Sumatriptan Patch Application Site
The sumatriptan iontophoretic transdermal patch should be applied to the upper arm or thigh on intact, non-irritated skin. 1, 2
Specific Application Instructions
Recommended Body Sites
Site Selection Criteria
- Apply to intact, dry, non-irritated skin without cuts, rashes, or inflammation 1
- Choose an area with minimal hair to ensure proper adhesive contact 2
- Avoid areas with scars, tattoos, or skin abnormalities that could interfere with drug delivery 2
- Rotate application sites between doses to prevent skin irritation 1
Clinical Context for Patch Use
When to Choose the Transdermal Route
The sumatriptan patch is particularly appropriate for patients who:
- Experience significant nausea and/or vomiting during migraine attacks, making oral administration difficult 1, 2
- Have gastroparesis associated with migraine, which reduces oral sumatriptan absorption 1
- Cannot tolerate or refuse subcutaneous injections due to adverse effects or needle aversion 2
- Prefer non-oral formulations but find intranasal administration unacceptable 1
Efficacy Considerations
- The transdermal patch provides controlled, sustained delivery while avoiding gastrointestinal absorption issues 2
- Efficacy is lower than subcutaneous (which has NNT 2.3 for pain freedom at 2 hours) but offers better tolerability 3
- The patch allows for convenient administration without the high adverse event rate of subcutaneous sumatriptan 2, 3
Important Caveats
Application Timing
- Apply as soon as possible after migraine onset for optimal efficacy 4
- Taking medication when pain is mild is more effective than waiting until pain is moderate or severe 3