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
What You Need To Know About The Overactive Bladder Patch
What is the overactive bladder patch?
If you have an overactive bladder, your doctor might recommend using the overactive bladder patch. This treatment option can help relax your bladder muscles and relieve your symptoms. It contains the active ingredient oxybutynin, a medication that can reduce urinary urgency and frequency.
The patch is a discreet and easy treatment option for overactive bladder. Learn more about the benefits and risks.
Overactive bladder is most common among older women, but men and women of all ages can develop it. You might have an overactive bladder if you regularly:
- experience strong urges to urinate
- urinate more than eight times in 24 hours
- wake up multiple times in the middle of the night to urinate
- experience incontinence or urine leakage
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor. They can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan. If you have an overactive bladder, they may recommend the overactive bladder patch.
How Should I Use Oxytrol
Use Oxytrol exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Do not take by mouth. Oxytrol is for use only on the skin.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Open the sealed pouch and remove the protective liner. Apply the Oxytrol patch to a clean, dry area on your stomach, hip or buttock. Avoid skin that is irritated or damaged, or skin that has been treated with oil or lotion. Avoid placing the patch on a skin area that will be rubbed by a waistband or tight clothing.
Press the Oxytrol patch firmly into place with your fingers. You may leave the patch on while bathing, showering, or swimming.
If an Oxytrol patch falls off, try sticking back into place. If it does not stick well, put on a new patch and leave it on only for the rest of your wearing time. Do not change your patch removal schedule.
Leave the Oxytrol patch in place and wear it for 3 to 4 days. You should change the patch twice per week . Use a calendar to help you keep a steady patch-changing schedule.
Choose a different place on your skin to wear the patch each time you put on a new one. Do not use the same skin area twice within 7 days.
Do not wear more than one Oxytrol patch at a time. Using extra skin patches will not make the medicine more effective. Never cut a skin patch.
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Transdermal Oxybutynin May Cause Side Effects Tell Your Doctor If Any Of These Symptoms Are Severe Or Do Not Go Away:
- redness, burning, or itching in the place where you applied a patch
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- frequent, urgent, or painful urination
Transdermal oxybutynin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone .
Summary And Expert Opinion
Transdermal OXY presents a safe and effective treatment modality for patients suffering from OAB. This medication improves both objective and subjective aspects of OAB, including an improvement in patients quality of life.
Avoidance of first-pass liver metabolism allows for greater systemic availability of the parent compound, and diminishes formation of the metabolite, DEO, which is thought to be associated with anticholinergic side effects.
TDOXY offers efficacy comparable with currently available oral agents, while its anticholinergic adverse events profile is comparable with placebo. Most commonly seen treatment-related side effects are localized application-site reactions, which are reported as mildmoderate by most patients who develop erythema or pruritus. Appropriate patient counseling on healthy skin care, site rotation, prudent use of topical steroids when appropriate, and avoidance of local irritants can contribute to the successful incorporation of TDOXY into the OAB treatment plan.
There have been specialty-related prescriptive patterns seen for TDOXY. Gynecologists who prescribe matrix-type patches for hormonal replacement and contraception, have promptly adopted this agent. Urologists were much less familiar with patch therapy, having had less than desirable responses to the reservoir-type patches, and were significantly slower to adopt this patch.
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What Other Drugs Could Interact With This Medication
There may be an interaction between oxybutynin and any of the following:
- tricyclic antidepressants
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter , and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 2022. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/Oxytrol
What Should I Avoid While Using Oxybutynin Transdermal
Do not expose the oxybutynin skin patch to sunlight. It should be worn under clothing.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of oxybutynin.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Oxybutynin can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
Avoid applying lotions, powders, or oils to the skin you plan to treat with oxybutynin transdermal. These other skin products can make it harder for your skin to absorb oxybutynin, and it may not work as well. You may apply oxybutynin gel to skin that has been treated with sunscreen.
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How Should This Medicine Be Used
Transdermal oxybutynin comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is usually applied twice each week . You should apply transdermal oxybutynin on the same 2 days of the week every week. To help you remember to apply your patches on the right days, you should mark the calendar on the back of your package of medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use transdermal oxybutynin exactly as directed. Do not apply the patches more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You can apply oxybutynin patches anywhere on your stomach, hips, or buttocks except the area around your waistline. Choose an area where you think the patch will be comfortable for you, where it will not be rubbed by tight clothing, and where it will be protected from sunlight by clothing. After you apply a patch to a particular area, wait at least 1 week before applying another patch in that spot. Do not apply patches to skin that has wrinkles or folds that you have recently treated with any lotion, oil, or powder or that is oily, cut, scraped, or irritated. Before applying a patch, be sure the skin is clean and dry.
