nicotine

If you forget to change your patch on time, change it as soon as you remember. You can change your next patch 24 hours later or resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

If you are using the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before using this medication. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, read the Patient Information Leaflet if provided by your pharmacist before you start using this product and each time you get a refill. Make sure you understand how to apply a new patch and dispose of the used product. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not smoke or use other nicotine/tobacco products while wearing and after removing the patch. Nicotine continues to be absorbed through the skin for several hours after the patch is removed. The patch should be applied to a clean, dry, non-hairy area on the trunk or upper arm. Check the manufacturer's instruction sheet for recommended areas to place the patch. If necessary, clip hair from the site before applying the patch. Do not shave the area. Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip, and immediately apply the patch to the skin. Press firmly for 10 to 20 seconds to make sure the patch stays in place. Be sure the edges are held firmly to the skin. Wash your hands with plain water after applying the patch. Do not use soap. The best dose for you is the dose that decreases the urge to smoke without side effects from too much nicotine. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, follow your doctor's orders carefully. Your dose will need to be adjusted to your needs, including smoking history and medical condition. Different brands of nicotine patches have different amounts of nicotine and different instructions for how long to leave the patch on the skin (e.g., for 24 hours or only while awake). Consult your doctor or pharmacist about which brand of patch to use. If you wake up craving cigarettes, the 24-hour patch may be best. If the patch causes vivid dreams or interferes with sleep, you may need to wear the patch only while awake (16 hours each day). Do not apply the patch to red/cut/irritated skin or over other skin products (e.g., makeup, lotions, powders). Do not use the patch if the individual pouch is open or damaged or if the patch is cut, torn, or damaged. Apply the patch to a different area on your body each time to avoid irritation. Wait at least a week before using the same application site. Apply a new patch if your patch falls off. Do not wear a patch for more than 24 hours. Do not wear more than 1 patch at a time. After removing each patch, fold it in half so it sticks to itself, and discard in the trash away from children and pets. Use a new patch each day, applying it at the same time each day to help you remember, usually when you wake up. After several weeks, you will gradually lower your dose (strength of patch) until you no longer need nicotine replacement. Do not use for more than 8-10 weeks unless directed by your doctor. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as tobacco cravings, nervousness, irritability, headache) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately. Tell your doctor if you have not been able to quit smoking after using this product for 4 weeks. Some smokers are unsuccessful the first time they try to quit. You may need to stop using this product and try again later. Many people who cannot quit the first time are successful the next time.

If this drug has been prescribed, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: medications for high blood pressure (e.g., beta blockers such as labetalol, prazosin), bronchodilators/decongestants (e.g., isoproterenol, phenylephrine), bupropion, other nicotine products (e.g., gum, tobacco). Stopping smoking can change the way the liver removes certain drugs from the body (e.g., acetaminophen, caffeine, insulin, oxazepam, pentazocine, propoxyphene, propranolol, theophylline, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline/imipramine, "water pills"/diuretics such as furosemide). Tell all your doctors and pharmacists that you are quitting smoking. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed this medication for you, do not share it with others.

This product may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, remove the patch if possible and contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents should call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents should call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: confusion, drooling, seizure, slow/shallow breathing, hearing problems.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to nicotine; or to adhesive tape; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: uncontrolled/worsening chest pain, recent heart attack, irregular heartbeat (serious arrhythmias), skin problems (e.g., eczema, contact dermatitis). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: blood vessel disease (e.g., Raynaud's disease, stroke), diabetes, heart disease (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), high blood pressure, liver disease, severe kidney disease, stomach/intestinal sores (peptic ulcers), certain adrenal problem (pheochromocytoma), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). If you are going to have an MRI test, notify testing personnel that you are using this patch. Serious burns may occur during MRI tests because of the aluminum contained in these patches. It should be removed just before the MRI test or consult your doctor for specific instructions. Strenuous exercise may raise your skin temperature and increase the amount of nicotine absorbed through the skin. Talk with your doctor about the effects of exercise on this medication. Avoid exposing the skin under the patch to direct heat sources such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or prolonged direct sunlight while wearing you patch. Heat sources may cause more drug to be released into your body, increasing the chance of side effects. Nicotine and smoking may harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant, try to stop smoking without using a nicotine replacement product if possible. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Nicotine from smoking and from this medication passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Smoking near an infant can also harm the infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store the U.S. product in original packaging at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep patches in the sealed protective pouch until ready to use. Apply patch immediately after removing from pouch. Do not use if the pouch is damaged, cut, or opened ahead of time. Store the Canadian product in original packaging at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep patches in the sealed protective pouch until ready to use. Apply patch immediately after removing from pouch. Do not use if the pouch is damaged, cut, or opened ahead of time. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed (See How to Use section).

Mild itching, redness, burning, and stinging at the application site may occur. Stop using this product and tell your doctor if redness caused by the patch does not go away after 4 days. Nausea, dizziness, flushing, or headache may also occur. Common nicotine withdrawal symptoms can occur when you stop smoking and include dizziness, anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping, among others. If any of these withdrawal symptoms or side effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Serious side effects are more likely if you continue to smoke while using this product. Do not smoke while you are using this medication. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., irritability, trouble sleeping, vivid dreams), numbness/tingling in hands/feet, swelling hands/ankles/feet. Stop using this medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, confusion, severe headache, fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.