The parent or caregiver should be encouraged to use the administration chart included with each carton of methylphenidate transdermal system to monitor application and removal time, and method of disposal. It is recommended that parents or caregivers apply and remove the transdermal system for children; responsible adolescents may apply or remove the transdermal system themselves if appropriate. If a transdermal system was removed without the parent or caregiver's knowledge, or if a transdermal system is missing from the carton or pouch, the parent or caregiver should be encouraged to ask the child when and how the transdermal system was removed. The Medication Guide includes a timetable to calculate when to remove methylphenidate transdermal system, based on the 9-hour application time.

The adhesive side of methylphenidate transdermal system should be placed on a clean, dry area of the hip. The area selected should not be oily, damaged, or irritated. Apply methylphenidate transdermal system to the hip area avoiding the waistline, since clothing may cause the transdermal system to rub off. When applying the transdermal system the next morning, place on the opposite hip at a new site if possible.

If patients or caregivers experience difficulty separating the transdermal system from the release liner or observe transfer of adhesive to the liner, tearing and/or other damage to the transdermal system during removal from the liner, the transdermal system should be discarded and a new transdermal system should be applied. Patients or caregivers should inspect the release liner to ensure that no adhesive containing medication has transferred to the liner. If adhesive transfer has occurred, the transdermal system should be discarded. Refer to the Instructions for Use for recommendations for discarding used methylphenidate transdermal systems.

Methylphenidate transdermal system should be applied immediately after opening the individual pouch and removing the protective liner. Do not use if the individual pouch seal is broken or if the transdermal system appears to be damaged. Do not cut transdermal systems. Only intact transdermal systems should be applied. The transdermal system should then be pressed firmly in place with the palm of the hand for approximately 30 seconds, making sure that there is good contact of the transdermal system with the skin, especially around the edges. Exposure to water during bathing, swimming, or showering can affect transdermal system adherence. Methylphenidate transdermal systems should not be applied or re-applied with dressings, tape, or other common adhesives. In the event that a transdermal system does not fully adhere to the skin upon application, or becomes partially or fully detached during wear time, the transdermal system should be discarded and a new transdermal system may be applied at a different site. The total recommended wear time for that day should remain 9 hours regardless of the number of transdermal systems used.

All patients should be advised to avoid exposing the methylphenidate transdermal system application site to direct external heat sources, such as hair dryers, heating pads, electric blankets, heated water beds, etc., while wearing the transdermal system [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]. When heat is applied to methylphenidate transdermal system after transdermal system application, both the rate and the extent of absorption are significantly increased. The temperature-dependent increase in methylphenidate absorption can be greater than 2-fold [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. This increased absorption can be clinically significant and result in overdose of methylphenidate [see Overdosage (10)].

Methylphenidate transdermal systems should not be stored in refrigerators or freezers.