Nicotine skin patches

What is this medicine?

NICOTINE (NIK oh teen) helps people stop smoking. The patches replace the nicotine found in cigarettes and help to decrease withdrawal effects. They are most effective when used in combination with a stop-smoking program.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine 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 drug comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this drug. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in hearing

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• cold sweats

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• headache

• increased saliva

• skin redness that lasts more than 4 days

• stomach pain

• signs and symptoms of nicotine overdose like nausea; vomiting; dizziness; weakness; and rapid heartbeat

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• hiccups

• irritability

• nervousness or restlessness

• trouble sleeping or vivid dreams

What may interact with this medicine?

• certain medicines for lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• medicines for blood pressure

• medicines for depression

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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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 medicine in the original container until ready to use. Throw away unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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 medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care provider for regular checks on your progress.

Talk to your health care provider 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 health care provider that you are using this drug. You may need to remove the patch before the procedure.