Medicines come in many forms, including tablets, injections, inhalers, creams and skin patches. Skin patches, also known as transdermal patches, are small sticky pads that have a dose of medicine in the pad. When applied to the skin, the medicine slowly passes from the patch, through the skin, and into the bloodstream.

What patches are used for

Patches are sometimes used when it is important that the amount of medicine in the body is maintained at a constant level. For example, some pain relieving medicines are given through a skin patch for people with severe pain, so they have constant round-the-clock relief. Similarly, nicotine patches are designed to keep the amount of nicotine in the body relatively constant. This helps people to quit smoking by reducing their cravings for cigarettes.

Patches may be used to reduce the side effects of some medicines. For example, oestrogen patches are sometimes used by women who experience nausea when taking oestrogen tablets.

Skin patches may also be used to avoid giving an injection. For example, local anaesthetic injections are often quite painful, so skin patches are sometimes used instead.

Patches may also be useful for some people who have difficulty swallowing medicines.

How to use patches

Read the instructions

Each type of patch has its own instructions on where it should be placed, how often it should be changed, and so on.

The instructions for your medicine will be in the consumer medicine information (CMI) leaflet that is available from your pharmacist. Check the instructions before applying your first patch, and keep the leaflet in a handy place for future reference.

Applying patches

Patches may come in different strengths. If the patches for your medicine come in different strengths, make sure you select the right one. If you’re unsure which strength to use, check with a pharmacist. Never cut patches into smaller pieces.

In general, patches should be applied to clean, dry, hairless skin, such as on the back, stomach, thighs and upper arms. If necessary, trim any hair with scissors. Don’t shave the area as this could damage the skin. Avoid red, burnt or injured skin, or skin that could be rubbed by tight clothing.

If you’ve just had a bath or shower, wait for your skin to cool down before applying the patch. Don’t use moisturisers, creams or powder on the skin before applying a patch, as this may stop it from sticking properly.

When the patch is in place, press firmly with the palm of your hand, and run your finger around the edges to make sure it is fully sealed. If using two patches, don’t overlap them.

Wash your hands after applying patches to remove any traces of medicine.

Wearing patches

If properly applied, most patches allow you to bath, shower and swim. Nevertheless, it is best to keep them dry if possible.

Don’t let electric blankets, hot water bottles or heating pads come in contact with any patches on your skin. The heat may increase the amount of medicine absorbed by the skin, which may cause side effects.

Changing patches

Each skin patch is designed to last a certain length of time. The time can vary from a few hours to a week or more. For patches that last a day or more, replace the patch at about the same time of the day each time.

Take care when removing patches, so you don’t damage your skin. Carefully lift one corner before slowly pulling off the rest of the patch. Remove any adhesive left on the skin by washing the area with soap and warm water. If necessary, use a small amount of baby oil to remove any adhesive that won’t wash off.

Apply the new patch in a different place as instructed. Avoid using the same area of skin for at least 14 days to reduce the chance of irritation.

Storing and disposing of patches

Most but not all patches should be stored at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture, and out of reach of children. Check the instructions for your patch. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist.

Used patches still contain some medicine, so dispose of them carefully. Fold used patches in half with the sticky side inwards. Then, wrap them up, and put them in the bin. Better still, put them in a container with a secure lid, and store the container out of reach of children. When full, take the container to your pharmacist, so they can dispose of the used patches safely without harming the environment.

Talk to your doctor and pharmacist

Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you’re not sure about:

• which strength patch to use
• where to put your patches
• how often to change your patches
• what to do if a patch falls off before it is due to be replaced
• what to do if you forget to change or apply a new patch
• any redness, irritation or itching at the skin site that does not clear up within a few days or gets worse, or if you develop a rash or other side effect.

When compiling your medicines list, or telling a health professional about the medicines you’re taking, don’t forget to include any skin patches.