Transderm Scop

Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP Last updated on RxList: 3/19/2024

Drug Summary

What Is Transderm Scop?

Transderm Scop (transdermal scopolamine) is an anticholinergic drug patch applied to the skin used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or from anesthesia given during surgery.

What Are Side Effects of Transderm Scop?

Transderm Scop may cause serious side effects including:

  • severe dizziness,
  • confusion,
  • agitation,
  • extreme fear,
  • hallucinations,
  • unusual thoughts or behavior,
  • convulsions (seizures),
  • eye pain or redness,
  • blurred vision,
  • dilated pupils,
  • decreased urination,
  • painful or difficult urination,
  • stomach pain,
  • nausea, and
  • vomiting

Get medical help right away, if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Side effects of Transderm Scop include:

  • dry mouth,
  • dry or itchy eyes,
  • drowsiness,
  • dizziness,
  • feeling restless,
  • memory problems, or
  • itching or skin rash.

Seek medical care or call 911 at once if you have the following serious side effects:

  • Serious eye symptoms such as sudden vision loss, blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;
  • Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or passing out;
  • Severe headache, confusion, slurred speech, arm or leg weakness, trouble walking, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady, very stiff muscles, high fever, profuse sweating, or tremors.

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

Dosage for Transderm Scop

To prevent the nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness, a dose of one Transderm Scop patch (formulated to deliver approximately 1mg of scopolamine over 3 days) should be applied to the hairless area behind one ear at least 4 hours before the antiemetic effect is required. To prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting, a dose of one Transderm Scop patch should be applied the evening before scheduled surgery, except for caesarian section.

What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Transderm Scop?

Transderm Scop may interact with other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicines, sedatives, narcotic pain medicines, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicines for seizures, depression, or anxiety). Transderm Scop slows the digestive tract, which can make it harder for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Transderm Scop During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Transderm Scop; it is unknown if Transderm Scop transdermal will harm a fetus. Transderm Scop passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding

Additional Information

Our Transderm scop Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.

Description for Transderm Scop

The Transderm Scop® (scopolamine) transdermal system is a circular flat patch designed for continuous release of scopolamine following application to an area of intact skin on the head, behind the ear. Each system contains 1.5 mg of scopolamine base. Scopolamine is α -(hydroxymethyl) benzeneacetic acid 9-methyl-3-oxa-9-azatricyclo [3.3.1.02,4 ] non-7-yl ester. The empirical formula is C17H21NO4 and its structural formula is:

Transderm Scop® (scopolamine) Structural Formula Illustration

Scopolamine is a viscous liquid that has a molecular weight of 303.35 and a pKa of 7.55-7.81. The Transderm Scop system is a film 0.2 mm thick and 2.5 cm², with four layers. Proceeding from the visible surface towards the surface attached to the skin, these layers are: (1) a backing layer of tan-colored, aluminized, polyester film; (2) a drug reservoir of scopolamine, light mineral oil, and polyisobutylene; (3) a microporous polypropylene membrane that controls the rate of delivery of scopolamine from the system to the skin surface; and (4) an adhesive formulation of mineral oil, polyisobutylene, and scopolamine. A protective peel strip of siliconized polyester, which covers the adhesive layer, is removed before the system is used. The inactive components, light mineral oil (12.4 mg) and polyisobutylene (11.4 mg), are not released from the system.

Cross section of the system:

Cross section of the system - Illustration

Uses for Transderm Scop

TRANSDERM SCOP is indicated in adults for the prevention of:

  • nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
  • post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) associated with recovery from anesthesia and/or opiate analgesia and surgery.

Dosage for Transderm Scop

Important Application And Removal Instructions

  • Each TRANSDERM SCOP transdermal system is formulated to deliver in vivo approximately 1 mg of scopolamine over 3 days.
  • Only wear one transdermal system at any time.
  • Do not cut the transdermal system.
  • Apply the transdermal system to the skin in the postauricular area (hairless area behind one ear).
  • After the transdermal system is applied on the dry skin behind the ear, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry hands [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
  • If the transdermal system becomes displaced, discard the transdermal system, and apply a new transdermal system on the hairless area behind the other ear.
  • Once the transdermal system has been affixed, avoid touching or applying pressure to the transdermal system while it is being worn, since pressure exerted on it may cause scopolamine to ooze out at the edge.
  • Upon removal, fold the used transdermal system in half with the sticky side together, and discard in household trash in a manner that prevents accidental contact or ingestion by children, pets or others.
  • Wash the hands and application site with soap and water after transdermal system removal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Recommended Adult Dosage

