Scopoderm

What is Scopoderm?

Scopoderm patches are used to treat travel sickness.

The patches deliver a small dose of hyoscine hydrobromide, sometimes known as scopolamine.

The brand name - licensed by GlaxoSmithKline - is a combination of the active ingredient and its method of delivery. Scopo- from the name of the active ingredient (scopolamine) and derm - the Greek word for skin.

The patches are applied to an area of skin behind the ear. Each Scopoderm patch provides up to 72 hours (3 days) of relief from travel sickness.

You don't need a prescription to order Scopoderm patches from our online pharmacy. If your order is approved before 3pm on a weekday, our pharmacy can dispatch your item the same day for a next-day delivery.

How does Scopoderm work?

Scopoderm patches contain an anticholinergic called hyoscine hydrobromide (Hyoscine). Hyoscine is also known as scopolamine, and can be extracted from plants or synthetically created.

This compound binds to receptors in the brain, blocking the signals between the vestibular system (inner ear) and the chemoreceptor trigger zone (vomit centre). This means the conflicting information never reaches the brain, so the vomit centre is not triggered.

Aside from treating motion sickness, hyoscine is also used to decrease the amount of saliva produced in the mouth. As a result, a common side effects of hyoscine - and indeed Scopoderm patches - is a dry mouth.

The patches only deliver a very small amount of hyoscine into the body. Because of this, the patches have a slow onset of action, and can take a few hours to start working. However, this also reduces the likeliness of unpleasant side effects.

How do I use Scopoderm patches?

For the best results, apply a Scopoderm patch 5 to 6 hours before travelling. One patch will offer relief for travel sickness for up to 3 days (72 hours).

Apply a single Scopoderm patch to an area of clean, dry, unbroken and hairless skin behind the ear.

Once you have applied the patch, avoid touching the patch, as the medicine may leak from the edge of the patch.

When you have finished travelling, remove the patch and safely discard it.

If you will be travelling for longer than 3 days, remove the already applied patch after 3 days and apply a new patch. Do not apply more than one patch at a time.

Remember to wash your hands each time you apply or remove a Scopoderm patch.

After removing a Scopoderm patch, wash the area the patch was applied to with warm water and mild soap.

Scopoderm side effects and cautions

Before you start using Scopoderm patches, you must familiarise yourself with the information presented within the patient information leaflet.

The patient information leaflet for Scopoderm patches can be read online as a PDF.

Side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone will experience them. It is important to understand and be vigilant of any possible side effects your medicine may cause.

Very common and common side effects of Scopoderm patches include:

• Blurred vision
• Dilated pupils
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of ability to focus
• Irritation of the eyelids
• Skin irritation

Rare side effects of Scopoderm patches include:

• Confusion
• Difficulty passing urine
• Disorientation
• Hallucinations
• Lack of concentration
• Restlessness

This is not an exhausted list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of Scopoderm patches, including a complete list of side effects, can be found in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine.

If you experience any side effects, whether they are listed above or in the patient information leaflet, report them to your doctor or a pharmacist.

What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction caused by Scopoderm patches?

If you experience the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, immediately stop using Scopoderm and seek appropriate medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Red rash or hives
• Severe itching of the skin
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat

Do Scopoderm patches interact with other medicines?

Speak to your doctor before using Scopoderm transdermal patches if you are taking:

• Anti-Parkinson's medicines
• Anti-allergic medicines
• Anti-arrhythmias
• Antidepressants
• Antivirals
• Drugs which act on the brain
• Other travel sickness medicines (such as Avomine or Kwells)

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Scopoderm patches if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

If you become pregnant while using Scopoderm patches, inform your doctor right away.

Other safety information

Do not drink alcohol while using Scopoderm patches.

Do not drive or operate machinery as Scopoderm can cause dizziness, drowsiness and confusion. These side effects may persist for 24 hours or longer.

Warning: Scopoderm patches contain aluminium. For this reason, they should be removed before undergoing MRI scans.

Always store medicines out of the sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share your medicine with other people, even if they experience the same symptoms as you.

Frequently asked questions

Can Scopoderm patches be cut?

No, Scopoderm patches should not be cut.

If you only need to use the patch for a day, apply the patch as you normally would and remove it when you have finished travelling.

How long do Scopoderm patches last?

A single Scopoderm patch can provide relief from travel sickness for up to 3 days (72 hours).

How does alcohol affect Scopoderm patches?

Alcohol should be avoided while using Scopoderm patches.

Drinking alcohol while wearing a Scopoderm patch can increase your chances of experiencing adverse side effects.

After removing your patch, wait at least 24 hours before consuming alcohol.

How do I throw away my Scopoderm patch?

Gently peel away the patch and fold it in half so that the sticky side sticks to itself.

Holding the non-sticky side of the patch, put the patch in its original pouch and put it in the bin out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

You can also ask your pharmacist to discard medicines you no longer use.

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