NICOTINE (NIK oh teen) helps you quit smoking. It reduces cravings for nicotine, the addictive substance found in tobacco. It may also help reduce symptoms of withdrawal. It is most effective when used in combination with a stop-smoking program.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Diabetes
Heart disease, angina, irregular heartbeat, or previous heart attack
High blood pressure
High thyroid levels
Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
Pheochromocytoma
Seizures or a history of seizures
Skin problems, such as eczema
Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
An unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine, adhesives, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is for external use only. Follow the directions on the label. Do not cut or trim the patch. After applying the patch, wash your hands. Change the patch every day in the morning, keeping to a regular schedule. When you apply a new patch, use a new area of skin. Wait at least 1 week before using the same area again.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget to replace a patch, use it as soon as you can. Only use one patch at a time and do not leave on the skin for longer than directed. If a patch falls off, you can replace it, but keep to your schedule and remove the patch at the right time.
What may interact with this medication?
Certain medications for lung or breathing disease, such as asthma
Medications for blood pressure
Medications for depression
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Increase in blood pressure
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Dizziness
Headache
Heartburn
Hiccups
Irritation at application site
Trouble sleeping
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.
Talk to your care team about what you can do to improve your chances of quitting.
If you are going to need surgery, an MRI, CT scan, or other procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication. You may need to remove the patch before the procedure.
Where should I keep my medication?
This product may have enough nicotine in it to make children and pets sick. Keep it away from children and pets. After using, throw away as directed on the package.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from heat and light. Keep this medication in the original container until ready to use. Throw away unused medication after the expiration date.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
