Now, a Patch for ADHD FDA Approves Method to Deliver Ritalin Through the Skin
Reuters Tuesday, April 11, 2006; HE04
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last week approved the first skin patch to treat children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, saying it would help parents give the drug to children who have trouble taking pills.
The Daytrana patch, made by Shire Pharmaceuticals Group PLC and Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc., will deliver via the skin a generic version of one of the most popular ADHD treatments, Ritalin.
The patch will carry the same warnings against use in children with heart problems that are carried by all ADHD drugs, which have come under recent scrutiny for possible psychotic behavior such as hallucinations as well as heart concerns.
Some experts have called for additional warnings on the drugs, but Thomas Laughren, director of the FDA's Division of Psychiatry Products, said the agency was still sorting out the data.
"As with all ADHD products, [the patch] should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program for ADHD, including educational and social elements," he said.
Daytrana will also carry a separate warning about possible skin sensitivity that includes redness and bumps.
Ritalin, known generically as methylphenidate, is one of the most commonly abused drugs among young people. Johnson & Johnson also sells a version called Concerta.
With the patch, some experts have expressed concern because the drug can enter the bloodstream more directly than with a pill. Some also have questioned whether the patch could be shared or abused by being cut up and chewed.
Laughren said there was no sign of such problems during clinical trials, but the companies have promised to monitor for potential misuse.
He added that the patch would make it easier for some parents to treat their children. Outside experts told the agency "a substantial fraction of children have difficulty taking pills," Laughren said.
Daytrana is a once-daily patch for children ages 6 to 12 that is supposed to be applied early in the morning and removed nine hours later. It should be worn on the hip, alternating left and right sides every day, and comes in four strengths.
Besides skin irritation, side effects can include insomnia, anorexia, significant weight loss, nausea and vomiting.
Beth - Living with a 72 yr old undiagnosed, unmedicated ADDer; kids and g-kids diagnosed and medicated, but him, no way, he doesn't have it.
mocha Guest
Re: Finally, an ADHD PATCH! « Reply #1 on Nov 8, 2007, 5:06pm »
When this first came out we put my oldest on it because the mornings were horrid and we could slip it on while he was asleep. It worked great BUT it started leaving huge red welts on his hips. I have received updates from the company that makes daytrana that they have changed the adhesive but we have not retried it at all.
Re: Finally, an ADHD PATCH! « Reply #2 on Aug 18, 2008, 8:06pm »
My husband tried it and sadly it wasn't much help. They were very difficult to remove from the backing and we tore several. Also, they curled up on the corners and sides...and then of course the huge red welts/patches that were left were no fun either. He needs a pump so Ritalin can be streaming 24/7/365! Anyone want to figure out how to invent that?! haha
![[Home]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/home.gif)
![[Help]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/help.gif)
![[Search]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/search.gif)
![[Login]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/login.gif)
![[Register]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/menu/register.gif)
![[Search This Thread]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/search2.gif)
![[Send Topic To Friend]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/buttons/sendtopic.gif)
![[Print]](http://s4.images.proboards.com/buttons/print.gif)
Author
![[avatar]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v19/dhartson/avatars/waterlilies.jpg)
Logged