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.