Motion Sickness

Apply one TRANSDERM SCOP transdermal system to the hairless area behind one ear at least 4 hours before the antiemetic effect is required – for use up to 3 days. If therapy is required for longer than 3 days, remove the first transdermal system and apply a new TRANSDERM SCOP transdermal system behind the other ear.

PONV

For surgeries other than cesarean section: Apply one TRANSDERM SCOP transdermal system the evening before scheduled surgery. Remove the transdermal system 24 hours following surgery.

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

Transdermal system: a circular, flat, tan-colored transdermal system imprinted with “Scopolamine 1 mg/3 days”

Storage And Handling

TRANSDERM SCOP (scopolamine transdermal system) 1 mg/3 days is available as the following:

Cartons of 4, 10, and 24 transdermal systems, packaged into individual foil pouches.

Carton of 4 transdermal systems. NDC 10019-553-06
Carton of 10 transdermal systems. NDC 10019-553-03
Carton of 24 transdermal systems. NDC 10019-553-04

Store at controlled room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Store pouch(es) in an upright position.

Do not bend or roll pouch(es).

Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling the transdermal system. Avoid touching the system during the treatment. Upon removal, fold the used transdermal system in half with the sticky side together, and discard in household trash in a manner that prevents accidental contact or ingestion by children, pets or others. Wash the hands and application site with soap and water after transdermal system removal [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Marketed by: Baxter Healthcare Corporation Deerfield, IL 60015 USA For Product Inquiry 1 800 ANA DRUG (1-800-262-3784). Revised: Mar 2024

Side Effects for Transderm Scop

The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in labeling:

  • Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Eclamptic Seizures in Pregnant Women [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Gastrointestinal and Urinary Disorders [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Drug Withdrawal/Post-Removal Symptoms [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • Blurred Vision [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
  • MRI Skin Burns [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Motion Sickness

The most common adverse reaction (approximately two thirds) was dry mouth. Less common adverse reactions, included drowsiness (less than one sixth), blurred vision and dilation of the pupils.

PONV

Common adverse reactions, occurring in at least 3% of patients in PONV clinical trials are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 : Common Adverse Reactions* in Surgical Patients for the Prevention of PONV

TRANSDERM SCOP %
(N = 461)
Placebo %
(N = 457)
Dry mouth 29 16
Dizziness 12 7
Somnolence 8 4
Agitation 6 4
Visual 5 3
Impairment Confusion 4 3
Mydriasis 4 0
Pharyngitis 3 2
*occurring in at least 3% of patients and at a rate higher than placebo

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of scopolamine transdermal system. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Psychiatric disorders: acute psychosis including: hallucinations, disorientation, and paranoia

Nervous system disorders: headache, amnesia, coordination abnormalities, speech disorder, disturbance in attention, restlessness

General disorders and administration site conditions: application site reactions including burning, rash, pruritus, and blistering

Eye disorders: dry eyes, eye pruritus, angle closure glaucoma, amblyopia, eyelid irritation

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash generalized, skin irritation, erythema

Renal and urinary disorders: dysuria

Ear and labyrinth disorders: vertigo

Drug Interactions for Transderm Scop

Drugs Causing Central Nervous System (CNS) Adverse Reactions

The concurrent use of TRANSDERM SCOP with other drugs that cause CNS adverse reactions of drowsiness, dizziness or disorientation (e.g., sedatives, hypnotics, opiates, anxiolytics and alcohol) or have anticholinergic properties (e.g., other belladonna alkaloids, sedating antihistamines, meclizine, tricyclic antidepressants, and muscle relaxants) may potentiate the effects of TRANSDERM SCOP [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Either TRANSDERM SCOP or the interacting drug should be chosen, depending on the importance of the drug to the patient. If the interacting drug cannot be avoided, monitor patients for CNS adverse reactions.

