Skin Care Using Heparinoid Creams for Long-Term Treatment with Oxybutynin Transdermal Patches without Skin Irritation in Elderly OAB Patients

Abstract

Background: Overactive bladder is an age-related urologic disease. An oxybutynin transdermal patch is used to treat overactive bladder; however, long-term use is not advised because of potential adverse reactions at the site of application. The present study aimed to investigate the advantages of administering a combination of heparinoid cream and oxybutynin transdermal patch treatment for overactive bladder in elderly patients. Methods: Eight patients (>65 years of age) with overactive bladder were included. The heparinoid cream was applied topically for 1 week, and skin hydration and transepidermal water loss were quantified before and after application. Thereafter, patients were treated with a combination of an oxybutynin transdermal patch and a heparinoid cream for 12 weeks, and the sites of application were monitored for adverse reactions. Clinical effects of the combinatorial treatment were assessed based on the overactive bladder symptom score. Results: Application of the heparinoid cream did not decrease transepidermal water loss, but increased skin hydration and improved dryness. Oxybutynin transdermal patch therapy was not interrupted because no skin irritation was observed at the site of application for 12 weeks, and the overactive bladder symptom score decreased significantly (p<0.05). Conclusions: Combination treatment with an oxybutynin transdermal patch and a heparinoid cream improved treatment outcomes, suggesting that skin hydration with heparinoid cream is a promising treatment method to ensure appropriate use of oxybutynin transdermal patches in elderly patients with overactive bladders.