Nitroglycerin Patches

What is this medication?

NITROGLYCERIN (nye troe GLI ser in) prevents chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing blood vessels, which decreases the amount of work the heart has to do. It belongs to a group of medications called nitrates. Do not use it to treat sudden chest pain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Deponit, Minitran, Nitrek, Nitro-Dur, Nitrodisc, Transdermal-NTG

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Liver disease
• Low blood pressure, or low blood volume
• Previous heart attack or heart failure
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nitroglycerin, adhesives, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for external use only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. One patch contains a full day's supply of medication. It is usually worn for 12 to 14 hours a day and removed for 10 to 12 hours. Apply the patch to an area on the upper body that is clean, dry and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, calloused, or scarred areas. Use a different site each day to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. Do not use your medication more often than directed. Do not stop using this medication suddenly or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your care team how to gradually reduce the dose.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, apply the patch as soon as you can. Do not wear two patches at the same time unless told to by your care team.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Certain migraine medications like ergotamine and dihydroergotamine (DHE)
• Medications used to treat erectile dysfunction like sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil
• Riociguat

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Medications for high blood pressure
• Other medications used to treat angina

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Check your heart rate and blood pressure regularly while you are using this medication. Ask your care team what your heart rate and blood pressure should be and when you should contact him or her. Tell your care team if you feel your medication is no longer having any effect.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

If you are going to have a MRI procedure, let your MRI technician know about the use of these patches. Some medication patches contain an aluminum backing that can become heated when exposed to MRI and may cause burns. You may need to temporarily remove the patch during the MRI procedure.

If the patch pulls loose or falls off, fold it in half (sticky side in) and throw away out of the reach of children or pets. Replace with a fresh patch.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Headache, unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue skin or lips, which may be signs of methemoglobinemia
• Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
• Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Worsening chest pain (angina)—pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, neck, back, or arms

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Avoid extremes in temperature and humidity. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.