IMPORTANTS QUESTIONS REMAINING ABOUNT Estraderm

[Torcuato]

   I have tried everything (of course I go with the basics: super clean, etc) without comfortable results. The surest: adding a lot of duck tape, but the irritation sucks. Second put over plenty of surgical tape al over (paper or silk) but the ones used in clinics.
    The real problem is that the patch is enormous and I have already a lot of them that I am not going to throw, then I have to go around with my itchy ass totally covered in tape and changing everything each time I take a shower.
    So.... here comes the question: IF I CUT THE PATCH IN TWO THE 2 STRIPS RESULTING ARE EASYLY COVERED BY A 2 INCHES SURGICAL TAPE THAT STAYS FOREVER. Putting both it's like having one patch?
    Please I'll love an answer. I will be fantastic if it works
Thanks

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

Don't cut the patches.  That will result in the medication rabidly entering the blood stream.  The patches are designed to delivery the medication over time.


What problem are you having?  Not sticking?  Or a rash?

[Torcuato]

Thank you for such an instantaneous answer. My question is because I have been researching in the web an found there is to kinds of transdermal patches. One is called the "reservoir" patch where the drug is contained in a form of gel and is a membrane that control the drug passing towards the skin. In that case is clearly understandable what you tell me about the hormone entering full speed in my blood stream.<br>But there is a second type (MATRIX type) In this case <strong>"the patch</strong> (I copy from "Oxford Journals") <strong>incorporates the drug into an adhesive polymer matrix, from which the drug is continuously released into the skin

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

even if it is possible to cut the patch, just like pills, you will cut your dose in half.


If you are using Estraderm MX, the directions specifically say not to cut or tear the patch.

[JoanneL]

Why not try estrodot which is smaller ?

[MadelineB]

  I have tried everything (of course I go with the basics: super clean, etc) without comfortable results. The surest: adding a lot of duck tape, but the irritation sucks. Second put over plenty of surgical tape al over (paper or silk) but the ones used in clinics.
    The real problem is that the patch is enormous and I have already a lot of them that I am not going to throw, then I have to go around with my itchy *** totally covered in tape and changing everything each time I take a shower.
    So.... here comes the question: IF I CUT THE PATCH IN TWO THE 2 STRIPS RESULTING ARE EASYLY COVERED BY A 2 INCHES SURGICAL TAPE THAT STAYS FOREVER. Putting both it's like having one patch?
    Please I'll love an answer. I will be fantastic if it works
Thanks

Cutting patches strongly recommended against by pharmacist as well as drug co's.

I had the same problem, adhesion failure w/ patch. Solution?

Tegaderm.  They are used in hospitals to keep IV's in place. They are breathable over-bandages that are ok to stay in place for 1 week, which makes them perfect over 1 week patches. I never had a problem once I started covering my weekly patch with the appropriate sized Tegaderm.



The smaller patches will work with the smaller tegaderm; you'll need the considerably more expensive large tegaderm if you have the truly large patches.

Either way, it's a lot less expensive than not getting your medication.

In the US, you can purchase them in larger pharmacies and also online.
One source to get you started-
Large:http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-tegaderm-transparent-dressing-4-in-x-4-34-in-/qxp13082?catid=184291
Regular: http://www.drugstore.com/nexcare-tegaderm-waterproof-transparent-dressing/qxp140261?catid=184298

In other countries there should be similar products which are breathable bandages that can be designed to last for 1 week.

P.S. Avoid duct tape on skin. Adhesive can be very irritating.