What is this medicine?
METHYLPHENIDATE (meth il FEN i date) is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-family history of suicide
-glaucoma
-heart condition or recent history of a heart attack
-high blood pressure
-history of a drug or alcohol abuse problem
-liver disease
-mental illness, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, mania or schizophrenia
-motor tics, family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome
-overactive thyroid
-seizures
-taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
-an unusual or allergic reaction to methylphenidate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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This medicine is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Apply the patch to dry, smooth skin on the hip. Alternate hips each day. Avoid injured, irritated, or oily areas. Apply the patch 2 hours before the effect of the medicine is needed. Use care separating the patch from the release liner. Follow package instructions carefully. Do not apply to waistline where clothing may cause the patch to rub off. Do not use patches that have been cut or torn. Wash hands after applying this medicine. Do not heat the area where the patch is with heating pads, electric blankets or hot water beds. Do not use your medicine more often than directed.
Take this patch off after the prescribed number of hours. After removing fold the patch so it sticks to itself. Flush used patches down the toilet or throw away in a lidded trash can. Do not flush pouch and protective liner down the toilet. Throw them away in a lidded trash can.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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If the patch falls off, you may replace it with another patch at a different site on the same hip. You must remove that patch also at the same time; do not wear it for a longer period of time.
If you forget to apply a patch in the morning, you may do so later in the day, but you should remove the patch at the same time of day you normally remove the patch to reduce the possibility of side effects late in the day or at night.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-atomoxetine
-lithium
-medicines called MAO inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
-other stimulant medicines like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate, modafinil and others
-procarbazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-medicines for blood pressure
-caffeine
-medicines to decrease appetite or cause weight loss
-other medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-seizure (convulsion) or epilepsy medicine
-warfarin
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This prescription requires that you follow special procedures with your doctor and pharmacy. You will need to have a new written prescription from your doctor or health care professional every time you need a refill.
This medicine may affect your concentration, or hide signs of tiredness. Until you know how this drug affects you, do not drive, ride a bicycle, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness. If you are having trouble sleeping, and this continues to be a regular and bothersome side effect, contact your health care provider to discuss your options.
Tell your doctor or health care professional if this medicine loses its effects, or if you feel you need to take more than the prescribed amount. Do not change the dosage without talking to your doctor or health care professional. Do not suddenly stop your medicine.
Decreased appetite is a common side effect when starting this medicine. Eating small, frequent meals or snacks can help. Talk to your doctor if you continue to have poor eating habits. Height and weight growth of a child taking this medicine will be monitored closely.
If you are scheduled for any surgery, tell your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine. You may need to stop taking this medicine before the procedure.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-anxiety, nervous, other changes in mood or behavior
-bruising
-chest pain
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-fever, or hot, dry skin
-high blood pressure
-seizures
-skin blisters, swelling at site where applied
-uncontrollable head, mouth, neck, arm, or leg movements
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-weight loss
-headache
-mild stomach upset
-skin redness at site where applied
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep patches in the package until ready to use. Flush any unused medicines down the toilet as instructed above. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
Lactation
Caution - Not enough information is available to rule out harm to infants when this drug is taken by nursing mothers.
