Transdermal patches are sophisticated drug delivery systems that are designed to release small amounts of medications at the desired location over a long period of time. Drugs are absorbed from the patch through the different layers of skin and are able to affect the targeted body areas.
At National Pharmacy, we specialize in making transdermal patches. Transdermal patches are used in a variety of conditions including but not limited to :
- Pain
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Smoking cessation
On a physician’s order, we can prepare one or a combination of several medications into a patch to be applied on the skin for up to 12 hours a day.
Transdermal patches are designed to bypass the oral route of administration. Many patients can benefit from receiving medications in a patch, like those who cannot swallow oral medications or have difficulty remembering to take their medication regularly. It can offer an alternative to traditional oral drugs.
Some precautions need to be taken when applying transdermal patch medications :
- Only apply one patch at a time unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
- Apply to clean, dry, intact skin. Do not apply patch on open wounds, cuts, damaged or infected skin. Too much drug could be absorbed, resulting in adverse effects.
- Do not apply on mucous membranes
- Wash your hands after applying the patch; patch ingredients could cause irritation to eyes and to sensitive skin.
- When removing patch, fold it so that adhesive edges stick together, and throw it away in order to keep it out of reach of children and pets.