Transderm Scop (Scopolamine)

Do’s

Transderm Scop is administered through a patch that you place behind your ear. The effects of a single Transderm Scop patch can last up to 3 days.

Before using the patch, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, you should consult your healthcare provider.

To apply the patch, peel off the clear backing and apply it to a clean, dry, hairless area of the skin behind the ear. Press firmly for at least 30 seconds to ensure the patch sticks well, especially around the edges. 

For Motion Sickness: Apply the patch at least 4 hours before the activity that causes motion sickness. Replace the patch every 3 days until it is no longer needed.

For Post-Surgery Nausea and Vomiting: Apply the patch the evening before surgery. If the surgery is for a cesarean section, the patch is usually applied 1 hour before the procedure to reduce the baby's exposure to the drug. Remove and discard the patch 24 hours after surgery

If the patch comes off or needs to be replaced, discard the old patch and place a new one behind the other ear, on a clean, dry, hairless area. Only one patch should be used at a time. When discarding the old patch, fold it in half with the sticky side together and dispose of it in the trash away from children and pets.

After handling the patch, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Also, wash the area behind the ear where the patch was removed.

After stopping this medication, you may experience dizziness, loss of balance, nausea/vomiting, headache, muscle weakness, or slow heartbeat. These effects usually appear 24 hours or more after you stop this medication. This is a result of your body adjusting to being off the medication. Report any such reactions to your healthcare provider right away.

Always inform your healthcare provider if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Don’ts

Do not use the patch if it is broken, cut, or damaged.

Common Side Effects:

Drowsiness

Dry mouth

Blurred vision

Dry or itchy eyes

Dilation of the pupils 

Other Potential Side Effects:

Vision problems

Severe drowsiness

Confusion

Agitation

Hallucinations

Painful or difficult urination

Hot or dry skin

Fast heartbeats

Seizure

Loss of consciousness 

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you experience any side effects that bother you or do not go away, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice. 

After applying a Transderm Scop skin patch, avoid touching your eyes. The medication contained in the patch can dilate your pupils and cause blurred vision.

Transderm Scop may impair your thinking or reactions, leading to feelings of drowsiness, confusion, disorientation, or feeling lost. Be cautious when engaging in activities that require alertness, such as driving, water sports, or operating machinery, until you understand how Transderm Scop affects you.

Drinking alcohol while using Transderm Scop can lead to adverse side effects and should be avoided.

Before using Transderm Scop, inform your healthcare provider if you are allergic to it, other belladonna alkaloids (such as atropine), or if you have any other allergies. This is crucial to avoid potential allergic reactions or other problems.

Elderly patients may have an increased risk of neurologic and psychiatric adverse reactions, such as hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, and drug withdrawal syndrome. Therefore, more frequent monitoring for CNS adverse reactions may be necessary during treatment with Transderm Scop in elderly patients.

Concomitant use of scopolamine with other drugs having anticholinergic properties may increase the risk of CNS adverse reactions, intestinal obstruction, and/or urinary retention. Consider more frequent monitoring during treatment with Transderm Scop in patients receiving anticholinergic drugs.

Always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and the instructions provided with the medication for safe and effective use of Transderm Scop.