Type of medicine: antispasmodic; anticholinergic
Generic and brand names: oxybutynin, transdermal; Oxytrol Transdermal
This medicine is an adhesive patch that is put on your skin. It treats the symptoms of overactive bladder (urinary frequency, urinary urgency, urinary leakage, and incontinence).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems with gastric reflux (heartburn) or if you take medicines that can irritate your esophagus such as alendronate (Fosamax) or risedronate (Actonel).
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Carefully read the directions that come in the medicine package. If you are not sure about how to use the patch, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain or demonstrate.
Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Wear the patch all the time until it is time to apply a new one. Wear only 1 patch at a time. Try to change the patch on the same days each week.
Wash your hands before and after using this medicine. Apply the medicine patch as soon as it is removed from the protective pouch. Put the sticky side of the patch on clean, dry skin on your stomach, hip, or buttocks. Do not put the patch on skin that has oil, lotion, or powder on it. Avoid areas where bending or rubbing might occur. Choose a spot with no hair or broken skin. Do not put it on broken or irritated skin. Do not put it where your clothing might rub it off. Do not expose the patch to sunlight.
Make sure all the edges of the patch are firmly attached. If the patch falls off, put it back on or replace it with a new patch. If you put on a new patch, use it only for the amount of time remaining for the old patch. Replace the patch on your next scheduled patch change day
Do not put a new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Do not use the same area for the patch for at least 1 week. After removing a patch, use baby oil or mild soap and water to remove any adhesive left on your skin. Do not use harsh soaps, alcohol, or nail polish remover. These chemicals can irritate your skin.
Keep your hands away from your eyes when handling the patch.
If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next patch. In that case, skip the missed dose and use the next patch as directed. Never apply more than 1 patch at any time. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss changing a patch, or if you miss more than one patch, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: restlessness, tingling, fever, flushing, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, decreased urination, fast heartbeat, confusion.
Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medicine. If it becomes bothersome, tell your healthcare provider.
This medicine may cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and able to see clearly.
While taking this medicine, be careful when you exercise, especially when it is hot. This medicine affects your body's ability to cool down, and you may get too hot. If you get too hot, you might vomit, feel dizzy, have a fast heartbeat, get very stiff muscles, or be confused. Contact your provider right away if you have these symptoms.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other medicines that slow down the nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines that make you drowsy unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or other tests, tell the healthcare provider you are using this medicine. The patch may need to be removed before certain tests or procedures such as MRIs.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious: Severe skin rash that doesn't go away; severe dizziness; trouble urinating or painful urination; irregular heartbeat.
Other: Dry mouth, itching, redness, rash where the patch is applied, diarrhea, constipation, trouble urinating, abdominal pain, nausea, gas, drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, blurred vision, headache, flushing.
Medicines that cause dry mouth, constipation, or drowsiness may increase your risk of side effects. When you take this medicine with other medicines, it could change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light. Keep the patches in their sealed pouches until you are ready to apply one. Apply the patch immediately after removing it from the sealed pouch. Dispose of used patches safely, away from children and pets.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
