patch: how does it work
Soon patches instead of syringes
A connected patch to monitor your health
