Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use the skin patch:

  • Apply the patch right away after removing it from the protective pouch. Do not cut it into smaller pieces and do not touch the sticky surface of the patch.
  • Apply the patch to a clean, dry, intact, and healthy skin area on your stomach, thigh, hip, flank (side of the body between the ribs and the pelvis), shoulder, or upper arm. Choose an area that is not very oily, has little or no hair, and is free of scars, cuts, burns, or any other skin irritation. If you need to put the patch on a hairy area, the area should be shaved at least 3 days before applying the patch. Avoid putting the patch on skin folds, under a waistband, or on areas where it could be rubbed by tight clothing.
  • Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of your hand for about 30 seconds. Make sure there is good contact with your skin, especially around the edges of the patch.
  • The patch should stay in place, even when you are showering, bathing, or swimming. Apply a new patch if it falls off.
  • After 24 hours, remove the patch. Choose a different place on your skin to apply the new patch. Do not put a new patch in the same place for at least 14 days. Do not leave the patch on for more than 24 hours. It will not work as well after that time and it may irritate your skin.
  • After removing a used patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Place the folded, used patch in its protective pouch or in aluminum foil. Make sure to dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets. Wash the application site with soap and water to remove any drug or adhesive. You may also use baby or mineral oil to remove any excess medicine. Do not use alcohol or other solvents (eg, nail polish remover) to avoid skin irritation.
  • Try to change the patch at the same time each day. If you forget to change the patch at the usual time, remove the patch you are wearing and put on a new patch. After that, apply a fresh patch at the usual time on the next day.
  • Do not put cream, lotion, ointment, oil, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed.
  • Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the patch.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For transdermal dosage form (patch):
    • For Parkinson's disease:
      • Adults—At first, one 2-milligram (mg) patch applied every 24 hours for early-stage disease or one 4-mg patch applied every 24 hours for advanced-stage disease. Your doctor will gradually increase your dose if needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 to 8 mg every 24 hours.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS):
      • Adults—At first, one 1-milligram (mg) patch applied every 24 hours. Your doctor will gradually increase your dose if needed and tolerated. However, the dose is usually not more than 3 mg every 24 hours.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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