• Medicated Patches and MRIs

On March 5, 2009, FDA alerted the public to the risk of skin burns while wearing certain types of adhesive patches during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

The alert applies to adhesive patches that deliver medicines through the skin and contain metal in their backing. (You may not be able to see the metal and the label may not mention that the product contains metal.) These patches include both brand name and generic products and patches purchased over the counter without a prescription.
Adverse events: The metal in the backing of some adhesive patches can overheat during an MRI scan and cause skin burns in the area of the patch.
People at risk: Anyone who wears an adhesive patch that delivers a drug (such as nicotine, pain killer, hormones) during an MRI scan.
Recommendations:
  Tell the doctor referring you for an MRI scan that you are using a patch and why you are using it (such as to lessen pain, to stop smoking, to deliver hormones).
  Ask your doctor how to remove and dispose of the patch before having an MRI scan and replace the patch after the procedure.
  Tell the MRI facility that you are using a patch. You should do this when making your appointment and during the health history questions you are asked when you arrive for your appointment.
FDA actions: The labeling for most, but not all, medicated patches that contain metal in the backing provides a warning to patients about the risk of burns if the patch is worn during an MRI scan. FDA is reviewing the labeling and structure of all medicated patches to make sure that those made with metal materials provide the appropriate warning.
For more information: FDA Press Release

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