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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

METHYLPHENIDATE - TRANSDERMAL

(meth-ill-FEN-eh-date)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Daytrana

WARNING: Misuse or abuse of methylphenidate may result in serious (possibly fatal) heart and blood pressure problems.

Methylphenidate should be given cautiously to emotionally unstable patients, especially if there is a history of alcohol or drug abuse. These patients may be more likely to unnecessarily increase their doses or use this medication too often. Long-term overuse of this medication may lead to drug dependence, abnormal behavior, and reduced drug effect.

If methylphenidate must be stopped, it should be stopped gradually over time. Follow your doctor's instructions on how to gradually lower the dose. In some patients, long-term monitoring may be required after the medication is stopped.

USES: Methylphenidate is used to treat attention disorders (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD) as part of a total treatment plan including psychological, educational, and social treatments. When this medication is used to treat ADHD, patients may find they have increased attention, decreased impulsiveness, and decreased hyperactivity (see also Notes section). This in turn will make school or work more manageable, improve relationships, and improve your self-esteem. This medication is a mild stimulant that works by affecting the levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

This medication should not be used to treat severe depression or simple tiredness symptoms.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using methylphenidate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Follow the instructions in the Patient information Leaflet on how to use this medication. Make sure you understand how to apply a new patch and throw away the used product. Do not cut the patch into smaller sizes. Do not use if the patch or pouch container appears damaged. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply this patch usually once daily in the morning 2 hours before you need the effects of this drug. Then remove the patch usually 9 hours after you apply it or as directed by your doctor. Applying this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). If you apply this patch in the early morning and still have trouble sleeping, your doctor may instruct you to remove the patch less than 9 hours after applying. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully to allow this medication to work properly and limit the amount of side effects.

Before applying the patch, gently and thoroughly wash the area you will be using for the patch with soap and water. Rinse and dry with a clean dry towel. Do not apply the patch to oily/red/cut/irritated/broken skin or skin covered with lotion or powder. Remove the patch from the pouch and apply as directed by the manufacturer. Apply the patch to an area of clean dry skin on the hip. When applying a new patch the next day, choose an area of skin on the other hip to avoid irritation. Do not apply a heating pad or other heat to the patch area. When applied correctly, the patch may be worn while bathing, swimming, or showering. See Missed Dose section for what to do if your patch falls off.

Be sure to remove the old patch, fold it in half so it sticks to itself, and throw it away out of the reach of children and pets. Do not touch the sticky side with your fingers. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the patch.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may instruct you to gradually increase or decrease your dose or the amount of time the patch is left on the skin. Also, if this medication is used for a long time, do not suddenly stop using this without first consulting your doctor.

This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as severe depression and continuing overactivity) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.

Though it is very unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit forming). Do not increase your dose, use it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.