IMPORTANT WARNING:   

Why is this medication prescribed?     

Methylphenidate transdermal patches are used to treat 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.

How should this medicine be used?     

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:

• Talk to your doctor about what time you should apply the patch. You should apply the patch 2 hours before the effects of the medication are needed.
• Wash and dry the skin in the area where you plan to apply the patch. Be sure that the skin is free of powders, oils, and lotions.
• Open the tray that contains the patches and throw away the drying agent that comes in the tray.
• Remove one pouch from the tray and cut it open with scissors. Be careful not to cut the patch. Never use a patch that has been cut or damaged in any way.
• Remove the patch from the pouch and hold it with the protective liner facing you.
• Peel off half of the liner. Be careful not to touch the sticky side of the patch with your fingers.
• Use the other half of the liner as a handle and apply the patch to the skin.
• Press the patch firmly in place and smooth it down.
• Hold the sticky half of the patch down with one hand. Use the other hand to pull back the other half of the patch and gently peel off the remaining piece of the protective liner.
• Use the palm of your hand to press the entire patch firmly in place for about 30 seconds.
• Go around the edges of the patch with your fingers to press them onto the skin. Be sure that the entire patch is firmly attached to the skin.
• Throw away the empty pouch and the protective liner in a closed trash can that is out of reach of children and pets. Do not flush the pouch or liner down the toilet.
• Wash your hands after you handle the patch.
• Record the time that you applied the patch on the administration chart that comes with the patches. Use the timetable in the patient information that comes with the patches to find the time that the patch should be removed. Do not follow these times if your doctor has told you to use the patch for less than 9 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and ask your doctor if you do not know when you should remove the patch.
• When it is time to remove the patch, use your fingers to peel it off slowly.
• Fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together and press firmly to seal it shut. Flush the patch down the toilet or throw it away in a closed trash can that is out of the reach of children and pets.
• If there is any adhesive left on the skin, gently rub the area with oil or lotion to remove it.
• Wash your hands.
• Record the time that you removed the patch and the way that you threw it away on the administration chart.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine     

Methylphenidate patches should not be used to treat depression or tiredness.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?     

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.

Store methylphenidate in a safe place so that no one else can take it accidentally or on purpose. Keep track of how many patches are left so you will know if any are missing.

In case of emergency/overdose     

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:

• vomiting
• agitation
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• seizures
• coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
• extreme happiness
• confusion
• hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• sweating
• flushing
• headache
• fever
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• wide pupils (black circles in the middle of the eyes)
• dry mouth and nose

What other information should I know?     

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 take 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.

Brand names     

Other names