Anticholinergic Drugs

Concomitant use of scopolamine with other drugs having anticholinergic properties may increase the risk of CNS adverse reactions [see DRUG INTERACTIONS], intestinal obstruction and/or urinary retention. Consider more frequent monitoring during treatment with TRANSDERM SCOP in patients receiving anticholinergic drugs [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Oral Drugs Absorbed In The Stomach

TRANSDERM SCOP, as an anticholinergic, may delay gastric and upper gastrointestinal motility and, therefore, the rate of absorption of other orally administered drugs. Monitor patients for modified therapeutic effect of concomitant orally administered drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.

Interaction With Gastric Secretion Test

Scopolamine will interfere with the gastric secretion test. Discontinue TRANSDERM SCOP 10 days prior to testing.

Drug Abuse And Dependence

Controlled Substance

TRANSDERM SCOP contains scopolamine, which is not a controlled substance.

Dependence

Termination of TRANSDERM SCOP, usually after several days of use, may result in withdrawal symptoms such as disturbances of equilibrium, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, sweating, headache, mental confusion, muscle weakness, bradycardia and hypotension. These withdrawal symptoms indicate that scopolamine, like other anticholinergic drugs, may produce physical dependence. The onset of these symptoms, generally 24 hours or more after the transdermal system has been removed, can be severe and may require medical intervention [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Warnings for Transderm Scop

Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.

Precautions for Transderm Scop

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

The mydriatic effect of scopolamine may cause an increase in intraocular pressure resulting in acute angle closure glaucoma. Monitor intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma and adjust glaucoma therapy during TRANSDERM SCOP use, as needed. Advise patients to immediately remove the transdermal system and contact their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma (e.g., eye pain or discomfort, blurred vision, visual halos or colored images in association with red eyes from conjunctival congestion and corneal edema).

Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions

Psychiatric Adverse Reactions

Scopolamine has been reported to exacerbate psychosis. Other psychiatric reactions have also been reported, including acute toxic psychosis, agitation, speech disorder, hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Monitor patients for new or worsening psychiatric symptoms during treatment with TRANSDERM SCOP. Also, monitor patients for new or worsening psychiatric symptoms during concomitant treatment with other drugs that are associated with similar psychiatric effects [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. In cases of psychiatric reactions occurring TRANSDERM SCOP should be removed at once. If, despite this, the symptoms persist in a severe form, instruct patients to seek medical attention.

Seizures

Seizures and seizure-like activity have been reported in patients receiving scopolamine. Weigh this potential risk against the benefits before prescribing TRANSDERM SCOP to patients with a history of seizures, including those receiving anti-epileptic medication or who have risk factors that can lower the seizure threshold.

Cognitive Adverse Reactions

Scopolamine can cause drowsiness, disorientation, and confusion. Discontinue TRANSDERM SCOP if signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment develop. If, despite this, the symptoms persist in a severe form, instruct patients to seek medical attention. Elderly and pediatric patients may be more sensitive to the neurological and psychiatric effects of TRANSDERM SCOP. Consider more frequent monitoring during treatment with TRANSDERM SCOP in elderly patients [see Use In Specific Populations]. TRANSDERM SCOP is not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use In Specific Populations].

Hazardous Activities

TRANSDERM SCOP may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as driving a motor vehicle, operating machinery or participating in underwater sports. Concomitant use of other drugs that cause central nervous system (CNS) adverse reactions (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opiates, and anxiolytics) or have anticholinergic properties (e.g., other belladonna alkaloids, sedating antihistamines, meclizine, tricyclic antidepressants, and muscle relaxants) may increase this effect [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery or participate in underwater sports until they are reasonably certain that TRANSDERM SCOP does not affect them adversely.

Eclamptic Seizures In Pregnant Women

Eclamptic seizures have been reported in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia soon after injection of intravenous and intramuscular scopolamine [see Use In Specific Populations]. Avoid use of TRANSDERM SCOP in patients with severe preeclampsia.

Gastrointestinal And Urinary Disorders

Scopolamine, due to its anticholinergic properties, can decrease gastrointestinal motility and cause urinary retention. Consider more frequent monitoring during treatment with TRANSDERM SCOP in patients suspected of having intestinal obstruction, patients with pyloric obstruction or patients with impeded flow of urine (e.g., in diseases of the prostate or urinary bladder neck obstruction) and patients receiving other anticholinergic drugs [see DRUG INTERACTIONS]. Discontinue TRANSDERM SCOP in patients who develop difficulty in urination.

