1. What is the name?

Oxytrol transdermal skin patch

2. Why is it needed?  What does it do?

It treats urine leakage associated with a strong or sudden urge to urinate & frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate by blocking the involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles.  It offers a continuous & consistent delivery of Oxybutynin, used for almost 30 years in pill form.

3. Will it cure the problem (will I be totally dry)?  What is the “average” benefit?

In clinical trials, there was a 75% reduction in urinary incontinent episodes (50% in placebo).  You may get maximum benefit from half the dose of pill forms.  It does not cure the problem.

4. What are the side effects?  When should I call my physician?

Since it is not metabolized in the stomach and liver, it may have fewer side effects (especially dry mouth). You may have mild redness or itching at the patch site.  Others side effects include dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, blurred vision and headache.  It may decrease sweating so you may be less tolerant of heat.   Call when the side effect interferes with your daily life more than the benefit you receive from taking Oxytrol.

5. Do some of the side effects go away with time?  What can I do to deal with the side effects?

They may improve or go away as your body adjusts, or they may continue as long as you remain on Oxytrol.  You can suck on hard candy for dry mouth, drink 6-eight ounce glasses of water a day & increase fiber in your diet.  Gently wash the site with mild soap & water, & apply a small amount of baby oil to remove any adhesive residue.  Change the site each time to prevent skin irritation.

6. What is the risks/cost?

Cost depends on your insurance coverage & your pharmacy.

7. Are there any alternatives?

Your physician may try one of the other medicines to treat overactive bladder, or recommend physical therapy,

8. What if I do nothing?

Your symptoms will stay the same or get worse.

9. Does Oxytrol interact with other medicines I may be taking?

Always keep your physician aware of your current medicines. Some diuretics, sedatives, muscle relaxants or over-the-counter cold medicines may interact with Oxytrol – check with your physician.

10. Is there anything I can do to obtain maximum benefit from Oxytrol?

You may try Kegel exercises, bladder retraining or changes in diet, as well as stop smoking, to obtain maximum benefits.  Do not put the patch on irritated skin or on areas treated with oils, lotions or powders.  Remove the old patch when placing on the new one every 3-4 days & change the site each time to prevent skin irritation.

11. What are symptoms that should prompt me to call my physician while on Oxytrol?

Call if you have trouble emptying your bladder or if your abdomen becomes distended. Report blurred vision, fever, a new skin rash, nausea or vomiting, difficulty tolerating the heat, or persistent skin irritation from the patch.

12. How do I get refills?

Your physician will see you in about a month after starting Oxytrol.  He/she will give you a prescription.  Your pharmacy should telephone for refill orders.  While on Oxytrol, you should see the physician yearly.  If you have not been seen in over a year, he/she may not authorize refills.

13. When should I see improvement in my symptoms?

2-4 weeks

14. How long will I take it?

As long as you wish to the positive results of Oxytrol – it is not a cure.

15. Will Oxytrol affect other medical conditions I may have?

Do not take Oxytrol if you have narrow angle glaucoma, urinary retention, gastric retention, gastrointestinal blockage, gastroesophageal reflux, or esophagitis.

16. If Oxytrol isn’t on my insurance formulary, are there other choices?  Are samples available?

There are other medicine choices – your physician can discuss this with you.  Check with your physician to see if samples are currently available.  Check the Oxytrol website (www.oxytrol.com) for more information.