Products
Pain plasters are available as self-adhesive pads in various sizes and compositions at pharmacies and drugstores. Some are approved as medicines, while others are approved as medical devices. In many countries, well-known brands include Flector, Flector Plus, Olfen, ABC, Perskindol, and Isola, for example. This article refers primarily to products approved for self-medication and not to transdermal patches containing opioids such as fentanyl. See also under fentanyl patches. See also under the article Pain gels.
Ingredients
Active ingredients in pain patches include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):
- Diclofenac: diclofenac sodium, diclofenac epolamine.
Herbal ingredients:
- Cayenne pepper extract (capsicum extract), capsaicin.
- Essential oils such as rosemary oil.
- Menthol
- Wintergreen oil, methyl salicylate
Heparins:
- Heparin sodium
Local anesthetics:
- Lidocaine (Rx)
Effects
Pain plasters have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, warming or cooling and, depending on the ingredients, skin irritant properties. The active ingredients are absorbed into the tissue and exert their effects locally. It is hoped that occlusive therapy will have a stronger effect than applying a cream or gel.
Indications
For the treatment of painful, injury-related, and inflammatory conditions (selection):
- Degenerative joint diseases, osteoarthritis.
- Back pain
- Sports injuries, sprains, dislocations, bruises, strains.
- Tension, neck tension, muscle pain.
- Rheumatic complaints
- Nerve pain
Dosage
According to the professional information. The patches are usually applied once to twice a day maximum, depending on the product, as the duration of action is between 12 to 24 hours. Pain patches need to be administered less frequently than creams, ointments, and gels. As a rule, only a single patch should be used and not several at the same time. The maximum duration of therapy may be limited in time. Before application, the protective film is removed and the patch is applied to clean and dry skin. Whether the patches may be divided is indicated in the package leaflet or in the technical information. The patches usually have a limited shelf life after the package is opened, for example, three months. The shelf life depends on the product. For application to joints, elastic mesh stockings can be used for additional fixation, which may be included in the package or sold separately. Plasters without gauze are also suitable for this purpose.
Contraindications
Contraindications include (selection):
- Hypersensitivity
- Open wounds
- Skin damage, skin diseases
- Children
- Pregnancy, lactation
Contact with the eyes and mucous membranes should be avoided. Full precautions can be found in the drug information leaflet.
Interactions
Other topical medications should not be administered concomitantly.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local skin reactions such as redness, allergic reactions, itching, a feeling of warmth, and a burning sensation. Systemic side effects cannot be ruled out in the event of improper use of patches containing diclofenac, especially in the event of an overdose.
