What not to do with a transdermal patch?

Author: Irwin Bechtelar  |  Last update: Friday, January 2, 2026

Staff should not:
  • Expose the application site to oils, creamy soaps or moisturisers. This may cause irritation or cause allergic reactions when the patch is applied. ...
  • Shave the hair as this may irritate the skin.
  • Take the patch out of the wrapper until they are ready to apply it to the skin site.

What should you avoid when applying transdermal patches?

The patient should clean and disinfect the area where they will apply the patch with clear water, patting it until it is completely dry. They should avoid using any soaps, alcohols, lotions, or oils immediately before applying the patch. They should open the pouch containing the patch and remove it from the pouch.

What are four nursing considerations when applying transdermal patches?

Before applying a new patch, the old patch should be removed, the skin around the old patch should be assessed, and the site for the patch cleansed and dried thoroughly. The skin around the patch should be monitored for any irritation or reaction to the medication or patch adhesive.

When administering the transdermal patch, what is incorrect?

An error in the administration technique of a transdermal patch is failing to clean and dry the application site properly before applying the patch. When administering a transdermal patch, it's essential to ensure that the site of application on the skin is clean and dried thoroughly.

What precautions should be taken when using the buprenorphine patch?

This medicine should only be used on intact, non-irritated skin. Do not put the patch in your mouth, chew, or swallow it. Buprenorphine skin patches are packaged in sealed pouches.

Nicotine Patches and Unspoken Benefits

What to avoid when taking buprenorphine?

If you take recreational drugs, such as cannabis, cocaine or heroin, while you're taking buprenorphine, you're more likely to get serious side effects. These include breathing difficulties, heart problems such as high blood pressure, seizures or fits and even going into a coma.

What is the most common side effect of transdermal patches?

What side effects can this medication cause?
  • pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet.
  • dry mouth.
  • stomach pain.
  • indigestion.
  • back pain.
  • difficulty urinating.
  • itching.
  • skin irritation, redness, itching, or swelling in the area where you wore the patch.

What are the problems with transdermal patches?

Wrong Dose Dispensing Errors

Wrong dose errors can occur when patches are available in more than one strength or when the duration is included in the order. For example, an order for 50 mcg/hr fentaNYL patches included "72 hours" for the duration of patch application.

What affects transdermal absorption?

The first factor affecting skin absorption is the physiology of the skin. For instance, the thickness of the SC and the amount of lipid in different parts of the skin layers, where the transdermal patch is applied, may influence the absorption rate of drugs into the skin [8].

What should you do before applying a transdermal patch?

Wash your hands before applying or replacing the patch, Apply on clean, dry and hairless skin. Before application, wash the area with soap and water and rinse very well, Choose an area free of creams, oils, powders and moisturizing lotions.

How long does it take for a buprenorphine patch to work?

It may take 24 hours or longer before you have pain relief from buprenorphine patches. Other pain relievers (such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may also be prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using buprenorphine safely with other drugs.

When assisting the resident with a transdermal patch, it is important to?

You should: always wear a glove. clean the skin if needed with water only and make sure the skin's dry (soap products can alter absorption) remove any old patch or patches, dispose of safely before applying the new one and rotate the site of application.

What are the massage considerations for the client who wears a transdermal patch?

If your client wears a medication patch, avoid massaging the area around the patch, and do not remove or move the patch at any time.

Where is the best place to put a transdermal patch?

Do not cut it. Peel off the backing from the patch and apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hair-free area of the lower stomach or upper buttock area. This area must be free of powder, oil, or lotion for the patch to stick on to your skin. Press the patch firmly in place with your hand for about 10 seconds.

How long does it take for a transdermal patch to absorb?

A certain amount of the medicine must build up in the skin before it is absorbed into the body. Up to a full day (24 hours) may pass before the first dose begins to work.

Why is it important not to touch medication?

Some medicines may be harmful if you have direct contact with them. If you are applying medicines to the skin it is important to use gloves both for your own protection and also to prevent cross-infection. These medicines are directly absorbed through the skin.

What is the difference between a topical patch and a transdermal patch?

In summary, the difference between topical and transdermal drug delivery lies in their intended effects. Topical delivery targets local issues through skin penetration, whereas transdermal delivery aims for systemic effects via controlled drug release into the bloodstream.

What are the reasons the patch would just fall off?

The patch does not stick properly because the Donor's skin has not been cleaned properly of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells.

What are the disadvantages of the patch?

The birth control patch doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Side effects of the birth control patch may include: An increased risk of blood-clotting problems, heart attack, stroke, liver cancer, gallbladder disease and high blood pressure. Breakthrough bleeding or spotting.

Do transdermal patches go into the bloodstream?

The transdermal patch or transdermal drug delivery system is a medicated patch that can deliver drugs through skin portals directly to the bloodstream at a predetermined rate.

What is an adverse effect of transdermal patch?

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or headache may occur. Mild irritation, itching, or redness at the application site may also occur. Some of these side effects may decrease after you have been using this medication for a while.

What are the three important things to do when applying transdermal patches?

During application
  • Wash hands before and after application.
  • Always ensure old patches are removed before applying a new one.
  • Follow manufacturers' product literature carefully for step-by-step instructions on the correct application technique.

Does the patch cause weight gain?

There is no evidence that using the patch makes you put on weight or changes your sex drive. If you have side effects 3 months after starting the patch and they're a problem for you, trying another type of contraception may help. Staff at a sexual health clinic or a GP can discuss this with you.

What is the best pain patch for arthritis?

Patch: Flector is a prescription diclofenac patch and it's typically applied to the affected area twice a day. Studies suggest it's the most effective topical NSAID for pain relief. A generic version isn't available, which means this pain relief patch can be expensive.

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