Scopoderm
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† Applies to UK only.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Scopoderm Key Facts
About Scopoderm
Scopoderm transdermal patches contain hyoscine hydrobromide (scopolamine) as the active ingredient and is commonly prescribed for the control of travel sickness. Hyoscine is classed as an anti-emetic or anti-sickness medicine with anticholinergic properties.
It is available with a prescription under the brand name Scopoderm. NowPatient offers Scopoderm for the prevention of motion sickness only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Scopoderm
- For the treatment of motion sickness
- Scopoderm has some common side effects which include dry mouth, blurred vision, and skin irritation
- It can be dangerous if you take Scopoderm with certain medications like sleeping tablets. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- Avoid alcohol while using Scopoderm and until the effects have worn off. This may take 24 hours or more
- You should not use these patches if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without advice from a healthcare professional
Who is Scopoderm not suitable for?
Scopoderm may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to a healthcare professional before using Scopoderm if you:
- Have glaucoma
- Suffer from epilepsy
- Have liver or kidney disease
- Have a known allergy to Scopoderm patches
- Have a bladder, pyloric, prostate problems, or bowel obstruction
- Have ulcerative colitis
- Have Down’s Syndrome
- Have diarrhoea or fever
- Have myasthenia gravis
- Are an elderly patient
How and where to get Scopoderm?
You can buy Scopoderm safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of motion sickness, you can discuss if Scopoderm is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Scopoderm for motion sickness
Scopoderm is available as a transdermal patch containing 1.5mg of hyoscine when used for travel sickness.
Information about how to use Scopoderm for motion sickness
Scopoderm should be applied 5 to 6 hours before travel, for best results, but may be applied during travel to reduce the feeling of sickness. Follow these steps:
- Apply the patch to a dry, hairless area of skin behind your ear, sticky side down
- Wash your hands when applying and removing the patch. Also wash the area of skin where the patch was applied
- If the patch peels off during your journey, remove the patch, clean the area, and apply a new patch behind your other ear
Patches last for up to 72 hours. You may use Scopoderm for longer journeys. Simply remove the patch after 3 days and apply a new patch behind your other ear. Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) provided to you for further information.
What happens if you use too much Scopoderm?
Scopoderm patches do not contain a high dose, so overdose is unlikely to be fatal. However, it can be highly uncomfortable and could lead to other potential complications, which may be fatal. If you use more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects such as anxiety, severe drowsiness, mood changes, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have used too much Scopoderm and you experience any of the side effects.
What are the side effects of Scopoderm?
Possible side effects of Scopoderm are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness, disorientation
- Blurred vision
- Skin irritation
Serious side effects include:
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
- Skin rashes
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
For a full list of possible side effects, you may read the patient information leaflet.
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here: how and where do i report side effects of my medication
Information about taking Scopoderm at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Scopoderm. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements. Speak to your doctor or clinician if you are taking:
- Treatments for allergies
- Antidepressants
- Parkinsons medicines
- Antiarrhythmics
- Other travel sickness medication
Why might Scopoderm not work for travel sickness?
Scopoderm may not work properly if the patch becomes detached from your skin. If this occurs, remove the patch completely, clean the area, and apply a new patch behind your other ear.
Can Scopoderm taken for travel sickness be taken long term?
Patches last for up to 72 hours, but you may use Scopoderm for longer. Remove the patch after 3 days and apply a new patch behind your other ear. Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) provided to you for further information.
Is there a herbal Scopoderm?
No. Herbal Scopoderm does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Scopoderm?
Women can use Scopoderm for the treatment of travel sickness, but should not use these patches if they are pregnant or breastfeeding without advice from a healthcare professional
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Scopoderm?
You can eat and drink normally when using Scopoderm patches, but avoid alcohol until the effects have worn off. This may take 24 hours or more.
Alternatives to Scopoderm
Alternatives for the treatment of motion sickness include promethazine, Stugeron and Kwells, over the counter.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Scopoderm
What is Scopoderm?
Scopoderm is a transdermal patch containing hyoscine hydrobromide (scopolamine), an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) medication used to prevent motion sickness. Each Scopoderm TTS patch delivers approximately 1 mg of hyoscine over 72 hours. The patch is applied behind the ear and provides continuous, controlled release of the medication through the skin. Scopoderm is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and is one of the most effective treatments available for preventing travel sickness on boats, planes, and cars.
How does Scopoderm work?
