Do you also have to go to the bathroom all the time? When you think about going on a trip, the first thing you think is, "Will there be a bathroom?" Or do you suddenly feel uncomfortable when you have to urinate? This is a really annoying condition that interferes with your daily life. So, a special treatment that doctors recommend to help people with this kind of 'overactive bladder' is the Oxybutynin skin patch. Let's talk about it all today.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
This Oxybutynin is a medicine that comes in the form of a patch that is applied to the skin. Its main function is to relax the muscles in your bladder. Imagine that your bladder is constantly contracting unnecessarily. That's when you need to urinate frequently. So what this patch does is stop that unnecessary contraction and calm the bladder. Therefore, the ability to control urine increases. In medicine, such medicines are called (Antispasmodics) .
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the patch
Your doctor will need to have a complete understanding of your health before giving you this patch. So, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health conditions to inform your doctor about |
|---|
| Autonomic neuropathy |
| Memory-related conditions such as dementia |
| Difficulty urinating or urinary retention |
| Glaucoma, an eye disease |
| Intestinal obstruction |
| Kidney disease |
| Liver disease |
| Myasthenia gravis, a muscle weakness disease |
| Parkinson's disease |
| If you have had an allergic reaction to Oxybutynin or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding |
How exactly do you use this patch?
This is very simple, but it is very important to do it correctly.
1. Choose a suitable area: Choose a clean, dry, oil-free, unbroken, and hairless area on your abdomen, hip, or backside .
2. Prepare the patch: Remove the patch from its sealed packet. Never cut or tear the patch into pieces.
3. Apply: Place the patch on the selected skin and press firmly with your palm. Make sure it sticks well to the skin.
4. Change according to the schedule: This patch should be changed twice a week . For example, if you put one on Sunday, the next one should be put on Wednesday. That way, make a specific schedule of changing it every 3-4 days.
5. Change the location: Each time you apply a new patch, do not apply it to the same area as the previous one. Choose a new area of skin. Wait at least a week before applying a patch to the same area again.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Is this suitable for little ones?
Children may need special care when using this medicine. Therefore, if it concerns your child, discuss this carefully with your doctor.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have used more than the recommended amount of this patch, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What do you do if you miss a patch?
If you forget to change your patch, apply a new one as soon as you remember. However, do not use more than one patch at a time. Also, do not leave the patch on your skin for longer than the prescribed time. Sometimes, if the patch falls off, such as when you shower, you can apply a new one. However, remember to change it on the day you are supposed to, according to your usual schedule.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Some other medications you are taking may interact with this patch. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including Ayurvedic medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
| Some types of drugs that may interact with Oxybutynin |
|---|
| Types of antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds |
| Atropine |
| Some medications used for Parkinson's disease (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl) |
| Some medicines used for stomach upset (e.g. dicyclomine, hyoscyamine) |
| Medicines for motion sickness (e.g. scopolamine) |
| Antibiotics such as Clarithromycin and Erythromycin |
| Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. fluconazole, ketoconazole) |
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when using the patch
- Be patient: It can take several weeks to feel the full effects of this medication, so don't be discouraged if you don't see results right away.
- Be careful with beverages: Things like tea, coffee, caffeinated drinks (soda), and alcohol can make your bladder symptoms worse. It's best to limit these.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This patch may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. Be careful when getting up suddenly from a standing position, especially if you are elderly.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water can help.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: Your eyes may feel dry and your vision may be slightly blurred. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Using lubricating drops may help.
- Beware of extreme heat (very important): This medicine can reduce your body's ability to sweat. Therefore, when you are in a hot environment, your body temperature can rise to dangerous levels and cause a condition called heat stroke. Therefore, avoid extreme heat. Do not expose the patch to the sun; always apply it under clothing.
- Bathing and swimming: There is no need to remove the patch when bathing or swimming. However, if the patch falls off during this time, apply a new one.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions (Allergic reactions or Angioedema) | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, hands or feet, difficulty swallowing or breathing. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, and loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating. |
| Usually does not require medical treatment (but tell your doctor if it persists) | |
| Other common disorders | Confusion, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, itching or redness where the patch is applied. |
How to store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 Celsius).
- Protect from moisture and dampness.
- Do not take it out of the package until it is time to use it.
- Fold a used, removable patch in half so that the sticky sides are together and throw it in the trash.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- The Oxybutynin patch is a medication that is used to control symptoms of 'overactive bladder', such as frequent urination.
- Before using this, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- Follow the exact application and changing schedule for the patch. Do not keep applying it in the same place.
- Use caution when driving as this may cause drowsiness. Be careful of excessive heat.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or changes in vision, tell your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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