Is It Safe to Cut Transdermal Patches?

There are many different ways to deliver medication to our bodies. The most common method is by mouth with dosage forms like pills. But sometimes you might need a different way to receive your medication. Known for being convenient and comfortable, transdermal patches are one way to skip taking a pill. These patches are placed on the skin and slowly release medication into the body over time. 

You may have questions about using transdermal patches. Often, when changing doses, or as an attempt to save money, people ask if they can be cut in half. While the short answer is no, it’s important to understand why cutting transdermal patches is not a good idea.

How do transdermal patches work?

While they may seem simple on the surface, transdermal patches are quite complex. They’re usually constructed with the medication stored inside the patch. After they’re applied to the body, the transdermal medication is slowly absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.

There are several advantages to using transdermal patches. Medication gets into your body faster because it skips your digestive system. Plus, there’s the added bonus of lowering the risk of some side effects, like nausea and vomiting. And it’s easy to apply: you just put on the patch and are good to go — you don’t have to remember to take a pill (or several pills) each day.

Transdermal patches have been designed for a variety of uses, such as motion sickness, smoking cessation, and contraception —- just to name a few. Some common examples include:

• Nicotine (NicoDerm)

• Buprenorphine (Butrans)

• Fentanyl (Duragesic)

• Ethinyl estradiol/norelgestromin (Xulane)

• Estradiol (Climara, Alora)

• Lidocaine (Lidoderm)

• Clonidine (Catapres-TTS)

• Scopolamine (Transderm Scop)

How do I apply a transdermal patch?

Patches are simple to use, which is one reason many people prefer them to pills.

Each patch will have different application instructions. Some general principles apply to all transdermal patches though. 

To apply a patch, follow these five simple steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water.

2. Wash and dry the skin where you’re applying the patch. Make sure the skin isn’t broken, cut, or damaged in any way.

3. Remove the adhesive liner from the patch. Be careful not to touch the sticky side of the patch with your fingers after removing the liner.

4. Place the sticky surface on the skin. Be sure the patch is applied firmly without any air pockets or bubbles.

5. Wash your hands with soap and water again after finishing.

Some patches are changed daily. Others allow you to leave them on for several days. Most patches are also waterproof, so you can swim or shower with no problem while wearing them.

It’s important to understand how and where to apply your unique transdermal patch. Not all patches can be applied to the same part of your body. Read and follow all the instructions included with your medication. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They’ll be happy to help.

What happens if you cut a transdermal patch in half?

Decades of science and research go into making transdermal patches safe and effective. The way the medication is stored inside them helps to ensure that you get the proper dose over a certain period of time. So if you cut a patch, you can damage the materials that guard how that process works. This could result in all of the medication being released at once. This can cause serious harm or even death from an overdose of medication.

So, in general, you shouldn’t cut transdermal medication patches. But, there is an exception to this rule. One patch that you can safely cut is a lidocaine patch. Used to relieve pain, lidocaine patches are made so you can cut them into smaller pieces. This should only be done before you remove the liner from the back of the patch.

Additionally, your healthcare provider may recommend that you use multiple patches on a specific area at one time. But these instructions can vary from person to person. So be sure to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before you cut your patches or apply more than one.

Several others like clonidine patches, fentanyl patches, and estradiol patches have been studied to see if they can be cut. But, the only patch that is FDA approved to be cut is the lidocaine patch.

How can you save on your transdermal patches?

If you’re trying to save money, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to see if a similar medication may be available in a different dosage form, like tablets or capsules. Pills may be cheaper than patches. Your pharmacist can be a good resource for this information, as they have access to medication prices with and without insurance. 

Another quick tip is to check the price before you start or switch to a transdermal patch. If your healthcare provider thinks a patch is a good option, contact your insurance provider about coverage and copays. And be sure to check GoodRx to see if discounts are available for your medication. Planning ahead can help to prevent switching back and forth from patches to pills and help prepare you for potential costs ahead of time.

How do I dispose of my patches?

Proper patch disposal is important. Used, expired, or extra patches still contain small amounts of active medication. This could harm small children or pets if they consume or touch them by mistake.

For most patches, fold the sticky sides together and throw the patch away in a lidded trash can. But some patches may require different procedures. For example, fentanyl patches should be folded and flushed down the toilet. Buprenorphine patches come with a special pad for used patches. You place the patch on the pad before throwing them away. 

Each manufacturer has different disposal directions, so be sure to read the packaging carefully. You may also be able to dispose of patches at a medication take-back location. This is often the first choice for medication disposal if there aren’t specific instructions from the manufacturer.

Just like when you apply the patch, it’s important to wash your hands after removing the patch. As mentioned above, medication may still be left on the patch even after it’s time to remove it. Washing your hands removes leftover medication from your hands. This can help prevent you and others from unintentional medication exposure.

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Written by:

Clay M. Cooper, PharmD

Clay Cooper, PharmD, has over 10 years of pharmacy practice experience in a variety of healthcare settings, including in independent community pharmacy, retail pharmacy, and long-term care pharmacy. He is a licensed pharmacist in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Edited by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

​​Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. Ulrich’s experience includes direct patient care in hospital and community pharmacies.

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