You may bathe, swim, shower, or exercise while you are wearing an oxybutynin patch. However, try not to rub on the patch during these activities, and do not soak in a hot tub for a long period of time while wearing a patch.
Persistence Adherence And Patient Satisfaction
Persistence of treatment with OXY-TDS assessed by the rate of discontinuation was 7.3% in the 4-week randomized study of Cartwright et al,31 10.7% in the 12-week randomized trial of Dmochowski et al,29 and 16.5% in the MATRIX study.35 The highest rate of discontinuation of 44.8% was reported in the 12-month OSCAR study,39 in which reasons for withdrawal were adverse events , lack of clinical response , and non-compliance with treatment . In this study, 29.5% of discontinuations occurred within the 6 months after starting OXY-TDS treatment.
Validated questionnaires to measure adherence to OXY-TDS have been used occasionally. The study of Müller-Arteaga et al43 aimed to assess short-term changes in cognitive function in 70 elderly patients with OAB treated with OXY-TDS, is the only study in which adherence was evaluated using the Morisky-Green test. This study shows that 87.1% of patients stated that they had not forgotten to apply the patch any day, 84.3% that they changed the patch on the right day, and 92.9% that they did not stop applying the patch regardless of their state of health. Therefore, there was a high adherence rate as shown by 84.3% of patients who stated to change the patch on the right day, considering the non-interventional nature of an observational study.43
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Dosage: How Much Of Oxytrol Should I Use
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
- For bladder problems:
- For transdermal dosage form :
- Anturol: 84 milligrams or 3 pumps of gel applied on dry, intact skin once a day.
- Gelnique®: Apply one packet or one pump of the gel on dry, intact skin once a day.
How Should I Use Oxybutynin Transdermal
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Do not take by mouth. This medicine is for use only on the skin.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Each packet of oxybutynin gel is for one use only. Cover the gel-treated skin with clothing to help prevent getting this medicine on your other skin or on other people.
Avoid being in water or exercising vigorously for at least 1 hour after applying oxybutynin gel. You may leave a skin patch on while bathing, showering, or swimming.
Do not wear more than one skin patch at a time. Using extra skin patches will not make the medicine more effective. Never cut a skin patch.
Cover the gel-treated skin with clothing to help prevent getting this medicine on your other skin or on other people.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each skin patch in its sealed pouch until you are ready to use it.
Oxybutynin gel is flammable. Avoid using near open flame, and do not smoke until the gel has completely dried on your skin.
Throw away an empty gel packet or used skin patch in a place where children and pets cannot get to it. Fold the used skin patch in half so it sticks together.
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What If I Forget To Take It
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to remember to take your medicine.
What Should I Avoid While Using Oxytrol
Do not expose the Oxytrol skin patch to sunlight. It should be worn under clothing.
Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of oxybutynin.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Oxybutynin can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes. If contact does occur, rinse with water.
Avoid applying lotions, powders, or oils to the skin you plan to treat with Oxytrol. These other skin products can make it harder for your skin to absorb oxybutynin, and it may not work as well.
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What Side Effects Are Possible With This Medication
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.
The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- abdominal bloating or gas
- difficulty or pain passing urine
- skin redness or irritation
- trouble sleeping
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- signs of a serious allergic reaction
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
What If I Take Too Much
Taking 1 extra dose of oxybutynin is unlikely to harm you.
However, you may get more side effects, such as a dry mouth or headache.
The amount of oxybutynin that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person, and too much oxybutynin can be dangerous.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
You take 2 or more extra doses of oxybutynin and you:
- have hallucinations
- feel very restless or excited
- have dilated pupils in your eyes
- are not able to pee
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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store the patches in their protective pouches and do not open a pouch until you are ready to apply the patch. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
How Does This Medication Work What Will It Do For Me
Oxybutynin belongs to the family of medications called anticholinergics. It is also an antispasmodic. Oxybutynin is used to relieve symptoms associated with an overactive bladder, such as urinary urgency , urinary frequency, leakage, or urge incontinence .
This medication works by relaxing the muscles in the bladder. It helps to reduce bladder spasms, the urge to pass urine, and the frequency of urination.
This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
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