Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

It is very important that you use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may cause unwanted side effects.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Before starting CombiPatch® therapy, you may need to tell your doctor if you are currently using continuous estrogen or combination estrogen plus progestin therapy. This will allow your doctor to determine when to start your treatment.

You may have monthly bleeding or spotting at the completion of each cycle.

This transdermal patch system is to be applied on the skin of the lower abdomen (lower stomach area) two times a week, depending on your dosing regimen (either continuous combined regimen or continuous sequential regimen), as advised by your doctor.

To use the skin patch:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after you use this medicine.
  • Carefully tear open the pouch when you are ready to put the patch on your skin. Do not cut it.
  • Peel off the backing from the patch and apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hair-free area of the lower stomach. This area must be free of powder, oil, or lotion for the patch to stick on to your skin.
  • Press the patch firmly in place with your hand for about 10 seconds.
  • Do not apply the patch on the breast or over any skin folds. Do not apply the patch on oily, broken, burned, or irritated skin, or areas with skin conditions (such as birth marks, tattoos). Avoid applying the patch on the waistline or other places where tight clothing may rub it off.
  • Wear the patch at all times until it is time to put on a new patch. Do not expose it to the sun for long periods of time.
  • When replacing your patch, make sure to apply the new patch to a different area of your lower abdomen. Wait at least 1 week before applying a patch to the same area.
  • When changing a patch, slowly peel it off from your skin. If you have any patch adhesive left on your skin, allow it to dry for 15 minutes and gently rub the sticky area with oil or lotion to remove it. It is best to change your patch on the same days of each week to help you remember.
  • You may take a bath, shower, or swim while using this medicine. Doing so will not affect the patch.
  • If a patch falls off, just put it back on a different area. If the patch does not stick completely, put on a new patch but continue to follow your original schedule for changing your patch.
  • To throw away a used patch: Fold the patch in half with the sticky side together and place it in a sturdy child-proof container. Throw this container in the trash away from children and pets. Do not flush the patch down the toilet.

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 treatment of hot flashes, atrophic vaginitis caused by menopause:
      • Continuous combined regimen:
        • Adults—Apply 1 CombiPatch® two times a week (every 3 to 4 days) for a 28-day cycle. One CombiPatch® contains 0.05 milligrams (mg) of estradiol and 0.14 or 0.25 mg of norethindrone).
        • Children—Use is not recommended.
      • Continuous sequential regimen:
        • Adults—Apply 0.05 milligram (mg) estradiol patch (Vivelle-Dot®) two times a week (every 3 to 4 days) for the first 14 days of the 28-day cycle. Then, apply one CombiPatch® two times a week (every 3 to 4 days) for the next 14 days of the 28-day cycle. One CombiPatch® contains 0.05 milligrams (mg) of estradiol and 0.14 or 0.25 mg of norethindrone).
        • Children—Use is not recommended.

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

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.

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

Store the unopened pouches at room temperature for up to 6 months. Do not store the patch outside of its pouch.

Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.