(AP) Need an MRI scan? Tell the doctor if you use any kind of medication patch — from nicotine patches to hormone-releasing ones — or you risk a burn during the MRI.
Patches that ooze medication through the skin are becoming more popular, and the Food and Drug Administration just discovered that not all of them carry the required MRI warning.
Some drug patches contain aluminum or other metals in their backing, the part that makes them stick to the skin. It’s just enough metal to conduct electricity, burning the skin. The FDA is issuing a public health warning after learning of some burned patients. The advice: Tell your doctor about any patches, so the professional can advise which should be removed and when.
Thanks Elaine for this advice, also be sure to tell him if you have a pacemaker, or any metal other metal objects in side that have been placed there by a doctor for what ever reason……
Thanks for the tip. I’ll make sure to pass it on.
Mary Anne- yes that is important too and would be on the information your doctor sends with you for the MRI, that’s an implantable device in your body. This is different because it’s a medication and it’s been discovered by the FDA that not all of them carry the MRI warning.
Mike – you’re welcome, thanks for stopping in.
Well, you have to be thinking all the time, don’t you? One thing can cause something else… I was never a smoker. Have no patches on my body. Except for sun spots, etc.
Brenda
Never really used a patch of any kind…. but it’s a good warning!
Thanks. I’ll be sure to let my sister know – she uses all the patches available at once. From diet to nicotine ones. If she got into MRI she’d be toast.
This is sound advice! Once again, I’m grateful I don’t need a patch or a pacemaker!