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On June 18, 2025, the FDA issued a drug safety notification warning about the risk of hyperthermia (increased body temperature) that can occur with scopolamine transdermal. There have been cases of hyperthermia following use of scopolamine transdermal resulting in heat-related complications, hospitalization and death. Most cases occurred in children under the age of 17 or adults older than 60 years who may be more sensitive to body temperature regulation issues.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of hyperthermia before starting treatment with scopolamine transdermal. If you experience increased body temperature or reduce sweating after applying scopolamine transdermal, remove the patch immediately. Symptoms can continue after the patch has been removed. While using scopolamine transdermal, avoid use of external heating devices such as a heating blanket or heating pad.
More information on this FDA safety warning can be found here:http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-adds-warning-about-serious-risk-heat-related-complications-antinausea-patch-transderm-scop?utm_medium=email& utm_source=govdelivery
WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness or medications used during surgery. Scopolamine is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by blocking the effects of a certain natural substance (acetylcholine) on the central nervous system.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Scopolamine comes as a patch to be placed on the hairless skin behind your ear. When used to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, apply the patch at least 4 hours before its effects will be needed and leave in place for up to 3 days. If treatment is needed for longer than 3 days to help prevent nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, remove the current patch and apply a new patch behind the other ear. When used to prevent nausea and vomiting from medications used with surgery, apply the patch as directed by your doctor and leave it in place for 24 hours after your surgery.
To apply the patch, follow these instructions:
Do not cut the patch.
Limit contact with water while swimming and bathing because it may cause the patch may fall off. If the scopolamine patch falls off, discard the patch, and apply a new one on the hairless area behind the other ear.
When the scopolamine patch is no longer needed, remove the patch and fold it in half with the sticky side together and dispose of it. Wash your hands and the area behind your ear thoroughly with soap and water to remove any traces of scopolamine from the area. If a new patch needs to be applied, place a fresh patch on the hairless area behind your other ear.
If you have used scopolamine patches for several days or longer, you may experience withdrawal symptoms that could start 24 hours or more after removing the scopolamine patch such as difficulty with balance, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, sweating, headache, confusion, muscle weakness, slow heart rate or low blood pressure. Call your doctor right away if your symptoms become severe.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before using scopolamine patches,
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
Apply the missed patch as soon as you remember it. Do not apply more than one patch at a time.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Scopolamine patches may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, remove the patch and call your doctor immediately:
Scopolamine patches may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose or if someone swallows a scopolamine patch, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the following:
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Store patches in an upright position; do not bend or roll them.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are using scopolamine patch.
Remove the scopolamine patch before having a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI).
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2025. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: July 15, 2025.