Description
Indications
Transderm Scop is a skin patch prescribed for adults to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and post-operative conditions resulting from anesthesia, opiate analgesia, and surgery.
As an anticholinergic agent, Transderm Scop functions by rectifying the disturbance in natural substances (acetylcholine and norepinephrine) associated with motion sickness. Furthermore, it inhibits certain signals to the brain responsible for inducing nausea and vomiting.
Uses and Dosage
Before using Transderm Scop and with every prescription refill, carefully review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. If you have any questions, seek guidance from your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Transderm Scop is indicated to be applied to the back of the ear as prescribed by the doctor.
For motion sickness prevention, the patch is typically applied 4 hours before the anticipated activity. It should be replaced every 3 days until it is no longer required.
For post-surgery nausea and vomiting prevention, the patch is usually applied the night before surgery. In the case of a cesarean section, the patch is typically applied 1 hour before the procedure to minimize fetal exposure. It should be removed and disposed of according to the doctor’s guidance, typically 24 hours after surgery.
For proper application of Transderm Scop, follow these steps:
- Gently remove the transparent backing from the patch and affix it to a clean, dry, and hairless area behind the ear.
- Apply firm pressure for at least 30 seconds to ensure secure adhesion, paying attention to the edges.
- The patch will gradually dispense medication into your system over 3 days. Do not use a damaged, cut, or broken patch.
- If the patch detaches or necessitates replacement, discard it, and place a new patch behind the opposite ear on a clean, dry, hairless section. Always use just one patch.
- When discarding the used patch, fold it in half with the adhesive sides together and dispose of it in the trash, out of the reach of children and pets.
- After handling the patch, remember to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, along with cleansing the area behind the ear from which the patch was removed, as this medication can temporarily cause blurred vision and dilated pupils if it makes contact with the eyes.
When discontinuing Transderm-Scop, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. Consult your doctor for guidance on a safe cessation process.
Keep Transderm Scop at room temperature, safeguarded from moisture and heat. Maintain each patch within its foil wrapper until ready for application.
Side Effects
Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Transderm Scop. Promptly notify your doctor should any of these effects last or worsen,
Common Side Effects
- Dry mouth, sore throat
- Blurred vision or other eye issues
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Confusion
- Agitation or irritability
Serious Side Effects
- Severe dizziness
- Agitation, confusion, extreme fear, hallucinations, unusual thoughts, or behavior
- Seizure
- Eye pain or redness, blurred vision, dilated pupils
- Decreased, painful, or difficult urination
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
Remove the skin patch and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects listed above.
Allergic Reactions
Although rare, a severe allergic reaction to Transderm Scop may occur. Prompt medical help is necessary upon observing any indications of an allergic response, including:
- Hives
- Rash
- Skin redness
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Not all side effects of Transderm Scop are included in this list. Report to your doctor if any unlisted effects arise.
Cautions
Before starting treatment with Transderm Scop, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to scopolamine or to other belladonna alkaloids (e.g., atropine).
Consult your pharmacist for additional information about Transderm Scop, as it may contain inactive ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or other complications.
To ensure Transderm Scop is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of:
- Breathing difficulties (e.g., asthma, emphysema)
- Personal or family history of angle-closure type glaucoma
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Seizures
- Stomach, intestine, or esophagus problems (e.g., ulcers, blockage, GERD)
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Difficulty urinating (e.g., enlarged prostate)
- Mental or mood disorders (e.g., psychosis, anxiety)
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Myasthenia gravis
- Uncontrolled pain
Some products may interact with Transderm Scop, including potassium tablets or capsules and pramlintide. To minimize the risk of such drug interactions, inform all your healthcare providers of any current or recently started or stopped medications, including prescription and nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Review the labels of all your medications, including allergy or cough-and-cold products, as they may contain ingredients that induce drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist for guidance on their safe use.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other substances that induce drowsiness, including:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana (cannabis)
- Antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine)
- Sleep or anxiety medications (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)
- Muscle relaxants
- Opioid pain relievers (e.g., codeine)
The usage of Transderm Scop might hinder accurate results in particular lab tests, such as the gastric secretion test. Notify laboratory staff and all medical professionals involved in your care about your usage of this medication.
Scopolamine’s effect on the digestive tract may hinder the absorption of oral medications. Inform your doctor if you notice any decrease in the effectiveness of your oral medications while using Transderm Scop.
Use caution when participating in water sports while using Transderm Scop, as it can have disorienting effects. Moreover, avoid driving or operating machinery until you have determined how this medication affects you due to its potential for causing drowsiness.
Wearing the Transderm Scop during an MRI can result in skin burns. Removing the patch before undergoing this test is recommended.
Transderm Scop can reduce sweating, increasing the risk of heat stroke. To prevent overheating, avoid strenuous activities or hot tub usage in hot weather. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and promptly find a cool place to rest if overheating occurs. Seek immediate medical attention for persistent fever, changes in mental mood, headache, or dizziness.
Elderly individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to the adverse effects of Transderm Scop, particularly dizziness and drowsiness.
Transderm Scop should only be used if necessary during pregnancy. Consult your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.
Seek medical advice before breastfeeding as scopolamine can be passed through human milk.