OXYTROL is a transdermal (skin patch) system designed to treat overactive bladder. Each patch contains a drug called oxybutynin. It is dissolved in the adhesive layer that attaches the patch to your skin. The patch delivers active drug into your bloodstream through the skin, unlike oral OAB therapies.

Patch therapy, like oral therapies, has been proven to help reduce OAB symptoms. Unlike pills, which are swallowed, oxybutynin delivered from a patch is not broken down in the digestive tract. Much less oxybutynin in the patch is broken down (metabolized) by the body into a chemically active substance known as N-desethyloxybutynin (N-DEO). Scientists think that this chemical may play a role in producing the medication's most troublesome side effects, such as dry mouth and constipation.

Ease of use is another difference between patch and pill therapies. Instead of having to remember to take a pill, OXYTROL is applied 2 times a week to your abdomen, hip, or buttock.

OXYTROL provides consistent, ALL-DAY, ALL-NIGHT delivery of oxybutynin into your bloodstream. The active drug does not have to pass through the digestive tract to get into your bloodstream.

Directions to put on the Oxytrol Patches:

Put the patch on a clean, dry, and smooth (fold-free) area of skin on your abdomen, hip, or buttock. Skin should be free of moisturizers or lotion. Avoid putting the patch on your waistline, where tight clothing may rub against it. The areas you choose should not be oily, cut or scraped or otherwise damaged, or be places where there are rashes or other skin problems. Wear the patch all the time until it is time to apply a new one. Be sure to remember to rotate the patch through different sites. Do not apply to the same site within 7 days. You need to put on a new OXYTROL patch only 2 times a week (every 3 to 4 days).

If you forget to change your patch when you are supposed to, remove the old patch as soon as you remember, put on a new patch in a different area, and continue to follow your original schedule.

Contact with water will not affect how the patch works. If you shower before applying the patch, be sure to dry yourself very thoroughly. Wait a few minutes to be sure you are applying the patch to clean, dry skin. Run your finger around the edges of the patch several times to help ensure the patch stays on.

The OXYTROL patch is latex free and made of three layers. The first layer is the backing film, while the second layer contains oxybutynin, skin permeability enhancer and adhesive; the third layer is the release liner.

OXYTROL delivers 3.9 milligrams (mg) of oxybutynin, a medication widely accepted and prescribed in oral formulations for almost 30 years, into the blood stream through the skin consistently and continuously for up to 4 days (96 hours). This allows for convenient twice weekly dosing.

Benefits of using a patch to treat OAB?

Convenient twice weekly dosing
Long lasting
Achieves therapeutic levels at less than half the daily dose of oral immediate release oxybutynin
Easy to use
Easy to wear
Discrete and does not limit activities

Store at room temperature, 25¦ C (77¦ F). Temporary storage between 15¦ C and 30¦ C (59¦ F - 86¦ F) is also permitted. Keep OXYTROL and all medications in a safe, secure place and out of the reach of children. Do not expose the patch to sunlight. Therefore, wear it under clothing.

The most common side effects of OXYTROL are skin reactions where the patch is put on. These include itching and redness. Other side effects include dry mouth, constipation, abnormal vision and headache. If you take other medicines that cause dry mouth, constipation, or sleepiness, OXYTROL can increase those effects.

Do not use OXYTROL if you have the following medical conditions:

Urinary retention. Your bladder does not empty or does not empty completely when you urinate.
Gastric retention. Your stomach empties slowly or incompletely after a meal.
Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (high pressure in your eye). Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma or a family history of glaucoma.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. OXYTROL may not be right for you.
Allergy to oxybutynin or the inactive ingredients in OXYTROL. If you need to know the inactive ingredients, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If you have allergies to medical tape products or other skin patches, tell your doctor.

Tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially if you have any of the following:

Liver disease
Kidney disease
Bladder obstruction (blockage)
Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage in the digestive system)
Ulcerative colitis (inflamed bowels)
Myasthenia gravis (nerve weakness)
Gastric reflux disease or esophagitis (inflamed esophagus, the tube between your mouth and stomach)

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines and supplements. Some of them may cause problems if you take OXYTROL. Also, OXYTROL may affect how some of them work.