Short answer: Unlike most estrogen patches, CombiPatch is stored in the refrigerator, 36-46°F (2-8°C), in its sealed foil pouch. Let a patch reach room temperature before you apply it, and do not store it outside the pouch or where extreme temperatures can occur. The label gives no time limit at room temperature. Used patches are folded and thrown away, never flushed. Source: CombiPatch label, How Supplied and Patient Information.
How Supplied, Storage Conditions: “Store CombiPatch in the refrigerator at 36℉ to 46℉ (2℃ to 8℃). Store the systems in the sealed foil pouch. Do not store the system in areas where extreme temperatures can occur.”
Patient Information: “Store CombiPatch in the refrigerator at 36℉ to 46℉ (2℃ to 8℃). Allow patch to reach room temperature before application. Do not store CombiPatch outside of its pouch.” The carton front says “See New Storage Requirements” and the side panel says “DO NOT STORE UNPOUCHED.”
| Question | Label answer |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Refrigerator, 36-46°F (2-8°C) |
| Before applying | Let the patch reach room temperature |
| Packaging | Each patch in a sealed foil pouch; 8 systems per carton (0.05/0.14 mg and 0.05/0.25 mg per day) |
| Out of the pouch | Do not store unpouched; open the pouch only when ready to apply |
| Time allowed at room temperature | Not stated |
| Freezer | Not stated |
| Extreme temperatures | Do not store where they can occur |
| Used patches | Fold sticky side together, sturdy child-proof container, trash; do not flush |
The current label applies the refrigerator rule both in How Supplied and in the Patient Information; it does not split storage into before and after dispensing.
Patient Information: “Used patches still contain estrogen and progestin. To throw away the patch, fold the sticky side of the patch together, place in a sturdy child-proof container, and place this container in the trash. Used patches should not be flushed in the toilet.” The Instructions for Use say to tear the pouch open at the slit, not with scissors, and not to open it until you are ready to put the patch on.
CombiPatch is changed twice a week, every 3 to 4 days. See CombiPatch side effects, the CombiPatch dosing schedule, forgot to change CombiPatch, and the room-temperature Climara Pro and Menostar and Vivelle-Dot and Minivelle patches.
Because the label stores CombiPatch in the refrigerator and gives no time limit out of it, it does not say how long patches can travel without cooling; a pharmacist can say what applies to a trip. Keep the patches sealed in their pouches in your carry-on, since the label says not to store them where extreme temperatures can occur.