Hormone therapy patches coming loose? How pharmacists can help

In its most recent newsletter, BC PharmaCare said it has received reports that some menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) patches fully covered under Plan NP are coming loose or not sticking properly. While the public drug program says it looks into the issue, it is advising pharmacists on what to tell patients when a patch won’t stay in place.General advice for loose patchesThe first step is to make sure the patch is being applied properly. According to patch application guidance shared by PharmaCare, patients should:apply the patch to clean, dry skin;avoid putting creams, lotions or powders on the area before applying it;choose an area of skin that is not irritated, cut or damaged;avoid areas where tight clothing may rub against the patch;press the patch firmly against the skin after applying it.Application sites should be rotated to help reduce skin irritation, rather than using the same spot each time. Patients should also follow directions for their specific product, since instructions on where to place a patch and how often to change it can vary.What if a patch still comes loose?BC PharmaCare says a patient can try reapplying a loose patch at a new site. If it still won’t stick, the patient can safely apply a new patch to a different site, but the timing of future doses should then be adjusted based on when the replacement patch was applied.Pharmacists can also review the patient’s application technique to see whether anything may be making it harder for the patch to stick.What B.C. pharmacists need to knowPharmaCare says pharmacists should let patients know that it is aware of the adhesion reports and is looking into them. If a patient needs a replacement because a patch came loose, the replacement claim should be documented in PharmaNet at the next fill with “MR-Replacement, item lost or broken.”Patients anywhere in Canada can also report problems with a product directly to Health Canada through its Health Product Complaint Form.More information about the MHT products covered under B.C.’s Plan NP is available online.

Hormone therapy patches coming loose? How pharmacists can help

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