From the FDA Drug Label
PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL Package Label – 0.05 mg NDC 70771-1565-8 Estradiol Transdermal System, USP (Twice-Weekly) Delivers 0.05 mg/day Includes 8 Systems Rx Only zydus pharmaceuticals The "TW" likely stands for Twice-Weekly, as indicated in the drug label 1.
- The label explicitly states "(Twice-Weekly)", which suggests that "TW" is an abbreviation for this dosage frequency.
- Therefore, it is unlikely that "TW" is a mistake in the context of "CombiPatch Patch TW 0.05/0.25 mg/day".
From the Research
The "TW" in "CombiPatch Patch TW 0.05/0.25 mg/day" is likely a mistake or an uncommon abbreviation. CombiPatch is a hormone replacement therapy patch containing estradiol and norethindrone acetate at the strength of 0.05 mg/day estradiol and 0.25 mg/day norethindrone acetate. The standard notation for this medication doesn't typically include "TW." CombiPatch is normally identified by its brand name and dosage strength only. The correct way to write this prescription would be "CombiPatch 0.05/0.25 mg/day." The "TW" could be a typographical error, a computer system code, or possibly an abbreviation for "twice weekly," though CombiPatch is actually applied twice weekly as standard dosing, so this specification would be redundant. If you encounter this notation on a prescription or medical record, it would be advisable to verify the intended meaning with the prescriber to ensure proper medication administration, as supported by studies such as 2 which discuss the use of CombiPatch for hormone replacement therapy without mentioning the "TW" notation. Key points to consider include:
- The standard dosing and application of CombiPatch
- The potential for "TW" to be a typographical error or redundant specification
- The importance of verifying the intended meaning of the prescription with the prescriber to ensure proper medication administration and minimize potential risks to patient morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.