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If you suffer from chronic pain, you’re not alone, and ActiPatch® is something you should know about.
A study shows that at least one in five South African adults suffers from chronic pain,1 and chronic pain accounts for 15% to 20% of all visits to physicians.2
With modern medical innovation, you have the option to treat and manage chronic pain with ActiPatch®, safe-and easy-to-use,3 drug-3 and sensation-free3 pain relief technology available at your local pharmacy.
What you need to know about chronic pain
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts more than three to six months.2 Chronic pain can negatively affect your quality of life2 and can also place a huge burden on caregivers.1
The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as ‘an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage’.4 Osteoarthritic pain, back pain and headaches are among three of the top 10 reasons why people seek medical care for pain.5
What is ActiPatch®?
ActiPatch® is a small, lightweight device that uses pulsed shortwave therapy.3 The device emits a therapeutic radiofrequency pulse3 that reaches deep into affected areas where it interrupts pain signals.3 A study showed that ActiPatch® can reduce the use of systemic painkillers by up to 50%.6
ActiPatch® is indicated as an adjunctive treatment for musculoskeletal pain.3 ActiPatch® is effective for the treatment of chronic pain in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, sports injury, tendonitis, back, knee, neck and shoulder pain.6
Whiie ActiPatch® is safe to use for most people, it is not recommended for children younger than 17 years old,3 pregnant women,3 or the treatment of cancer-related pain.3
See more:
How to use ActiPatch®
- Clean and thoroughly dry the skin around the area of application to remove dirt, oils, and lotions3
- Place the device loop directly over the area of the pain3
- Place the device as close to the skin as possible – also effective through light clothing3
- Any type of wraps, adhesives, bandages can be used to help hold the device in place over the area of the pain3
- Wear continuously in one area until pain diminishes3
How long does it take to work?
Pain relief may be experienced within two to three hours, but generally takes up to three to four days for the therapy to take effect.3
Pain will continue to lessen with continuous use.3
What is the duration of use?
Use for a minimum of 12 hours per day, up to 24 hours per day.3
Is it safe to use?
- No harmful side effects reported3
- Can be used by diabetics, those suffering from arthritis, the elderly and bedridden3
- Do not use directly over pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, or other active implantable devices3
- Do not use in pregnancy3
- Not intended to treat cancer-related pain3
For a better quality of life, why not activate your ActiPatch® now – readily available at your nearest pharmacy.
- Kamerman PR, Bradshaw D, Laubscher R, Pillay, et al. Almost 1 in 5 South African adults have chronic pain: a prevalence study conducted in a large nationally representative sample. Pain, 2020;161(7):1629-1635.
- Treede R-D, Rief W, Barke A, et al. A classification of chronic pain for ICD-11. Pain. 2015 Jun;156(6):1003-1007. doi: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000160. PMID: 25844555; PMCID: PMC4450869.
- ActiPatch® Directions for use, March 2021.
- International Association for the Study of Pain. IASP Revises Its Definition of Pain for the First Time Since 1979. Accessed: 26 February 2023. Available from: https://www.iasp-pain.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/revised-definition-flysheet_R2.pdf
- Cohen SP, Vase L, Hooten WM. Chronic pain: an update on burden, best practices, and new advances. Lancet. 2021 May 29;397(10289):2082-2097. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00393-7. PMID: 34062143.
- Rawe IM, Kotak DC. A UK registry study of the effectiveness of a new over-the-counter chronic pain therapy. Pain Manag. 2015;5(6):413-423. doi: 10.2217/PMT.15.35. Epub 2015 Aug 3. PMID: 26235410.
ActiPatch® Medical Device. ActiPatch® is a registered trademark of BioElectronics Corporation. For full prescribing information refer to the Directions for Use. BioElectronics Corporation, USA, 4539 Metropolitan Court, Frederick, MD 21704. Tel: 1-866-757-2284. Marketed by Adcock Ingram Limited. Co. Reg. No. 1949/034385/06. Private Bag X69, Bryanston, 2021. Customer Care: 0860 ADCOCK/232625. www.adcock.com. 2023050210275578.April 2023.
