Nicotine Patches

What is this medication?

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.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Habitrol, Nicoderm CQ, Nicotrol

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
• Lung disease, including asthma
• Overactive thyroid
• Pheochromocytoma
• Seizures or a history of seizures
• Skin problems, like eczema
• Stomach problems or ulcers
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nicotine, adhesives, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

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.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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, like asthma
• Medications for blood pressure
• Medications for depression

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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.

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

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.