FDA warns of transdermal drug patches

The FDA has notified health care professionals and patients that certain transdermal patches, containing aluminum and other metals in the backing of the patches, can overheat and cause skin burns during MRI scans.  The FDA is now reviewing the labeling and composition of all medicated patches to ensure that those made with metal-containing materials provide a warning about the risk of burns to patients wearing these patches during an MRI scan.

Until this review is complete, the FDA recommends that health care professionals identify patch wearing patients prior to undergoing an MRI scan.  These patients should be advised to remove and dispose the patch prior to the MRI and then replace the patch after the MRI.  

For more information visit www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm111493.htm.