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Online Guide to Quitting

Preparing to Quit

MEDICATION GUIDE

NICOTINE PATCH FACT SHEET

Description of Product:

The nicotine patch is placed on the skin and supplies a small and steady amount of nicotine into the body. Nicotine patches contain varied concentrations of nicotine (21mg, 14mg, or 7mg, for example) and the user reduces the dose over time.

Dosing:

	Nicotrol	Nicoderm CQ	Generic Patch

For individuals who smoke more than 10 cigarettes/d	15mg/d x 6 wks	21mg/d x 6 wks	21mg/d x 4 wks
	10mg/d x 2 wks	14mg/d x 2 wks	14mg/d x 2 wks
	5mg/d x 2 wks	7mg/d x 2 wks	7mg/d x 2 wks
For individuals who smoke 10 cigarettes/d or fewer	Not recommended	14mg/d x 6 wks	14mg/d x 6 wks
For individuals who smoke 10 cigarettes/d or fewer		7mg/d x 2 wks	7mg/d x 2 wks

Side Effects:

Side effects may include:

Headaches
Dizziness/Lightheadedness
Drowsiness
Stomach-upset/Nausea

Precautions:

This fact sheet was created to give you a general understanding of this medication. Please note that this fact sheet may not provide you with all the information you need to make the decision to use this product. Always read the instructions on the package carefully and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a severe medical problem, talk with your doctor before starting any new medication.

Special Precautions:

Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Smokers who are pregnant or breastfeeding should try to quit first without assistance from the nicotine patch. The nicotine patch should be used during pregnancy only if the associated benefits outweigh the associated risks.

Cardiovascular conditions: Smokers who have serious arrhythmias or chest pains associated with coronary artery disease should use the nicotine patch with caution.

Dermatologic conditions: Smokers who have dermatologic disorders (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis), may experience skin irritation.

References: Information provided on the Medication Guide and Fact Sheets was obtained from a variety of sources, such as product information guides; manufacturers' Web sites, medical Web sites, and articles in the medical literature, including Corelli, R.L. & Hudman, K.S. (2006) Pharmacologic interventions for smoking cessation, Crit Care Nurs Clin N Am, 18, 39-51.