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Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence: 2008 Update: Slide Presentation (Full)

Treatment Recommendations: Medications-Nicotine Patch (continued)

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Availability	OTC or prescription
Type	Duration	Dosage
Step-Down Dosage	4 weeks	21 mg/24 hours
Step-Down Dosage	then 2 weeks	14 mg/24 hours
Step-Down Dosage	then 2 weeks	7 mg/24 hours
Single Dosage	Both a 22 mg/24 hours and an 11 mg/24 hours (for lighter smokers) are available in a one-step patch regimen.
Prescribing instructions	Location—At the start of each day, the patient should place a new patch on a relatively hairless location, typically between the neck and waist, rotating the site to reduce local skin irritation. Activities—No restrictions while using the patch. Dosing information—Patches should be applied as soon as the patient wakes on their quit day. With patients who experience sleep disruption, have the patient remove the 24-hour patch prior to bedtime or use the 16-hour patch (designed for use while patient is awake).
Cost^a	7 mg box—$37.00 (quantity used determines how long supply lasts) 14 mg box—$47.00 (quantity used determines how long supply lasts) 21 mg box—$48.00 (quantity used determines how long supply lasts)

a. Cost data were established by averaging the retail price of the medication at national chain pharmacies in Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA, Milwaukee, WI, Sunnyside, NY and listed on-line during January 2008 and may not reflect discounts available to health plans and others.

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