Health Treatment Through Transdermal Patches
Humans continue to try to find ways to make life more comfortable and healthier, whenever possible. In this quest, it cannot be helped when some will choose not to settle for existing modes of delivery for treatments and medications and seek other options. People are naturally interested in products or services that can provide the greatest degree of effectiveness, convenience , the least cost without sacrificing results, and the desired solution to their needs or medical conditions.
One of the most recent innovations in drug delivery for active treatment or prevention of certain diseases is transdermal delivery. This option is essentially made possible through the use of a transdermal patch which contains the required substance that is released to the bloodstream through the skin. The US Food and Drug Administration defines a transdermal patch as a medical device combined with a specific drug or substance designed to deliver treatment through direct adhesion to the skin. The very first FDA-approved transdermal patch is the scopolamine patch used to prevent motion sickness.
Most Common Uses of Transdermal Patches
To date, there are at least two common uses of transdermal patches that can be purchased over the counter, These are the analgesic patch for body pain and the anti-mosquito patch to deter mosquitoes from making contact with a person’s skin. Another commonly used patch is the nicotine patch or smoking patch intended to help smokers in their goal to stop smoking.
The use of medications applied to the skin such as creams, lotions, ointments, and oils have been existing for quite some time already. In fact, they have been known to be used since ancient times. This practice forms the foundation in which transdermal delivery of drugs is based.
Pain relief patches contain analgesic ingredients such as menthol and methyl salicylate which mainly works to diminish pain signals in particular parts of the body. Anti-mosquito patches contain Vitamin B1 which is believed to reduce human odors that are attractive to mosquitoes. Nicotine or smoking patches contain nicotine that gradually release pre-determined amounts of nicotine to the body system to minimize the usual withdrawal symptoms encountered by smokers who are trying to stop the habit.
Other Uses of Transdermal Patches
The transdermal delivery of health treatments has been the object of much study and investigation in its possible role in providing a more viable option for people who have to take in medications regularly. The act of taking drugs orally for extended periods of time has been proven to have a negative effect on the liver. The very reason why the transdermal option is being meticulously studied is because of the advantage of bypassing the liver in drug delivery.
Regulated transdermal patches have been made available with the strong recommendation to consult a professional doctor prior to use. This is because the substances they contain can possibly counteract with existing medical conditions. Some of these are the hormonal patches used for contraception and body enhancement, the nitroglycerin patches used to prevent chest pains, the clonidine patches used to treat high blood pressure, the antidepressant patches used to treat major depression disorders, the methylphenidate patches used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children up to age 17, and the multi-vitamin patches used to provide additonal nutrients to the body. Pain management patches for conditions such as cancer are likewise available.
The results obtained from the use of these patches vary in effectiveness, thus the need for further study and improvement. Transdermal delivery proposes an advantage in convenience and the absence of pain especially in relation to drugs that have to be injected into the body. These advantages have resulted to higher patient compliance thus it is important to ensure that patients are given the most effective and suitable transdermal patch so as not to defeat the purpose of getting well or making a medical condition more manageable.
My Say
Transdermal delivery of medication is a possible option in the treatment of certain health conditions although it may not be for everyone. Transdermal patches may have varying effects. It is always best to consult a medical professional before using them.
Cheerful
these patches you’ve mentioned sounds so great…i want to check it out if its available here in Bkk. i bet these are handy when you travel around and have kids in tow (talking about pain and mosquito patches), hubby might be interested with nicotine patch (I hope!), too. thanks for sharing these information.
Teresa Martinez
Using transdermal patches is just one option although the results may vary among users.
Mhie@travelentz
I never use patches yet, but I heard this one. I’ll prefer to use any drugs that is highly recommended by my friend if it is over the counter other than that I see our doctor for any consultation when we are sick.
Teresa Martinez
We should understand first whatever medical remedy we intend to use. It is still always best to consult a physician for health problems before taking medications.
Nova S
still nothing beats the power of herbal medicine, i remember when someone was sick when we were young, my grandmother picks out plants that i don’t know what they called and after applying them to the sick person, the next day it is back to normal…
Teresa Martinez
Herbal medicines do have its use and purpose.