Drug Withdrawal/Post-Removal Symptoms

Discontinuation of TRANSDERM SCOP, usually after several days of use, may result in withdrawal symptoms, such as disturbances of equilibrium, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, sweating, headache, mental confusion, muscle weakness, bradycardia and hypotension. The onset of these symptoms is generally 24 hours or more after the transdermal system has been removed. Instruct patients to seek medical attention if they experience severe symptoms.

Blurred Vision

Scopolamine can cause temporary dilation of the pupils resulting in blurred vision if it comes in contact with the eyes.

Advise patients to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry their hands immediately after handling the transdermal system, do not touch the system while wearing it, and wash hands and the application site with soap and water after transdermal system removal [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Skin Burns

TRANSDERM SCOP contains an aluminized membrane. Skin burns have been reported at the application site in patients wearing an aluminized transdermal system during an MRI scan. Remove TRANSDERM SCOP before undergoing an MRI.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (PATIENT INFORMATION and Instructions for Use).

Administration Instructions

Counsel patients on how to apply and remove the transdermal system [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]:

  • Only wear one transdermal system at any time.
  • Do not cut the transdermal system.
  • Apply the transdermal system to the skin in the postauricular (hairless area behind one ear) area.
  • After the transdermal system is applied on the dry skin behind the ear, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry hands.
  • If the transdermal system becomes displaced, discard the transdermal system, and apply a new transdermal system on the hairless area behind the other ear.
  • Once the transdermal system has been affixed, avoid touching or applying pressure to the transdermal system, since pressure exerted on it may cause scopolamine to ooze out at the edge.
  • Upon removal, fold the used transdermal system in half with the sticky side together, and discard in household trash in a manner that prevents accidental contact or ingestion by children, pets or others.
  • Wash the hands and application site with soap and water after transdermal system removal.
Patients With Open-Angle Glaucoma

Advise patients with open-angle glaucoma to remove the TRANSDERM SCOP transdermal system immediately and contact their healthcare provider if they experience symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma, including pain and reddening of the eyes, accompanied by dilated pupils, blurred vision and/or seeing halos around lights [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Neuropsychiatric Adverse Reactions
  • Advise patients that psychiatric adverse reactions may occur, especially in patients with a past psychiatric history or in those receiving other drugs also associated with psychiatric effects, and to report to their healthcare provider any new or worsening psychiatric symptoms.
  • Advise patients to discontinue TRANSDERM SCOP and contact a healthcare provider immediately if they experience a seizure.
  • Advise patients, especially elderly patients, that cognitive impairment may occur during treatment with TRANSDERM SCOP, especially in those receiving other drugs also associated with CNS effects, and to report to their healthcare provider if they develop signs or symptoms of cognitive impairment such as hallucinations, confusion or dizziness.
  • Inform patients not to operate motor vehicles or other dangerous machinery or participate in underwater sports until they are reasonably certain that TRANSDERM SCOP does not affect them adversely [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Decreased Gastrointestinal Motility And Urinary Retention

Instruct patients to remove the transdermal system if they develop symptoms of intestinal obstruction (abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting) or any difficulties in urinating [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Drug Withdrawal/Post-Removal Symptoms

Inform patients that if they remove the TRANSDERM SCOP transdermal system before treatment is complete, withdrawal symptoms may occur and to seek immediate medical care if they develop severe symptoms after removing TRANSDERM SCOP [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Blurred Vision

Inform patients that temporary dilation of the pupils and blurred vision may occur if TRANSDERM SCOP comes in contact with the eyes. Instruct patients to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water immediately after handling the transdermal system, do not touch the system while wearing it, and wash hands and the application site with soap and water after transdermal system removal [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

MRI Skin Burns

Instruct patients to remove the TRANSDERM SCOP transdermal system before undergoing an MRI [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

No long-term studies in animals have been conducted to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of scopolamine. The mutagenic potential of scopolamine has not been evaluated.

