A Blog for Healthcare Consumers

The FDA recently released a warning regarding wearing a medicated patch during MRI. Some transdermal medication patches contain metal which can be heated by MRI and cause skin burns under and around the patch. Although most patches do have MRI safety warnings, the FDA recently discovered that several manufacturers did not have adequate labeling. The safety advisory applies to over the counter and prescribed medicated patches, including nicotine patches.

The FDA also recommended that patients:

• inform their doctor ordering the MRI of their patches
• inform the MRI scan center staff
• mark on the MRI screening form that a patch is being used

You can watch the FDA's advisory below and read more about MRI and metal.