Warning drug patch can cause respiratory distress

Pharmacists warn: drug patches can lead to respiratory distress, diarrhea and nausea.

(15.06.2010) The Federal Association of German Pharmacists Associations (ABDA) currently warns against the incorrect and inappropriate handling of so-called active ingredient patches. If used incorrectly, the patches may cause respiratory distress and nausea. Patients should read carefully the instructions for use and be thoroughly informed by a doctor or pharmacist.

As the Federal Association of German Pharmacists Associations (ABDA) announced, can be called in case of incorrect use and overdose of drug patches shortness of breath and nausea. Overdose may also cause unpleasant side effects such as diarrhea and hallucinations.

How should the material plaster be applied?
The Apothekerverband advises to apply the patches only on the uninjured skin. The skin should also be clean and dry and not previously creamed with an ointment or cream. Body hair should not be shaved off, it should only be shortened with scissors, as shaving can cause the smallest injuries to the skin. If you change the patches, these should not always be glued to the same place, otherwise skin irritation threaten. In addition, the patch may not be cut, otherwise the effect could be restricted. In order to avoid overdosage, several active ingredient patches should not be applied to the skin at once.

What are active ingredients?
Via the patch, the active substances pass through the skin into the human organism. This application can be found in cancer therapy, the treatment of Alzheimer's and in pain. However, active substance medications are also used in smoking cessation. (Sb)