About Dermal Patches

Dermal patches are used to deliver medication to the body through the skin in a controlled and safe manner. Some common ways dermal patches are used include nicotine patches to help break cigarette addiction, pain patches to manage severe pain, hormone replacement patches to treat symptoms of menopause, and nitroglycerin patches to prevent chest pain. Administration of medication using a dermal patch is also known as transdermal therapy.

Benefits

• According to Skin and Allergy News.com, administering medication through the skin is a preferred way of providing a steady supply of medication and an effective way to treat certain conditions. Unlike with oral medications, with use of a dermal patch there is a decreased risk of drug interactions, decreased chance of medication highs and lows, and decreased risk of systemic side effects. Side effects related to the use of a dermal patch may include skin redness and irritation at the site where the patch is applied, and usually goes away once the patch is removed.

Uses

• Dermal patches consist of a protective backing, a reservoir where the drug is stored, and an adhesive that allows the patch to stick to the skin. According to Managed Care Mag.com, the design of dermal patches and their effectiveness at delivering medications has improved significantly since the dermal patch was first introduced as a medication delivery system. In some cases, a dermal patch can be as effective or more effective at managing pain than medication given intravenously.

Precautions

• Certain precautions should be taken when applying a dermal patch. Used dermal patches should be removed before application of a new one. The area where the patch is applied should be clean and dry. Do not apply a patch to irritated skin or skin that is broken. Recommended application sites include the chest and upper body. The patch should never be cut or altered. Cutting the patch can interfere with how the medication is delivered.

Disposal

• Care should be taken when removing and disposing of patches. When the patch is removed, there may still be a small amount of the drug in it. Anyone who comes in contact with the medication can be affected by it. After removal, the patch should be folded in half and discarded in a safe place away from children and pets. According to the American Cancer Society, certain pain patches can be disposed of by flushing them down the toilet. Be sure to read the manufacturer's recommendation for disposal.