Transtec patches contain the active ingredient buprenorphine, which is a type of medicine called an opioid analgesic (painkiller). It is a strong painkiller related to morphine.
Opioid painkillers work by mimicking the action of naturally occurring pain-reducing chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are found in the brain and spinal cord and reduce pain by combining with opioid receptors.
Buprenorphine mimicks the action of natural endorphins by stimulating the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. This blocks the transmission of pain signals sent by the nerves to the brain. Therefore, even though the cause of the pain may remain, less pain is actually felt.
People with chronic (ongoing), severe pain, such as the pain caused by cancer, are often given opioid medicines as painkillers. Transtec patches are used for this purpose, and are also used to treat chronic pain that is too severe to be relieved by non-opioid painkillers.
The patches contain a reservoir of buprenorphine that passes slowly from the patch through the skin and into the bloodstream. The blood level of the medicine rises slowly in first 24 hours after the first patch is put on, so the initial effect of the medicine is not rapid, but after this the blood level of the medicine remains steady. The patch is changed every 96 hours (4 days) and this provides continuous pain relief.
What is it used for?
Moderate to severe ongoing pain caused by cancer.
Severe ongoing pain that is not relieved by weaker (non-opioid) painkillers.
Warning!
It is important that you carefully follow the instructions you have been given with this medicine.
Transtec patches should be applied to a clean, dry, non-hairy, non-irritated area of skin, preferably on the upper back or below the collar bone on the chest. Avoid areas with large scars. If you need to clean the skin before sticking on the patch use only water, not soap or other cleansers. If hair needs to be removed before applying the patch it should be cut with scissors, not shaved. Don't stick the patch on straight after a hot bath or shower, wait for the skin to cool down first, and don't use talc, creams or moisturisers before applying the patch as they may prevent it sticking.
Stick the patch on straight after removing it from the sachet and press it firmly into place with the palm of the hand for 30 seconds.
The patches should not be divided, cut or damaged in any way.
Don't use more than your doctor tells you to. No more than two patches should be worn at any one time.
While you are wearing the patch you can swim, bathe and shower as normal, but you should avoid exposing the patch to excessive heat sources, such as hot water bottles, electric blankets, heat lamps, sunbeds, saunas or hot spa baths, as heat can increase the absorption of the active ingredient into the body, resulting in a greater risk of side effects.
Tell your doctor if you get a fever (high temperature) while wearing the patch, as this might also increase the absorption of medicine through the skin.
Each patch should be worn for 96 hours (4 days) and then removed. New patches should be applied to a different area of skin, and you should avoid using the same area for at least eight days. If a patch falls off before it needs changing, stick a new one on straight away, and remember this replacement will need changing after 96 hours.
Removed patches should be folded in half, sticky side innermost, and placed inside the open sachet or a piece of tin foil, for careful disposal away from children or animals. This is because used patches may still contain some active ingredient that may be harmful to children or animals.
This medicine may cause drowsiness. You should not drive or operate machinery while wearing a patch, or for at least 24 hours after removing the last patch. Alcohol should be avoided, as this may increase drowsiness.
The effect of this medicine (including any side effects) can last for up to 30 hours after removing the last patch. If your doctor is changing you from this painkiller to another opioid painkiller, the new opioid, as a general rule, should not be administered within 24 hours after removing the Transtec patch.
With prolonged use, the body may become dependent on this medicine. As a result, withdrawal symptoms such as feeling agitated, anxious, nervous or shaky, or having difficulty sleeping, may occur after you stop using the medicine. This is rare, but tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms after stopping this medicine. If they occur, these effects usually disappear after a couple of weeks.
Transtec patches are not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as they have not been studied in this age group.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the developing baby, particularly in the third trimester, when it may cause breathing problems or a withdrawal syndrome in the baby after birth. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
This medicine passes into breast milk. It may also inhibit the production of breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.
Label warnings
This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use
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