Fertility studies were performed in female rats and revealed no evidence of impaired fertility or harm to the fetus due to scopolamine hydrobromide administered by daily subcutaneous injection. Maternal body weights were reduced in the highest-dose group (plasma level approximately 500 times the level achieved in humans using a transdermal system). However, fertility studies in male animals were not performed.

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Eclamptic seizures have been reported in pregnant women with severe preeclampsia soon after injection of intravenous or intramuscular scopolamine. Avoid use of TRANSDERM SCOP in patients with severe preeclampsia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and Data]. Available data from observational studies and postmarketing reports with scopolamine use in pregnant women have not identified a drug associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse fetal outcomes.

In animal studies, there was no evidence of adverse developmental effects with intravenous administration of scopolamine hydrobromide revealed in rats. Embryotoxicity was observed in rabbits at intravenous doses producing plasma levels approximately 100 times the levels achieved in humans using a transdermal system.

The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.

Data

Human Data

In published case reports, two pregnant patients with severe preeclampsia were administered intravenous and intramuscular scopolamine, respectively, and developed eclamptic seizures soon after scopolamine administration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Animal Data

In animal reproduction studies, when pregnant rats and rabbits received scopolamine hydrobromide by daily intravenous injection, no adverse effects were observed in rats. An embryotoxic effect was observed in rabbits at doses producing plasma levels approximately 100 times the levels achieved in humans using a transdermal system. Scopolamine administered parenterally to rats and rabbits at doses higher than the dose delivered by TRANSDERM SCOP did not affect uterine contractions or increase the duration of labor.

Lactation

Risk Summary

Scopolamine is present in human milk. There are no available data on the effects of scopolamine on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for TRANSDERM SCOP and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from TRANSDERM SCOP or from the underlying maternal condition.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Pediatric patients are particularly susceptible to the adverse reactions of scopolamine; including mydriasis, hallucinations, amblyopia and drug withdrawal syndrome. Neurologic and psychiatric adverse reactions, such as hallucinations, amblyopia and mydriasis have also been reported.

Geriatric Use

Clinical trials of TRANSDERM SCOP did not include sufficient number of subjects aged 65 years and older to determine if they respond differently from younger subjects. In other clinical experience, elderly patients had an increased risk of neurologic and psychiatric adverse reactions, such as hallucinations, confusion, dizziness and drug withdrawal syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Consider more frequent monitoring for CNS adverse reactions during treatment with TRANSDERM SCOP in elderly patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Renal Or Hepatic Impairment

TRANSDERM SCOP has not been studied in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Consider more frequent monitoring during treatment with TRANSDERM SCOP in patients with renal or hepatic impairment because of the increased risk of CNS adverse reactions [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Overdose Information for Transderm Scop

The signs and symptoms of anticholinergic toxicity include: lethargy, somnolence, coma, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, convulsion, visual disturbance, dry flushed skin, dry mouth, decreased bowel sounds, urinary retention, tachycardia, hypertension, and supraventricular arrhythmias. These symptoms can be severe and may require medical intervention.

In cases of toxicity remove the TRANSDERM SCOP transdermal system. Serious symptomatic cases of overdosage involving multiple transdermal system applications and/or ingestion may be managed by initially ensuring the patient has an adequate airway and supporting respiration and circulation. This should be rapidly followed by removal of all transdermal systems from the skin and the mouth. If there is evidence of transdermal system ingestion, endoscopic removal of swallowed transdermal systems, or administration of activated charcoal should be considered, as indicated by the clinical situation. In any case where there is serious overdosage or signs of evolving acute toxicity, continuous monitoring of vital signs and ECG, establishment of intravenous access, and administration of oxygen are all recommended.

The signs and symptoms of overdose/toxicity due to scopolamine should be carefully distinguished from the occasionally observed syndrome of withdrawal [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]. Although mental confusion and dizziness may be observed with both acute toxicity and withdrawal, other characteristic findings differ: tachyarrhythmias, dry skin, and decreased bowel sounds suggest anticholinergic toxicity, while bradycardia, headache, nausea and abdominal cramps, and sweating suggest post-removal withdrawal.

If over-exposure occurs, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 for current information on the management of poisoning or overdosage.