Claire
My husband tried the Nicotine patch one time and I think he’s one of the few who experienced the bad side effect of it. But I still think it’s better than pills that passes through the liver which causes more damage. I didn’t know about patches that repels mosquitoes and I will do my own homework about its safety for kids. I sure would like to use those for my kids when we go back to Philippines for vacation this year:) Very informative article this is:)
Teresa Martinez
Not every solution can be used by everyone especially health-related ones where much caution is required before using anything.
KC Campbell
Gusto ko yung nicotine patch na yan.. MIL ko kase nag-smoke sya.. Hindi naman na sobra, pero for her age, dapat talaga completely wala na.. Gusto ng asawa ko mag-quit sya kaso nahihirapan din sya convince ang Nanay nya.. I’m sure makakatulong yang patch na yan sa kanya kung susubukan nya..
Teresa Martinez
It is always best to consult a doctor before using the patch or any medication for that matter especially if she has existing health conditions.
Chubskulit Rose
My daughter has an allergic reaction to mosquito bites,. We found that out when we lived in South Korea few years back. We thought that her bed has a bed bug but found out later that it’s the mosquito that’s doing it.
Teresa Martinez
Since your daughter has allergic conditions, she must also take care in using patches since minor skin irritations have been reported in some cases with the use of the patch directly on the skin.
Donald Pagulong
About doon sa mosquito repellant stuff , wala bang side effect yan? Kasi yung Off-lotion, I think may side effect daw based sa nabasa ko sa isang studies.
Teresa Martinez
There have been reported cases of minor skin irritation in some people with sensitive skin.
http://ourtravelsthrumylens.com/capt-jack-pirate-ship-summer-2012/
these patches are great! i hope that its more effective too.
Teresa Martinez
Studies are ongoing for the purpose of making them more effective which will be quite beneficial to humans if achieved.
che
I hope they really develop this kind of treatment. I agree with the part of bypassing the liver. Too much oral medication does affect our liver.
Teresa Martinez
These patches should be developed in such a way that will not cause side effects to be considered a viable alternative to oral medicine thus the continued study.
sigrid @poshpost
I am interested with the anti-mosquito patch…but I am scared to try it on dindin. It might be harmful for her 🙁
Teresa Martinez
The manufacturers of these mosquito patches assure the public of the safety of use. However, it is possible that a person may suffer allergic reactions to any product we use on our bodies so it is always best to ask for medical advice especially if the child’s skin is especially sensitive.
JessicaWCassidy (@wifetoalineman)
Growing up when we get sick, my Mama will heal us with herbs or herbal medicines. It works pretty good. I never try using the patches though I only know salonpas back in the Philippines. This is a wonderful way than using shots. I am scared of needle too 🙁
Teresa Martinez
One of the main advantage of using patches is the absence of pain in using them.
Adin Blankenship
This reminds me of Salonpas which is a patch you put on the part of your body where you feel the ache of pain. I have also seen some of the mosquito patches at the store and was going to buy some of them, but I didn’t. It would be pretty handy especially going on a camping trip where it is lightweight and convenient. 🙂
Teresa Martinez
Yes, these patches have their use.
Melandria Romero
i haven’t heard about this product but i guess, if it does work then it’s fine.
Teresa Martinez
Maybe you have heard about the one used for body aches and pains and the mosquito patches. The others are not as common because they are used for specific medical conditions only.
marri
Every aspect of LIFE is being
explored to discover more effective
medications and health remedies.
These PATCHES are one of those
innovations and very useful though.
teresay
It has its marked advantages so I hope more exhaustive research can be done to widen its use.
Merlmd (maritel)
I use the mosquito patches on my daughter but these can be placed on the clothes instead of her skin. They work well and are much safer.
teresay
Yes, you are quite right about this.
Rizza
This is really interesting. Aren’t they irritating to the kids though?
teresay
Mosquito patches which are the ones most often used by children are generally non-irritating although it is highly recommended to change the location of adhesion every time any patch is changed to minimize the possibility of irritation.
jane
its always nice having this things ready on your kit specially when you go travel with kids. better be prepared since its not heavy at all! xx
teresay
These patches are very convenient to bring along, don’t occupy much space and are quite lightweight.
