ISMP issues MRI safety alert for transdermal patches

Medication patches containing aluminized backings could potentially cause injury if not removed before an MRI procedure.

The warning was issued this week by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), a Huntingdon Valley, PA-based non-profit organization that provides information about adverse drug events and their prevention.

The ISMP said that an adverse event was reported to the Food and Drug Administration that involved a patient entering an MRI scanner wearing a Habitrol smoking-cessation patch. The patient complained of burning, and upon examination his upper left arm was mildly erythematous and there was a small, denuded blister where the patch had been.

The organization said that other patches that contain metallic components and that should be removed prior to scanning are Androderm (testosterone), Transderm-Nitro and Deponit (nitroglycerin), Transdermscop (scopolamine), and Catapres-TTS (clonidine).

By AuntMinnie.com staff writers
April 27, 2004

Related Reading

ACR panel chair offers advice on making MR safety a reality, Part II, July 23, 2002

Mixed reviews for ACR’s MR advice, June 25, 2002

Pocket Guide to MR Procedures and Metallic Objects: Update 2001, June 24, 2002

Pillow proves potentially perilous in MR procedure, September 26, 2001

Of missiles and metallic objects: How to avoid MRI-related hazards, August 21, 2001

Copyright © 2004 AuntMinnie.com

Page 1 of 611
Next Page