How should a used transdermal patch be disposed?

How should a used transdermal patch be disposed?

• A. Fold in half before disposal
• B. Discard old patch and reuse later
• C. Flush down the toilet
• D. Burn it

Answer: (A)

Used transdermal patches still contain medication that can be absorbed through skin on contact. Folding the patch in half with the sticky sides pressed together and disposing of it in the trash (ideally sealed) helps prevent the remaining drug from transferring to others, pets, or surfaces. Reusing a used patch is dangerous because it can deliver an unintended dose. Flushing patches isn’t recommended because it can release medications into the environment, and burning patches can produce toxic fumes. So folding before disposal is the safest, most appropriate approach.

Used transdermal patches still contain medication that can be absorbed through skin on contact. Folding the patch in half with the sticky sides pressed together and disposing of it in the trash (ideally sealed) helps prevent the remaining drug from transferring to others, pets, or surfaces. Reusing a used patch is dangerous because it can deliver an unintended dose. Flushing patches isn’t recommended because it can release medications into the environment, and burning patches can produce toxic fumes. So folding before disposal is the safest, most appropriate approach.