Scopoderm works by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the brain’s vomiting centre and vestibular system. Motion sickness occurs when conflicting signals from the eyes, inner ear, and body confuse the brain. Hyoscine reduces the sensitivity of the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear and suppresses the vomiting centre in the brainstem. The transdermal patch provides a steady, controlled release of the medication over 72 hours, maintaining effective blood levels without the peaks and troughs associated with oral dosing.
Who can use Scopoderm patches?
Scopoderm patches are suitable for adults and children aged 10 years and over for the prevention of motion sickness. They should not be used by people with glaucoma (narrow-angle), those with a known hypersensitivity to hyoscine, or individuals with certain bowel conditions such as paralytic ileus. Caution is advised in the elderly, people with bladder outflow obstruction, pyloric stenosis, liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, or heart conditions. Inform your prescriber of all medical conditions before using Scopoderm.
How do I apply a Scopoderm patch?
Apply one Scopoderm patch to a clean, dry, hairless area of skin behind the ear at least 5–6 hours before travelling, or the evening before travel. Wash and dry your hands before and after applying the patch. Press the patch firmly in place for at least 15 seconds to ensure good contact with the skin. Do not cut the patch. Avoid touching your eyes after handling the patch, as hyoscine can cause temporary pupil dilation and blurred vision. Each patch provides protection for up to 72 hours.
How long does a Scopoderm patch last?
Each Scopoderm patch provides continuous protection against motion sickness for up to 72 hours (3 days). If your journey is longer than 72 hours, remove the old patch and apply a new one behind the other ear. The medication takes approximately 5–6 hours to reach effective levels after application, so plan accordingly. After removing the patch, some residual effect may continue for up to 24 hours. Wash the application site and your hands thoroughly after removal.
What should I do if the Scopoderm patch falls off?
If the patch falls off, apply a new patch behind the other ear. Ensure the skin is clean, dry, and free from lotions or oils that could prevent adhesion. Avoid placing a new patch on the same area of skin immediately. If you are swimming or showering, the patch generally stays on if applied correctly, but excessive water exposure or sweating may loosen it. You can apply waterproof medical tape over the patch for extra security during water activities.
What are the common side effects of Scopoderm?
The most common side effects of Scopoderm include dry mouth (very common, affecting more than 1 in 10 users), drowsiness, and dizziness. Blurred vision may occur, particularly if hyoscine comes into contact with the eyes via contaminated fingers. Less common side effects include difficulty urinating, constipation, and skin irritation at the patch site. These effects are usually mild and resolve after removing the patch. Sucking boiled sweets or sipping water can help relieve dry mouth.
Can Scopoderm cause blurred vision?
Yes, blurred vision is a recognised side effect of Scopoderm, particularly if the medication comes into direct contact with the eyes. This can happen if you touch the patch and then rub your eyes. The blurred vision is caused by pupil dilation (mydriasis) and difficulty focusing at close range (cycloplegia). It is usually temporary and resolves after the patch is removed. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling the patch. If blurred vision persists after patch removal, seek medical advice.
What medications interact with Scopoderm?
Scopoderm can interact with other anticholinergic medications, potentially enhancing side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention. These include antihistamines (such as chlorphenamine), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline), antipsychotics, and some Parkinson’s disease medications. CNS depressants including alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and sedating antihistamines may have enhanced sedative effects when combined with Scopoderm. Always inform your prescriber of all current medications.
Can I drink alcohol while using Scopoderm?
Alcohol should be used with caution while wearing a Scopoderm patch. Both hyoscine and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, and combining them can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. If you are using Scopoderm on a cruise or boat trip, be mindful that alcohol may significantly worsen sedation. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and be aware of the enhanced sedative effects.
How can I get Scopoderm patches in the UK?
Scopoderm patches require a prescription in the UK. You can obtain a prescription from your GP, a travel health clinic, or through an online prescribing service such as NowPatient. Due to intermittent supply issues in the UK, availability can vary. NowPatient can check stock availability and issue a prescription with convenient home delivery. Each pack contains 2 patches, providing up to 6 days of protection. Plan ahead as supply may be limited at certain times.
Can I use Scopoderm during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Scopoderm is not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk. There is limited data on the use of hyoscine transdermal patches in pregnant women. Hyoscine is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and may cause sedation or anticholinergic effects in the breastfed infant. Alternative motion sickness remedies that have better-established safety in pregnancy include ginger supplements and acupressure bands. Consult your doctor or midwife before using Scopoderm if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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