An electrode for attachment to a patient comprises a flexible planar member, an electrically conductive member embedded in said flexible member and adapted for contact with the patient, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive applied to the conductive member and the flexible planar member on a side of the flexible planar member facing the patient. Through holes extend completely through the electrode and, optionally, may also extend through the layer of adhesive. Alternatively, a permeable electrode having a permeable member which allows a solvent to pass through to the adhesive may be used to eliminate the need for through holes in the electrode. The permeable electrode may also be coated with sodium chloride or potassium chloride and used in conjunction with an applicator containing an alcohol gel which liquefies upon contact with the sodium chloride or potassium chloride. A transdermal patch comprises a layer or compartment where the medication is stored and a layer of adhesive through which the medication diffuses. Again, a plurality of through holes are formed completely through the product and, optionally, through the adhesive as well. An applicator containing the solvent can be placed in direct contact with the top of the electrode or the top of the transdermal patch. In this manner, the solvent can be directed through the through holes formed in either the electrode or the patch to release the solvent and to facilitate its removal.