Warning: Don’t wear medication patches during MRI

WASHINGTON (AP) – Need an MRI scan? Tell the doctor if you use any kind of medication patch – from nicotine patches to hormone – releasing ones – or you risk a burn during the MRI. Patches that ooze medication through the skin are becoming more popular, and the Food and Drug Administration just discovered that not all of them carry the required MRI warning. Some drug patches contain aluminum or other metals in their backing, the part that makes them stick to the skin. It’s just enough metal to conduct electricity, burning the skin. The FDA is issuing a public health warning after learning of some burned patients. The advice: Tell your doctor about any patches, so the professional can advise which should be removed and when.