RX FOR THE FUTURE AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO PILLS, THE PATCH ISN'T HARD TO SWALLOW.Byline: DIANA SHOLLEY >LA.COM (1) (Computer Output Microfilm) Creating microfilm or microfiche from the computer. A COM machine receives print-image output from the computer either online or via tape or disk and creates a film image of each page. The days of crushing tablet medications between two spoons, mixing them in ice cream or having to ask yourself, "Did I take my pill today?" may be on the decline. That's because many medications now come in patch form. Patch-form prescriptions have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for a variety of uses, including birth control and hormone replacement, and for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly called hyperkinesis or minimal brain dysfunction, a chronic, neurologically based syndrome characterized by any or all of three types of behavior: hyperactivity, distractibility, and impulsivity. , motion sickness, Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure and heart disease. Many patches are available over the counter as pain relief and anti-aging techniques. And of course, there's the most recognizable use of patches: to help users quit smoking. Why patches? Pills can be hard on the stomach. Also, patches offer a more consistent dose of a drug through the skin "over an extended amount of time, anywhere from 12 hours to seven days," said Jill Hara, a pharmacist at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. "There are no peaks or dips" as can happen with pills, she said. When you swallow a pill, you get a surge of medication, and the strength diminishes until it is time for the next dose, Hara said. There also are fewer interactions with food or other medications with the patch. Some pills require an empty stomach; the patch does not. Patches have withstood the test of time, and now drug companies are looking for ways to convert more medications into patches, said Norm Hamada, director of clinical pharmacy services at Loma Linda University Medical Center Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) is a teaching hospital of Loma Linda University School of Medicine in Loma Linda, California, United States. LLUMC is home to the Venom E.R, which specializes in snake bites. . When a drug is absorbed through the skin, it passes through skin tissue, then right into the blood stream, he said. "Pills are absorbed into the GI (gastrointestinal) tract or liver and metabolize me·tab·o·lize v. 1. To subject to metabolism. 2. To produce by metabolism. 3. To undergo change by metabolism. metabolize to subject to or be transformed by metabolism. before entering the bloodstream and becoming active," he said. "The patch is a more direct delivery, almost like an injection." There are some safety issues with patches, however, Hara said. Extreme temperature changes can affect the medication delivery. And used patches can carry enough leftover drug to pose a danger to children or pets. On these pages are some of the many patch systems. Diana Sholley (909) 483-9381 d_sholley@dailybulletin.com ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE >What it is: In July, the Food and Drug Administration approved a patch version of rivastigmine, also know as Exelon, used in the treatment of mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer's and mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson's. >Details: Rivastigmine, a once-daily patch, should be applied at the same time each day to the back, chest or upper arm. According to www.seniorjournal.com, there are fewer reports of gastrointestinal side effects with the patch version of the drug than with the pill. ANTI-AGING >What it is: Osmotics Cosmeceuticals has developed the Anti-Wrinkle Vitamin C Patch for the face. It's offered online and in high-end department stores in packets of 12 for $45-$48. >Details: The vitamin C in the transdermal patches is said to stimulate collagen production and help repair sun-damaged skin. Vitamin C is acknowledged as a powerful anti- oxidant oxidant /ox·i·dant/ (ok´si-dant) the electron acceptor in an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction. ox·i·dant n. See oxidizer. that scavenges free radicals, but when exposed to the air, it tends to break down and decay (turning yellow to brown); this common reaction renders vitamin C creams and serums ineffective, according to Osmotics. The patch, though, encases the vitamin C until it is released into the skin in a time-release process of up to 10 hours. Manufacturers recommend the patches be applied to facial wrinkles (crow's feet, upper-lip lines, brow furrows) and worn overnight. NICOTINE >What it is: In 1996, the battle to quit smoking got a little easier when the nicotine patch became available as an over-the-counter purchase. Cost: $20-$30 per week. >Details: Patches supply controlled, steady doses of nicotine, helping ease the symptoms of cigarette withdrawal and allowing users to slowly phase out nicotine altogether. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians American Academy of Family Physicians, n.pr a national medical organization established in 1947 to promote the practice of family medicine. , patch users need to stop smoking on the day the first patch is applied. Smoking or use of other forms of tobacco while on the patch may lead to health problems. The nicotine in the patch also causes mild tingling tin·gle v. tin·gled, tin·gling, tin·gles v.intr. 1. To have a prickling, stinging sensation, as from cold, a sharp slap, or excitement: tingled all over with joy. , itching or burning at the first application. This feeling usually lasts 15 minutes to one hour. Patches are intended to be worn for 24 hours Adv. 1. for 24 hours - without stopping; "she worked around the clock" around the clock, round the clock at a stretch before being replaced. ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER >What it is: It's "good news/bad news" when it comes to the patch for ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Definition Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviors, and the inability to remain focused on tasks or medications for children. Pharmacist Jill Hara said the patch delivers a steady stream of medications and eliminates the battles parents have with their children about taking pills. On the downside On the Downside is an EP by the San Diego, California band Counterfit, released by Alphabet Records in 2000. It was the band's first EP, recorded shortly after the members had relocated to San Diego from Fairfield County, Connecticut. , children tend to peel the patches off. >Details: The patch has the same side effects -- sleep difficulties and decreased appetite -- as extended-release pills, Sharon B. Wigal, director of clinical trials at the Child Development Center at the University of California The University of California has a combined student body of more than 191,000 students, over 1,340,000 living alumni, and a combined systemwide and campus endowment of just over $7.3 billion (8th largest in the United States). , Irvine, told "WebMD Medical News." MOTION SICKNESS >What it is: Transderm Scop (generic name, scopolamine scopolamine (skōpŏl`əmēn, –mĭn) or hyoscine (hī`əsēn', –sĭn), alkaloid drug obtained from plants of the nightshade family (Solanaceae), chiefly from henbane, ), the motion sickness patch worn behind the ear, is used for the prevention of nausea and vomiting Nausea and Vomiting Definition Nausea is the sensation of being about to vomit. Vomiting, or emesis, is the expelling of undigested food through the mouth. . >Details: According to www.transdermscop.com, the recommended adult dose is one disc every three days. The disc is applied to the hairless area behind the ear at least four hours before the effects are desired. Side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and dilation dilation /di·la·tion/ (di-la´shun) 1. the act of dilating or stretching. 2. dilatation. di·la·tion n. 1. of pupils. Alcohol and other drugs that cause drowsiness may worsen the drowsiness caused by scopolamine. PAIN RELIEF >What it is: Pain relief patches are available with and without prescription. Doctors can prescribe such potent drugs as morphine and fentanyl fentanyl /fen·ta·nyl/ (fen´tah-nil) an opioid analgesic; the citrate salt is used as an adjunct to anesthesia, in the induction and maintenance of anesthesia, in combination with droperidol (or similar agent) as a neuroleptanalgesic, and . >Details: For minor aches and pains such as backaches, arthritis, strains, bruises and sprains, over-the-counter patches such as Salonpas, Icewave, BenGay and Icy Hot are available. Cost: $2-$12 ANTI-DEPRESSANTS >What it is: The Food and Drug Administration approved Emsan, the first patch treatment for depression in adults, less than two years ago. >Details: Certain medications for depression can react badly with some types of food and can cause a sudden -- and dangerous -- increase in blood pressure. A hypertensive crisis can lead to a stroke and death. Symptoms include sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, a fast heartbeat or a change in heartbeat, sweating and confusion. HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY Hormone Replacement Therapy Definition Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the use of synthetic or natural female hormones to make up for the decline or lack of natural hormones produced in a woman's body. >What it is: Hormone replacement therapy patches have been around for about 20 years and come in two basic types: estrogen-only and estrogen and progesterone progesterone (prōjĕs`tərōn'), female sex hormone that induces secretory changes in the lining of the uterus essential for successful implantation of a fertilized egg. , said Dr. Richard Frieder, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology obstetrics and gynecology Medical and surgical specialty concerned with the management of pregnancy and childbirth and with the health of the female reproductive system. at UCLA UCLA University of California at Los Angeles UCLA University Center for Learning Assistance (Illinois State University) UCLA University of Carrollton, TX and Lower Addison, TX School of Medicine. >Details: The HRT HRT abbr. hormone replacement therapy Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) Also called estrogen replacement therapy, this controversial treatment is used to relieve the discomforts of menopause. patch comes in a once- or twice-a-week formula. Hormone replacement therapy is used by menopausal women to diminish hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings, and to improve sleep, concentration, sex drive, skin tone, breast texture, weight control and overall well-being, Frieder said. Side effects include breast tenderness, nausea, weight gain and irregular bleeding. "There is some thought that some women find fewer symptoms wearing a patch," Frieder said. "Some women have experienced skin irritation." Because HRT in patch form is absorbed through the skin and not digested in the stomach, it can be better tolerated by women who suffer from acid reflux disease. CAPTION(S): 6 photos Photo: (1 -- cover -- color) have a headache? DEPRESSED? QUITTING SMOKING? HAVE A CHILD WITH ADHD? WANT AN ANTI-AGING TREATMENT? A PATCH COULD BE THE SOLUTION Medicine patches photographed by John Valenzuela, LA.com (2 -- color) no caption (different patches in their packages) (3 -- color) no caption (Alzheimer's Disease patch) (4 -- color) no caption (Nicotine patch) (5 -- color) no caption (Pain relief patch) (6 -- color) no caption (Hormone Replacement Therapy patch) |
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