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Transdermal Application Guideline

This educational guideline gives a general description for the methods used in the application of the estrogen transdermal system (skin patch). If you want to know more after you read this guideline, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.

A transdermal system is a thin, sometimes clear, plastic patch that sticks to the skin. Each patch is sealed in a pouch, which protects it until you are ready to put it on (figure 1). Don't open a pouch or remove a patch until just before you apply it.

New patch(es) are applied once or twice a week. Some patch systems include schedules on the box (figure 2).

When you first start using a transdermal patch, apply the patch to the lower abdomen (below the panty line) (figure 3). As you gain more experience applying a patch, you may want to try the hips or buttocks to see which area works best for you. Do not apply a patch to your breasts.

To help the patch stay in place:

• Try not to disturb the patch while putting on and removing clothes. It may help to place the patch where your underwear will cover it at all times.
• Try to avoid rubbing the patch while changing clothes, washing or drying off.
• Try different sites to see what works well with your body and your clothing.

When you change your patch, don't put the new one in the same place. For instance, if you had a patch on one side of the abdomen, put the new patch on the other side. Wait at least one week before you reuse any spot to help reduce the chance of skin redness or irritation.

Apply the patch with care.

• Choose a spot for the patch and make sure the skin is clean. For best results the skin should be: freshly washed, free of body powder or lotion, dry (figure 4) and cool (wait a few minutes after taking a hot shower), and free of cuts, rashes, or any other skin problem.

• Open the pouch by tearing along one of the outer edges (figure 5). Don't cut the pouch with scissors, which might damage the patch inside.

• Pull the patch out.
• Peel off one half of the backing which covers the sticky surface of the patch (figure 6).

Without touching the sticky surface , press that half of the patch onto your skin (figure 7). (If you touch the sticky surface, the patch may not stay on as well.)

• Once you have applied the first half of the patch to your skin, fold the other half back, peel off the remaining half of the patch backing, and smooth the patch onto your skin.
• Press the entire patch firmly onto the skin with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds (figure 8). Be sure all of the patch is touching your skin, even around the edges.
• Take off the old patch. Fold it in half and throw it away out of the reach of children and pets.

The skin under the old patch may look pink, but the color should fade away soon. In some cases, the skin may itch or look red; this may last from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Most of the time the problem is minor . But if it bothers you a lot or lasts longer than a few days, call your doctor.

Questions You May Have

Q. Should I take the patch off when I swim or bathe?

A. No. Wear each patch all the time until you put on a new one. Baths, showers, or swimming should not affect the a patch patch as long as you don't rub the patch as you wash. Avoid soaking in a hot tub for a long time, though, which can make the patch come off.

Wearing the patch while spending time in the sun should be no problem. Just be sure you put the patch on a spot your clothing or bathing suit covers.

Q. What should I do if the patch comes off?

A. Most women find that the a patch patch seldom comes off. But if it does, try putting the same patch back on the same spot. If it sticks firmly all over, leave it on. If not, take it off and put a new patch on a new spot. No matter what day this happens, stick to your schedule for the next patch.

Q. What should I do if I forget to change the patch on the day it's due?

A. Remove the old patch and apply a new one to a new spot as soon as you remember. No matter what day this happens, stick to your schedule for the next patch.

Q. How long should I keep using a patch ?

A. The answer will be different for each woman. Talk to your doctor every 6 months about how you are feeling.

For Best Results, Stick with Your Patch Program

• Replace your patch with the schedule that has been chosen. Until it becomes a habit, try:

Marking your schedule on the inside flap of the a patch carton;

Marking the days on your calendar;

Linking the days you change your patch to other things that always happen on those days (e.g., an exercise class, meetings, etc.)

• Handle each patch with care.

Make sure the skin is clean, dry, and free of lotion and powder.

Try to avoid touching the sticky surface when applying the patch.

Avoid rubbing the patch while changing clothes, washing or drying off.

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