Transdermal drug patches, used by 12 million people worldwide, designed to release prescription drugs into the system are becoming more popular and more controversial. These patches are applied to the skin so the body can absorb the drug and pass it through the bloodstream.
There have been a number of reports linking these drug patches with negative side effects. The Ortho Evra birth control patch has been linked to blood clots and strokes while the Duragesic pain patch has been recalled due to overdose causing heart attacks and respiratory problems. Several other drug patches have been allegedly linked to consumer deaths.
Medical professionals are now concerned that other drug patches may be susceptible to overdose when the body becomes overheated. Studies show that heat, caused by weather, fever, exercise, hot baths, electric blankets, etc. can speed up the release of the drug and potentially causing overdose and death.
Some Drug Patches include:
