Question
Does the light exposure from tanning beds affect transdermal patches?
Response From the Expert
Darrell T. Hulisz
Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio
Approximately 30 million people use tanning beds each year, a figure that includes 2.3 million adolescents.[1] Current tanning beds emit both UVA and UVB radiation to create a substantial tan.[1] Documented side effects include sunburn, photo-induced medication reactions, skin fragility and blistering, ocular disorders, exacerbation of lupus, and skin cancer.[1]
Transdermal preparations are applied topically and must passively diffuse through layers of the skin and into systemic circulation to exert their effect.[2] Certain transdermal preparations have been shown to display variable pharmacokinetic properties when increased heat is present, which would occur via tanning beds.[2] Transdermal adhesiveness may be affected by perspiration, and medications affected by light could potentially be altered by tanning beds.[1] However, no information directly related to tanning beds was found in a comprehensive literature review.
The following is a list of available transdermal preparations, along with Web addresses for package inserts or manufacturer sites. Before making specific recommendations about these products, clinicians should familiarize themselves with this information. Health professionals also may refer questions about specific transdermal products to the respective Medical Affairs or Product Information departments for these products.
Estradiol and Levonorgestrel
Estradiol and Norethindrone
Ethinyl Estradiol and Norelgestromin
Lidocaine and Epinephrine
Lidocaine and Tetracaine
Nicotine
Nitroglycerin
Salicylic Acid
Medscape Pharmacists © 2007 Medscape
Cite this: Darrell T Hulisz. Do Tanning Beds Affect Transdermal Patches? - Medscape - Jul 11, 2007.
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