Ortho Evra Laywers

How Transdermal Patches Work

Background

A growing number of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are available via skin patches. As these medicated patches become available to treat a growing list of diseases and conditions, it seems that the days of swallowing pills and receiving painful injections may be numbered. If you think about it, it really makes perfect sense as the skin is our largest organ, thus a prime way for medications to enter the body.

Medicated patches are available to treat a growing list of conditions, including birth control, weight loss, pain relief, hormone replacement therapy, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, nicotine replacement, sexual desire, dental pain, shingles, osteoporosis, anti-aging and motion sickness. Patches coming soon may help treat asthma, cancer, depression, diabetes, hyperactivity and migraines. Medicated or transdermal patches can be prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) or non-medicated such as thermal and cold patches, nutrient patches and aroma patches.

Pros & Cons

Transdermal patches boost adherence compared with oral drugs and injections, since there is no danger of forgetting to take the medication, a common occurrence among elderly patients. They are also relatively easy-to-use, painless and disposable.

The most common downside is that some people may develop a reaction at the site where the patch is applied.

Transdermal Defined

Literally meaning through the skin, transdermal patches mean that drugs are no longer entering the body by bypassing the skin. Instead, the drugs are diffused into the body through the skin. In basic terms, a simple patch can be placed on the skin to deliver a dosage of medication. This means no pills to remember to take and no painful injections. Patches can deliver a medication for a period of hours or even days, so they can replace many dosages of pills or shots.

Oral delivery of drugs goes straight to the liver, where the active components are broken down. Time-release tablets can slow this process down, but with the skin patch method, the active components work even before they reach the liver. Patches deliver a controlled dose through the skin from a supply or reservoir of drugs within the patch. Some formulations may contain a dermal or skin pen etration enhancer to help the drug through the skin. In theory, transdermal patches work very simply. A drug is applied in a relatively high dosage to the inside of a patch, which is worn on the skin for an extended period of time. Through a diffusion process, the drug enters the bloodstream directly through the skin. Since there is high concentration on the patch and low concentration in the blood, the drug will keep diffusing into the blood for a long period of time.

The transdermal birth control patch, Ortho Evra, has been the cause of some serious side effects. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of using this product, contact the Ortho Evra lawyers at Williams Kherkher today for a free initial consultation.