Methylphenidate can be habit-forming. Do not apply more patches, apply the patches more often, or leave the patches on for longer than prescribed by your doctor. If you use too much methylphenidate, you may find that the medication no longer controls your symptoms, you may feel a need to use large amounts of the medication, and you may experience unusual changes in your behavior. Tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol, use or have ever used street drugs, or have overused prescription medications.
Do not stop using methylphenidate transdermal patches without talking to your doctor, especially if you have overused the medication. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually and monitor you carefully during this time. You may develop severe depression if you suddenly stop using methylphenidate transdermal patches after overusing the medication. Your doctor may need to monitor you carefully after you stop using methylphenidate transdermal patches, even if you have not overused the medication, because your symptoms may worsen when treatment is stopped.
Do not sell, give away, or let anyone else use your methylphenidate transdermal patches. Selling or giving away methylphenidate transdermal patches may harm others and is against the law. Store methylphenidate transdermal patches in a safe place so no one else can use them accidentally or on purpose. Keep track of how many patches are left so you will know if any are missing.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with methylphenidate transdermal patches and each time you get more medication. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website ( Web Site) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Methylphenidate transdermal patches are used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people who are the same age). Methylphenidate is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain.
Transdermal methylphenidate comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is usually applied once a day in the morning and left in place for up to 9 hours. Apply the methylphenidate patch at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use methylphenidate patches exactly as directed.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of methylphenidate and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every week.
Your doctor may tell you to stop using methylphenidate patches from time to time to see if the medication is still needed. Follow these directions carefully.
Apply the patch to the hip area. Do not apply the patch to an open wound or cut, to skin that is irritated, red, or swollen, or to skin that is affected by a rash or other skin problem. Do not apply to the patch to the waistline because it may be rubbed off by tight clothing. Do not apply a patch to the same spot two days in a row; each morning apply the patch to the hip that did not have a patch the day before.
Methylphenidate patches should remain attached during normal daily activities, including swimming, showering, and bathing. If a patch does fall off, ask your child how and when this happened. When you notice that a patch has fallen off, you may apply a new patch to a different area of the same hip. However, you should remove the new patch at the time that you were scheduled to remove the original patch.
While you are wearing the patch, keep that hip away from direct sources of heat such as heating pads, electric blankets, and heated waterbeds.
To apply the patch, follow these steps:
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using methylphenidate,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
You may apply the missed patch as soon as you remember it. However, you should still remove the patch at your regular patch removal time. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.
Methylphenidate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Methylphenidate patches may cause sudden death in children and teenagers, especially children and teenagers with heart defects or serious heart problems. This medication also may cause heart attack or stroke in adults, especially adults with heart defects or serious heart problems. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication.
Methylphenidate patches may slow children's growth or weight gain. Your child's doctor will watch his or her growth carefully. Talk to your child's doctor if you have concerns about your child's growth or weight gain while he or she is using this medication. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of applying methylphenidate patches to your child.
Methylphenidate patches may cause an allergic reaction. Some people who have an allergic reaction to methylphenidate patches may not be able to take methylphenidate by mouth in the future. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using methylphenidate patches.
Methylphenidate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any patches that are outdated or no longer needed by opening each pouch, folding each patch in half with the sticky sides together, and flushing the folded patches down the toilet or placing them in a closed trash can that is out of the reach of children and pets. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
If someone applies extra methylphenidate patches, remove the patches and clean the skin to remove any adhesive. Than call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to methylphenidate.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. This prescription is not refillable. Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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