A stabilized patch device for transdermal drug delivery of steroid drugs containing a 3-keto-4-en functional group is described, wherein the patch comprises an effective amount of the steroid drug and a carrier that is free of acid functional groups. The device can further contain additives such as a penetration enhancer or excipient, so long as such additives are also free of acid functional groups. The device can be either a matrix patch or a liquid reservoir patch. In a matrix patch, the carrier is a biocompatible polymeric adhesive with which the steroid drug is intimately admixed. The adhesive is preferably an acrylic polymer or copolymer. In a liquid reservoir patch, the carrier is a controlled-viscosity composition containing a thinner or thickener. Preferred steroid drugs include certain corticosteroids and sex hormones, such as progestins and androgens. A method of stabilizing such steroid drugs during storage in transdermal patches is also disclosed.
