Transdermal scopolamine patch with odansetron for the control of nausea after uterine artery embolization compared with odansetron alone: results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the transdermal scopolamine patch in combination with odansetron is more effective than odansetron alone at reducing the nausea that occurs after uterine artery embolization (UAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing UAE at a single university medical center were randomly assigned to receive either a scopolamine patch (containing 1.5 mg of scopolamine) or a placebo. All participants and study personnel were blinded as to group assignment. The primary outcome was the degree of nausea in the first 24 hours after UAE as measured on a visual analog scale from 0 to 10. Nausea and pain at 24 and 72 hours after UAE and medication use were recorded. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were enrolled; 37 were randomly assigned to receive scopolamine, and 37 received placebo. Although the overall level of nausea after UAE was low (mean score of 2.6 out of 10), there was a lower level of nausea with those treated with scopolamine compared with placebo during the first 24 hours after embolization; the difference was statistically significant (1.8 vs 3.4, P = .03). Adverse events were more common with the patch, with two patients experiencing episodes of profound disorientation and 71% reporting substantial dry mouth. The only predictor of greater nausea was the increasing severity of pain. CONCLUSIONS: The scopolamine patch provides a moderate reduction in the nausea associated with UAE but is associated with infrequent but notable episodes of patient disorientation.