Contraindications for Transderm Scop

TRANSDERM SCOP is contraindicated in patients with:

  • angle closure glaucoma [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
  • hypersensitivity to scopolamine or other belladonna alkaloids or to any ingredient or component in the formulation or delivery system. Reactions have included rash generalized and erythema [see ADVERSE REACTIONS , DESCRIPTION].

Clinical Pharmacology for Transderm Scop

Mechanism Of Action

Scopolamine, a belladonna alkaloid, is an anticholinergic. Scopolamine acts: i) as a competitive inhibitor at postganglionic muscarinic receptor sites of the parasympathetic nervous system, and ii) on smooth muscles that respond to acetylcholine but lack cholinergic innervation. It has been suggested that scopolamine acts in the central nervous system (CNS) by blocking cholinergic transmission from the vestibular nuclei to higher centers in the CNS and from the reticular formation to the vomiting center. Scopolamine can inhibit the secretion of saliva and sweat, decrease gastrointestinal secretions and motility, cause drowsiness, dilate the pupils, increase heart rate, and depress motor function.

Pharmacokinetics

The system is formulated to deliver approximately 1 mg of scopolamine to the systemic circulation over 3 days.

Absorption

Following application to the skin behind the ear, circulating plasma concentrations are detected within 4 hours with peak concentrations being obtained, on average, within 24 hours. The average plasma concentration produced is 87 pg/mL (0.28 nM) for free scopolamine and 354 pg/mL for total scopolamine (free + conjugates). Following removal of the used transdermal system, there is some degree of continued systemic absorption of scopolamine bound in the skin layers.

Distribution

The distribution of scopolamine is not well characterized. It crosses the placenta and the blood brain barrier and may be reversibly bound to plasma proteins.

Elimination

Metabolism And Excretion

Scopolamine is metabolized and conjugated with less than 5% of the total dose appearing unchanged in the urine. The enzymes responsible for metabolizing scopolamine are unknown. The exact elimination pattern of scopolamine has not been determined. Following transdermal system removal, plasma concentrations of scopolamine decline in a log linear fashion with an observed half-life of 9.5 hours. Less than 10% of the total dose is excreted in the urine as the parent drug and metabolites over 108 hours.

Drug Interaction Studies

An in vitro study using human hepatocytes examined the induction of CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 by scopolamine. Scopolamine did not induce CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 isoenzymes at the concentrations up to 10 nM. In an in vitro study using human liver microsomes which evaluated the inhibition of CYP1A2, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4, scopolamine did not inhibit these cytochrome P450 isoenzymes at the concentrations up to 1 micromolar. No in vivo drug-drug interaction studies have been conducted.

Clinical Studies

Prevention Of Motion Sickness

In 195 adult subjects of different racial origins who participated in clinical efficacy studies at sea or in a controlled motion environment, there was a 75% reduction in the incidence of motion-induced nausea and vomiting. TRANSDERM SCOP was applied from 4 to 16 hours prior to the onset of motion in these studies.

Prevention Of Post-Operative Nausea And Vomiting

A clinical efficacy study evaluated 168 adult female patients undergoing gynecological surgery with anesthesia and opiate analgesia. Patients received TRANSDERM SCOP or placebo applied approximately 11 hours before anesthesia/opiate analgesia. No retching/vomiting during the 24-hour post­operative period was reported in 79% of those treated with TRANSDERM SCOP compared to 72% of those receiving placebo. When the need for additional antiemetic medication was assessed during the same period, there was no need for medication in 89% of patients treated with TRANSDERM SCOP as compared to 72% of placebo-treated patients.

Patient Information for Transderm Scop

TRANSDERM SCOP
(trans-derm skop)
(scopolamine transdermal system)

Read this Patient Information before you start using TRANSDERM SCOP and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.

What is TRANSDERM SCOP?

TRANSDERM SCOP is a prescription medicine used for adults to help prevent:

  • nausea and vomiting from motion sickness
  • nausea and vomiting from anesthesia or taking opioid pain medicines after surgery

It is not known if TRANSDERM SCOP is safe and effective in children.

Who should not use TRANSDERM SCOP?

Do not use TRANSDERM SCOP if you:

  • have an eye problem called angle closure glaucoma.
  • are allergic to scopolamine, belladonna alkaloids or any of the ingredients in TRANSDERM SCOP. See the end of this Patient Information leaflet for a list of the ingredients in TRANSDERM SCOP. Ask your doctor if you are not sure.

