You've probably used to apply a pain-relieving patch from the pharmacy when you suddenly have back pain or a muscle pain after twisting your leg while playing sports, right? Many people have used this, but they don't know much about it. So today, let's talk about this pain-relieving patch, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
Simply put, what is this patch?
This patch contains two types of medication, Menthol and Methyl Salicylate . It works to relieve minor aches and pains in your muscles and joints.
Imagine that you put this patch on your back pain. It makes your skin feel either cold or slightly warm. This sensation blocks the pain signals from reaching the brain to some extent. It's like diverting our attention to another area. Not only that, it also helps reduce swelling, or inflammation , in the area of pain. Remember, it contains a chemical called salicylate .
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the patch
Although you can buy this at the pharmacy, it is very important to talk to your doctor before using this patch if you have any health problems, as sometimes the medicine in it can cause side effects when absorbed into your body.
If you have any of the following conditions, be sure to inform your doctor about them.
| Your health condition | Why is awareness important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease, high blood pressure, or recent bypass surgery (CABG) | The medication in this patch can have some effect on blood pressure and heart function. Therefore, safety and prior notification are essential. |
| Kidney disease | The kidneys are responsible for filtering out waste products from the body. If there is any weakness in the kidneys, the elimination of these drugs from the body may be delayed. |
| Conditions such as stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding | The salicylate group of drugs contained in this patch has the potential to increase stomach ulcers or cause bleeding. |
| Burned or injured skin surface | Avoid applying the patch to broken or burned skin. This can cause too much of the medicine to be absorbed into the body and cause side effects. |
| Allergies to menthol, methyl salicylate, or other medications | If you have experienced any skin irritation or itching from using something like this before, be sure to tell us about it. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding | Some medications can affect the baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Therefore, do not use these without medical advice. |
How exactly do you use this?
This is very simple, but it's important to do it right.
1. Only on the outside of the skin: This patch should only be applied to the outside of the skin. It is strictly forbidden to put it in the mouth or swallow it.
2. Read the label: Read the instructions on the patch box carefully and follow them accordingly.
3. Do not cut: Do not cut or alter the patch unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.
4. Wash your hands: After applying the patch, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Otherwise, if the medicine on your hands gets into your eyes or mouth, it may cause irritation.
5. Time is important: Typically, this patch should be left on for between 8 and 12 hours . Do not leave it on for longer than that.
6. Remove the old one: Before applying a new patch, completely peel off the old patch that was previously applied.
7. If giving to children: If using this on young children, talk to your doctor about it. Special care may be required.
The most important thing is, this medicine is for you only. Don't give the same medicine to someone else who is also in pain.
What to do if you overdose?
Although this is a rare occurrence, it is important to be aware of it. If you think you have used more patches than you should, or if a small child has put one in their mouth, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Things to be careful about when using this patch
When using this medicine, be a little careful about changes in your body .
- Do not use for more than 3 days: If the pain persists for more than three days, or if the pain seems to be getting worse, stop using the patch and see your doctor.
- Do not apply other cosmetics: Do not apply any other creams, oils, or other medications to the area where the patch is applied. If you do, seek medical advice.
- Watch for serious symptoms: Although rare, the medicine in this patch can be absorbed into the body and cause a condition called stomach bleeding. If you have black, tarry stools or vomit that looks like coffee grounds , this could be a serious condition. If this happens, see a doctor immediately.
What are the possible side effects?
Like all medications, this one can have minor side effects. Most of the time, these are not serious.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. If this happens, remove the patch immediately and see a doctor. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious and should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor skin changes | The skin may become slightly red, dry, or inflamed where the patch was applied. These usually disappear after the patch is removed. |
How to store and dispose of medicine safely?
- Storage: Keep this patch out of the reach of children and pets . Store at room temperature, away from moisture.
- Disposal: Do not simply throw a used or expired patch into the trash. It may still contain medication. The safest way is to fold the sticky side of the used patch inward, mix it with something that cannot be used (such as used tea leaves or coffee grounds), put it in a well-sealed bag, and add it to the trash. This way, it will not be ingested by a small child or animal.
I hope this information is helpful to you. Remember, it is very important for your safety to do some research and consult your doctor before using any medication.
Take-Home Message
- Before using this patch, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have and any medications you are taking.
- The patch should only be applied to unbroken, healthy skin.
- If you experience severe itching, rash, or difficulty breathing after applying the patch, remove the patch immediately and seek medical advice, as it may be an allergic reaction.
- If the pain lasts more than three days or if the pain increases, stop using the patch and see a doctor.
- Keep all used and unused patches safely out of the reach of children and pets.
💬 Comments (0)
No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.
Add your comment