How Can I Keep My Estrogen Patch On Until It's Time To Change It?

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How Can I Keep My Estrogen Patch On Until It's Time To Change It?

How Can I Keep My Estrogen Patch On Until It's Time To Change It?

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How Can I Keep My Estrogen Patch On Until It's Time To Change It?

Getting the estrogen patch to stick properly is important. A patch which isn’t adhering won’t deliver the correct dose of estrogen, which can result in unwanted menopause symptoms. There are some tricks you can try to help ensure the patch sticks and stays on for the prescribed amount of time.

You want to be sure your hands and the area where the patch is going to be applied are dry as well as clean and free of lotion, oil and powder. The area can be cleaned first with a bit of rubbing alcohol but be sure it dries completely before applying the patch. Position the patch in an area where it won’t be rubbed by your clothing and where it won’t crease or stretch with movement. After putting the patch on, press it firmly with the palm of your hand for several seconds to ensure good contact with your skin and to help set the adhesive.

If the patch starts to come loose before it is time to change it, try pressing it back in place with the palm of your hand and then give it a blast of warm air from a hair dryer, being careful not to have it too close to your skin. That may be enough to get you through to your next scheduled patch change.

Another idea is to try covering the estrogen patch with an adhesive patch such as Tegaderm™ transparent dressing.

Many women find that generic estrogen patches don’t stick as well as the brand name patches. If you have tried a generic patch without success, you can ask if your doctor will prescribe a brand name patch and write the prescription as DAW (Dispense as Written) or specify not to fill the prescription with a generic. Also, some women have better luck using estrogen patches which are changed twice a week versus once a week so that is another option to consider if you are having problems keeping your patch on for the prescribed amount of time.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

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