What should I tell my doctor before using TRANSDERM SCOP?

Before you use TRANSDERM SCOP, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
  • have a history of seizures or psychosis.
  • have problems with your stomach or intestines.
  • have trouble urinating.
  • are scheduled to have a gastric secretion test.
  • have liver or kidney problems.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRANSDERM SCOP can harm your unborn baby.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. TRANSDERM SCOP can pass into your breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you use TRANSDERM SCOP.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. TRANSDERM SCOP may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how TRANSDERM SCOP works. Medicines that you take by mouth may not be absorbed well while you use TRANSDERM SCOP.

Especially tell your doctor if you take:

  • a sedative, hypnotic, opioid or anxiolytic (medicines that make you sleepy)
  • an antidepressant medicine
  • an anticholinergic medicine, such as an allergy or cold medicine, a medicine to treat bladder or bowel spasms, certain asthma medicines, or other medicines for motion sickness

Ask your doctor if you are not sure if your medicine is one that is listed above.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor or pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use TRANSDERM SCOP?

  • See the detailed Instructions for Use for information about how to use TRANSDERM SCOP at the end of this Patient Information leaflet.
  • It is important that you apply TRANSDERM SCOP exactly as your doctor tells you to.
  • Your doctor may change your TRANSDERM SCOP dose. Do not change your TRANSDERM SCOP dose without talking to your doctor.
  • Wear only one TRANSDERM SCOP at any time.
  • If you use too much TRANSDERM SCOP, call your doctor or Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What should I avoid while using TRANSDERM SCOP?

  • You should not drink alcohol while using TRANSDERM SCOP. It can increase your chances of having serious side effects.
  • You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how TRANSDERM SCOP affects you.
  • You should not use TRANSDERM SCOP during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI). Remove TRANSDERM SCOP before undergoing an MRI. It can cause your skin to burn.
  • You should be careful if you use TRANSDERM SCOP while you participate in watersports because you may feel lost or confused (disoriented).
  • Limit contact with water while swimming and bathing because TRANSDERM SCOP may fall off. If TRANSDERM SCOP falls off, throw it away and apply a new one on the hairless area behind your other ear.

What are the possible side effects of TRANSDERM SCOP?

TRANSDERM SCOP may cause serious side effects, including:

  • angle closure glaucoma. If you have open angle glaucoma and use TRANSDERM SCOP, remove TRANSDERM SCOP and call a doctor right away if you feel pain or discomfort, have blurred vision, or see halos or colored images around lights and reddening of your eyes.
  • worsening of seizures. Tell your doctor about any worsening of seizures while using TRANSDERM SCOP.
  • an unusual reaction called acute psychosis. Tell your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:
    • confusion
    • agitation
    • rambling speech
    • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
    • paranoid behaviors and delusions (false belief in something)

If you experience any of the above symptoms, your doctor may stop your treatment with TRANSDERM SCOP. If your symptoms continue and they are severe, get medical help.

  • worsening of your preeclampsia during pregnancy. Some pregnant women with severe preeclampsia have had seizures after getting scopolamine by injection in the muscle (intramuscular) or injection in the vein (intravenous).
  • difficulty urinating.
  • difficulties in food passing from the stomach to the small intestines, which may cause abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
  • withdrawal symptoms after removing TRANSDERM SCOP after using it for several days. Some people may have certain symptoms such as difficulty with balance, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, sweating, confusion, muscle weakness, low heart rate or low blood pressure that could start 24 hours or more after removing TRANSDERM SCOP. Call your doctor right away if your symptoms become severe.
  • temporary increase in the size of your pupil and blurry vision, especially if TRANSDERM SCOP comes in contact with your eyes.
  • skin burns at the site of TRANSDERM SCOP. This can happen during a medical test called a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI). TRANSDERM SCOP contains aluminum and should be removed from your skin before you have an MRI.

