Transdermal Patches Can Burn Skin During MRI
A new risk identified while undergoing MRI has surfaced. It is by no means wide spread, but can be a concern to some. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned that some skin patches, such as those that deliver nicotine or other drugs, can cause skin burns if worn during an MRI scan because they contain aluminum and other metals. The metal content is not always listed as a risk on the product labeling. The skin patches include brand names as well as generic products and those that can be found over the counter. People who have used the patches during MRI scans have reported having skin burns under the patch. The FDA has received reports of five people being burned from wearing a skin patch during MRI scans. The FDA is reviewing the labeling and material content of all medicated patches to make sure those that contain metals carry a warning about the risk of wearing the patch during an MRI. They said they will tell the public when the new information is added to the label. Until then, be armed with information and tell the staff at the MRI center, both when you call to make the appointment and when you fill in the health questionnaire before you have an MRI scam, advises the FDA.
