Oxybutynin patch (Oxytrol) PBS listed as an alternative for overactive bladderOxybutynin patch (Oxytrol) PBS listed as an alternative for overactive bladder

Published 2009-08-01 00:00:00

Oxybutynin patches may cause less anticholinergic side effects, but skin reactions are common and may be intolerable for some people | Information for patients about proper use and disposal of patches | References

Oxybutynin transdermal patches (Oxytrol) were PBS listed as a restricted benefit on 1 August 2009. Each patch is applied twice weekly and releases approximately 3.9 mg of oxybutynin per 24 hours.1

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommended the listing of oxybutynin patches on the basis of acceptable cost-effectiveness compared with placebo.2 The listing is restricted to patients with detrusor overactivity who cannot tolerate or swallow oral oxybutynin.2 There is no evidence to suggest that transdermal oxybutynin has an efficacy advantage over oral oxybutynin.3

Oxybutynin patches may cause less anticholinergic side effects, but skin reactions are common and may be intolerable for some people

Anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation are less likely with transdermal oxybutynin than with the oral formulation.3 Application-site reactions occur in at least 10% of patients, and include redness, rash, itching, macule or vesicle formation.1,3,4 Such reactions are usually transient and mild in severity, but were the most common reason for stopping the patches in trials.1,3

Information for patients about proper use and disposal of patches

Instruct patients to apply one patch twice a week (every 3–4 days).1 To help minimise skin reactions, a new application site should be used for each new patch, avoiding the same site for at least 7 days after patch removal.1

Advise patients to discard used patches safely by disposal in household refuse that is out of reach of children, pets or others.1 Folding a patch in half so that the adhesive layers evenly stick together can also help to prevent accidental application.

References

  1. Hospira Australia Pty Ltd. Oxytrol product information. 9 May 2008.
  2. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. March 2009 PBAC Outcomes — Positive Recommendations. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/EE62734C748A1C12CA25759E0014357F/$File/PBACOutcomesMarch2009-Positiverecommendations.pdf (accessed 25 May 2009).
  3. Davila GW, Daugherty CA, Sanders SW, et al. A short-term, multicenter, randomized double-blind dose titration study of the efficacy and anticholinergic side effects of transdermal compared to immediate release oral oxybutynin treatment of patients with urge urinary incontinence. J Urol 2001;166:140–5.
  4. Rossi S, ed. eAMH [online]. Adelaide: Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH), January 2009.

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Date published: 2009-08-01 00:00:00

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