The most common side effects of using TRANSDERM SCOP include:

  • dry mouth
  • blurred vision or eye problems
  • feeling sleepy or drowsy
  • disorientation (confusion)
  • dizziness
  • feeling agitated or irritable
  • pharyngitis (sore throat)

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of TRANSDERM SCOP.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

General information about the safe and effective use of TRANSDERM SCOP.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a patient information leaflet. Do not use TRANSDERM SCOP for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give TRANSDERM SCOP to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about TRANSDERM SCOP that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients in TRANSDERM SCOP?

Active ingredient: scopolamine

Inactive ingredients: light mineral oil, polyisobutylene, polypropylene and aluminized polyester film

Marketed by: Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Deerfield, IL 60015 USA Trademarks are owned by or licensed to Baxter International Inc. or its subsidiaries.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE

TRANSDERM SCOP
(trans-derm skop)(scopolamine transdermal system)

Read this Instructions for Use before you start using TRANSDERM SCOP and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment.

Information about TRANSDERM SCOP:

  • TRANSDERM SCOP is a tan-colored, circle shaped transdermal system (patch) with “Scopolamine 1 mg/3 days” printed on it.
  • Wear only one TRANSDERM SCOP at any time.
  • Do not cut TRANSDERM SCOP.

To help prevent nausea and vomiting from motion sickness:

  • Apply one TRANSDERM SCOP to your skin on a hairless area behind one ear at least 4 hours before the activity to prevent nausea and vomiting.
  • If the treatment is needed for longer than 3 days, remove TRANSDERM SCOP from the hairless area behind your ear. Get a new TRANSDERM SCOP and place it on the hairless area behind your other ear.

To help prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery:

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions about when to apply TRANSDERM SCOP before your scheduled surgery.
  • TRANSDERM SCOP should be left in place for 24 hours after surgery. After 24 hours, TRANSDERM SCOP should be removed and thrown away.

How to use TRANSDERM SCOP:

Inside the TRANSDERM SCOP package, you will find one TRANSDERM SCOP. An imprinted, tan backing membrane with a metallic (silver) sticky surface is adhered to a clear, disposable release liner (See Figure 1).

Figure 1

Inside the TRANSDERM SCOP package, you will find one TRANSDERM SCOP Illustration

1. Select a hairless area of skin behind one of your ears. Avoid areas on your skin that may have cuts, pain or tenderness. Wipe the area of your skin with a clean, dry tissue.

2. Cut along the dashed line on the TRANSDERM SCOP package to open (See Figure 2).

Figure 2

Cut along the dashed line on the TRANSDERM SCOP package to open Illustration

3. Remove the clear plastic backing from the tan-colored round TRANSDERM SCOP (See Figure 3).

Figure 3

Remove the clear plastic backing from the tan-colored round TRANSDERM SCOP Illustration

4. Do not touch the metallic adhesive (sticky) surface on TRANSDERM SCOP with your hands (See Figure 4).

Figure 4

Do not touch the metallic adhesive (sticky) surface on TRANSDERM SCOP with your hands Illustration

5. Apply the metallic adhesive surface of TRANSDERM SCOP firmly to the dry area of skin behind your ear. The imprinted, tan colored side of the transdermal system should be facing up and showing (See Figure 5). After placement of TRANSDERM SCOP, avoid touching or applying pressure to the transdermal system while it is being worn because applying pressure may cause scopolamine to ooze out at the edge. Wash your hands with soap and water right away after applying TRANSDERM SCOP, so that any medicine from TRANSDERM SCOP that gets on your hands will not get into your eyes.

Figure 5

Apply the metallic adhesive surface of TRANSDERM SCOP firmly to the dry area of skin behind your ear Illustration

How to remove TRANSDERM SCOP:

After removing TRANSDERM SCOP, be sure to wash your hands and the area behind your ear thoroughly with soap and water. Please note that the used TRANSDERM SCOP will still contain some of the active ingredient after use. To avoid accidental contact or ingestion by children, pets or others, fold the used TRANSDERM SCOP in half with the sticky side together. Throw away (dispose of) TRANSDERM SCOP in the household trash out of the reach of children, pets or others.

How should I store TRANSDERM SCOP?

  • Store TRANSDERM SCOP at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) until you are ready to use it.
  • Store TRANSDERM SCOP in an upright position.
  • Do not bend or roll TRANSDERM SCOP.

Keep TRANSDERM SCOP and all medicines out of reach of children.

The Patient Information and Instructions for Use have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.