oxybutynin 3.9 mg/24 hr semiweekly transdermal patch

Generic name:
Oxybutynin - transdermal

Pronunciation
(OX-i-BUE-ti-nin)

Brand name(s)
Oxytrol

Oxybutynin is used to treat an overactive bladder. By relaxing the muscles in the bladder, oxybutynin improves symptoms such as the inability to control urination (incontinence), feeling that one has to urinate (urgency), and having to go to the bathroom often (frequency). This medication belongs to the class of drugs known as antispasmodics.

This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 5 years of age. Consult your doctor for more information.

Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, the over-the-counter product should only be used by adult women who have symptoms of overactive bladder for at least 2 months.

For over-the-counter products, carefully read the package instructions to make sure the product is right for you. Check the ingredients on the label even if you have used the product before. The manufacturer may have changed the ingredients. Also, products with similar names may contain different ingredients meant for different purposes. Taking the wrong product could harm you.

If you are taking the over-the-counter product to self treat, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using oxybutynin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply one patch to your skin as directed by your doctor, usually every 3 to 4 days. If you are self-treating, apply one patch to your skin every 4 days. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.

Before applying the patch, wash the area you will be using for the patch gently and thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse and dry with a clean dry towel.

Apply the new patch to a different area of skin to prevent skin irritation. Do not apply a patch to the same area within 7 days. Remember to remove the old patch before applying a new patch. If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy, or irritated, try a new site. If irritation continues or becomes worse, tell your doctor promptly.

Do not open the sealed pouch container until you are ready to apply the patch. Open the pouch and remove the protective liner from the patch to expose the adhesive. Apply the patch to an area of clean, dry, smooth skin on the stomach (abdomen), hips, or buttocks. Press firmly to be sure the patch stays on. Apply to an area of skin that is under clothing and protected from sunlight. Avoid applying the patch on your waistline, since tight clothing may rub the patch off, or on areas where sitting may loosen it. Do not apply the patch to oily/red/cut/irritated/broken skin or skin covered with lotion or powder. Do not cut the patch into smaller sizes or use the patch if it is broken, cut, or damaged.

Contact with water (such as swimming, bathing) will not change the way the patch works. Avoid rubbing the patch area during these activities.

If the patch falls off, reapply it or apply a new patch to a new area and continue on your same schedule.

When it is time to apply a new patch, remove the old one and dispose of it properly in the trash. Fold the sticky sides of the patch together and throw it away where it cannot be accidentally worn or swallowed by others, especially a child or pet.

The length of treatment is determined by your doctor, who may have you stop using the medication sometimes to see if you still need to use it.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, try to always change the patch on the same 2 days of the week. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse. If you are self-treating, tell your doctor if your condition does not get better after 2 weeks. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Skin redness/itching/irritation at the application site, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, weakness, nausea or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva substitute.

To prevent constipation, eat dietary fiber, drink enough water, and exercise. You may also need to take a laxative. Ask your pharmacist which type of laxative is right for you.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• vision problems (including eye pain)
• difficulty urinating
• signs of kidney infection (such as burning/painful/frequent urination, lower back pain)
• fast/irregular heartbeat
• mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations)
• fever
• flushed/hot/dry skin
• signs of stomach/intestinal blockage (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, severe stomach pain, severe constipation)

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using oxybutynin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• active internal bleeding
• blockage/slowed movement of the stomach/intestines (such as gastric retention, paralytic ileus)
• certain bladder problems (urinary retention, bladder outflow obstruction, stress incontinence)
• glaucoma (narrow-angle)
• a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
• liver disease
• high blood pressure
• heart problems (such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias)
• stomach/intestinal disease (such as acid reflux, hiatal hernia, ulcerative colitis, intestinal atony)
• kidney disease
• loss of mental abilities (dementia)
• enlarged prostate
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• a certain nervous system disorder (autonomic neuropathy)
• Parkinson's disease

In addition, before you self treat with this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these signs of a more serious condition:

• signs of a bladder/kidney infection (such as burning/pain when you urinate, fever, pink/bloody urine)
• signs of diabetes (such as increased thirst, dizziness/fainting, vision changes, increased urination, wounds that are slow to heal)

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include:

• pramlintide
• drugs that can irritate the esophagus/stomach (such as potassium tablets/capsules, oral bisphosphonates including alendronate, etidronate)

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that can cause drowsiness, constipation or blurred vision. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If someone has overdosed, remove the patch if possible. For serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: unusual excitement, agitation, fast/irregular heartbeat.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, do not share it with others.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and forget to change the patch on the right day, remove the old patch and apply a new one as soon as you remember. Continue to follow your original schedule for changing the patch. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from heat. Keep the medication in the original sealed pouch to protect from light and moisture. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed (See also How to Use section). Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.