Orly Ballesteros
I use some transdermal patches and they are effective. I wish the market will be flooded by effective transdermal patches. First they are not invasive so they are safe and easy to use.
teresay
It would be beneficial to many if effective transdernal patches are made available in the market.
Mel Cole
would love to use those especially that summer is here. many many mosquitoes around.
teresay
Mosquitoes are really kind of pesky. Doctors recommend having a mosquito repellent applied to the skin such as lotions and creams in addition to the patch for heavy mosquito infestation.
Janine
transdermal patches seems too ordinary yet it helps us to seek the betterment of our body’s condition.
teresay
The apparent simplicity of delivering medications transdermally or through the skin should not be underestimated since it can provide a better option for certain conditions.
Ron Leyba
Haven’t heard of those kind of patches until today. Thanks for sharing that information.
teresay
We can all benefit from knowing all available options.
leira pagaspas
i want something like these i am just wondering how much these things cost?
teresay
There are several suppliers found online although standard caution should be exercised in finding legitimate ones. They should be able to provide the prices for their offered products.
Pal Raine
That is why I am afraid of taking medicines. I am into WATER THERAPHY. Nice blog. Need to share this. Thanks.
teresay
Water therapy is also one of the options available to us which is I believe serves more of a preventive function, right? I do appreciate you sharing my posts. Thanks very much.
MommyLES
I’ve been reading a lot about transdermal patches, I want to try the weightloss patch and see if it works. 🙂
teresay
I hear that there are varying degrees of effectiveness for some transdermal patches. It would be good for you to share some feedback once you’ve tried it.
Adeline Yuboco
I often use these patches for muscle pains, especially back pains. I haven’t tried any of the other kinds though.
teresay
The others are not as widely used here, might take some time to gain general acceptance.
Joy Caasi
Was caught by the title of the post because I’ve already tried one and it’s quite effective. They have this glutathione transdermal patch that was introduced here in the Philippines, see my post right here: http://www.thethrifttrip.com/2012/07/game-changer-for-whiter-and-younger-you.html.
teresay
Good to hear feedback from one who has actually used it!
Dems
Salonpas is counted here right? I don’t know someone who utilize patches full time. People are still into drinking pill form of meds.
teresay
Yes, it is one of the more popular over-the-counter patch that can be readily bought in the market. Transdermal patches for other uses are still not as widely used as oral medications.
ralph
this is great, more convenient for us parents, as we will no longer have problems in forcing our children take their medicines when they are sick. thanks for the info. Yahweh bless.
teresay
Yes, it can solve problems related to refusing to take in oral medications.
Marie@Fit,Healthy,Witty
Thank you for this very informative post. I use patches to when I get muscle aches and such and I never knew there’s one to make mosquitoes go away. I will look for that especially for our visits to the beach!
teresay
Yes, I’m very familiar as well with those patches used to soothe muscle pains. The mosquito patch, I believe is a more recent development.
Marie@OurTravels
error on first comment lol: that’s “too”….Anyway, I haven’t found any of this yet 🙂 Perhaps this is available in certain areas, or I just have to ask the apothecary, thanks again for sharing!
Teresa Martinez
Thanks for visiting again!
lovemindanao
it seems that everything now becomes handy … it has advantages , if one is afraid not prefer anything that is put through injection or oral, this patches is a good one particularly for toddlers … thanks for sharing
teresay
Of course, we should always consult professional doctors especially when it involves using them on very young children.
sir rob
Transdermal is not just an easy way but it can also be easily absorbed that’s why many opted to use it.
teresay
The painless way of providing medication through skin absorption is quite beneficial to patients.
Jessica Cassidy
when our kids get sick 🙁 it is hard gor us parents 🙁 I am glad that my K did not get sick when we were in the Philippines 🙂 have to make sure that I bring all the medicines she will need just in case 🙂
teresay
Yes, everything is a lot more difficult when the children get sick.
Franc Ramon
This is a good way to do healthcare and also a more convenient way as patches are lightweight and convenient.
Franc Ramon
It is also not invasive so it may not be as risky.
teresay
Yes, that is one of the acknowledged advantages of using transdermal patches.
teresay
Convenience is the primary advantage of transdermal patches so it would be ideal if it would be able to deliver as promised.