Scopoderm 1.5mg Patches

About Scopoderm Patches

Description

Scopoderm Patches contain the active ingredient hyoscine which belongs to a group of medicines called anti-sickness medicines (anti-emetics). They are used to prevent the symptoms of motion sickness such as nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and vertigo (loss of balance), which can occur when travelling by boat, train or car.

Suitability

Do not take Scopoderm Patches:

• if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to hyoscine or any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
• if you have glaucoma or a history of glaucoma (pressure behind the eye)

Important Interactions

You must tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take other medicines, in particular:

• alcohol
• other drugs acting on the brain
• antiallergic medicines
• antidepressants
• antiparkinson medicines and antivirals
• antiarrhythmics
• other travel sickness medicines

Side Effects

• dryness of the mouth
• drowsiness, dizziness
• frequently blurring of (near) vision and enlargement of the pupils (sometimes in one eye only)
• Loss of ability to focus on close or far objects (visual accommodation)

Stop using Scopoderm Patches and seek medical help immediately if you develop any of the following, which may be signs of an allergic reaction:

• difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• severe itching of the skin, with a red rash or raised bumps

Please Note

All medication can cause side effects. We have only listed a few to be aware of. Details of all side effects, including rare side effects to be aware of, are listed in the patient information leaflet (PIL). When completing your medical questionnaire, it is very important that you answer the questions truthfully. This is to ensure your doctor has a full picture of your medical history before prescribing. List all medicines you are already taking, including non-prescription and herbal medicines.

Looking after your medicine

Do not take medicines after the expiry date stamped on the pack. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Medicines are only intended to be used by the person they are prescribed for. Do not give your prescribed medicine to anybody else, even if they have the same symptoms as you. Medicines can be harmful if used by anybody other than the person they have been prescribed for.

References

Scopoderm 1.5mg Patches Patient Information Leaflet

British National Formulary: hyoscine hydrobromide

Why does Scopoderm go behind the ear?

Scopoderm patches are transdermal, which means that the medicine passes through your skin into your body. The reason for applying the patch behind your ear is because this area of skin is highly permeable allowing the medicine to pass through your skin easily.

How quickly does Scopoderm work?

It can take up to 5-6 hours for the medicine in Scopoderm Patches to start working. This is why it is important to remember to apply your patch 5-6 hours before you intend to travel, or even the evening before.

How long can you wear a Scopoderm Patch?

Apply your patch 5-6 hours before your journey. Scopoderm Patches will work for up to 3 days (72 hours). If you are travelling for longer than this, you can apply another patch for another 3 days. Remember to take your patch off once you have finished your journey and never exceed the recommended dose.

Can you drink alcohol while wearing a Scopoderm Patch?

You should not drink alcohol whilst using Scopoderm Patches and should continue to avoid alcohol until the effects of the patches have worn off. Remember that this can be up to 24 hours after removing the patch.

Can a Scopoderm Patch get wet?

Whilst it is best to avoid prolonged water exposure, Scopoderm Patches are safe to wear during bathing and showering. Swimming is also ok but be careful not to submerge your head below water for too long, such as during snorkelling activities. If your patch does come off, dispose of it carefully and apply a new one.

Can I buy Scopoderm patches over the counter?

Although Scopoderm Patches can be purchased from your pharmacy without a prescription, they are already included in the specialist Sailor’s Travel Pack which is prescribed by one of our doctors.