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Neupro patch - cut or not cut

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Parkinson's Disease
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Posted 1/16/2019 2:17 PM (GMT -6)
Had anyone tried cutting the patch in half or quarters? For example would a 2mg become 1mg if it's cut in half or would it stay at 2mg but lasts just 12 hours instead of 24 hours. My mom is running out of the 1 mg patches and I have 2mg patches that are too strong for her so I tried cutting half per her doctor's ok. She was sleepy all day long as if she was on the 2mg patch. Does anyone know why the drug company said do not do it while I have read some people have done it and are fine.
Posted 1/16/2019 9:44 PM (GMT -6)
Bella,
Thanks for your post.

I am not on the patch. Whether the medication is delivered in pill form or in a patch form, some medications are not equally distributed throughout. In this case it could be that more medication is in one area of the patch so when it is cut and applied the part with the excess will be more affected. Clear as mud?

But .... your best bet would be to contact your doctor or pharmacist and ask them. I'm curious to know what they say. You'll have to keep us posted. It will also be interesting to hear from someone using the patch.

lizzy4451
Posted 1/16/2019 11:02 PM (GMT -6)
The doctor said his other patients do it and it works just the same for them. The pharmacist goes by what the manufacturer says which is don't do it. I suppose it depends on the patient's individual sensitivity. I do agree with what you say though that maybe the medication is not evenly distributed on the patch.
Posted 1/17/2019 10:01 AM (GMT -6)
Bella,
Thanks for your reply. Hopefully someone who has tried cutting the patch will respond.
lizzy4451
Posted 1/17/2019 10:06 AM (GMT -6)
Bella, with any extended release medication whether transdermal or oral, the mfg states to never cut a patch or pill in half. When cutting them in half the patient is at risk of either getting too much or too little of the medication. This is why the pharmacist said not to cut it. Sensitivity has nothing to do with this.

I would contact her dr & get the proper patch. Take care.
Posted 1/17/2019 10:52 AM (GMT -6)
Hi Susie,

My mom takes time release Stalevo and I have been crushing it for 10 years now. She has a fear of swallowing pills whole so that's the only way I can give it to her. I heard hospitals and nursing homes do that for people too. She does not respond well to Sinemet or Rytary. Of course she was better when she was swallowing it but this is as good as it gets and she's still alive.

There are people who do not notice a difference when the patches are cut in half so yes I think sensitivity has something to do with it also. I do have 1 mg patches so I know now in my mom's case she should stick to that. Thank you for your input.
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