nicotine
Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) is a nicotine replacement therapy used to help people quit smoking. It's applied to the skin once per day and releases nicotine into your body throughout the day. Your starting dose of nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) depends on how many cigarettes you typically smoke. Side effects include skin irritation and difficulty sleeping. Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) is available over the counter and as lower-cost generics.
What is Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)?
What is Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) used for?
How Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) works
Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) is a nicotine agonist. Nicotine is an addictive chemical found in many tobacco products, including cigarettes.
Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) serves as a replacement for nicotine for people who are trying to quit smoking. It lowers your nicotine cravings and helps prevent nicotine withdrawal symptoms, without exposing you to the harmful chemicals found in tobacco products.
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What are the side effects of Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)?
Common Side Effects
- Skin irritation, redness, or rash
- Headache
- Vivid dreams or sleep problems
Source:Â DailyMed
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The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Acid or sour stomach
belching
indigestion
mouth and throat irritation
stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)
Cons
Releases nicotine slower than other nicotine products
Not a good option if you have sensitive skin
Can cause vivid dreams
Pharmacist tips for Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)
Don't use a nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) without talking to your provider first if you have heart problems (e.g., high blood pressure, recent heart attack, heart rhythm problems), allergy to adhesive tape or skin problems, diabetes, history of seizures, or stomach ulcers. Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) can potentially worsen the symptoms of these conditions.
Let your provider or pharmacist know if you're taking other medications to help stop smoking or if you're taking depression or asthma medications because they might need to adjust your doses while using nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ).
Stop using the nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) and contact a provider if you get skin redness that doesn't go away after 4 days, skin swelling, a rash, an irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, or difficulty breathing.
Start nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) on the day you quit smoking. Double check that you're starting at the right dose of nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) based on how many cigarettes you smoke. Your provider might give you the full course of treatment (multiple boxes of nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)) all at once.
Don't cut the patches because this can affect how the patch works.
Apply a new nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) to dry, clean, and hairless skin every 24 hours. Don't leave the path on for more than 24 hours because it might irritate your skin, and it doesn't work as well after 24 hours.
After applying the patch to skin, press and hold it down for 10 seconds. Then, wash your hands after applying or removing the patch to get rid of any nicotine that might've gotten on your fingers.
To prevent skin irritation, choose a new spot on the body every time you apply a new patch. Let your provider know if nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) causes skin redness that doesn't go away after 4 days, or if it causes skin swelling or rash. If this happens, you might need to stop using this medication.
Don't wear more than one patch at a time because your body will absorb too much nicotine. Get medical help right away if you experience symptoms of too much nicotine in your body, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, feeling weak, or a fast heart beat.
Remove the nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) before undergoing an MRI procedure to help prevent possible skin burns.
Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) can cause vivid dreams or nightmares. If you experience this, take off the patch at bedtime and apply a new patch in the morning to help.
To get the most benefit from the nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ), complete the full treatment. Talk to your provider if you need to use this medication for a longer period.
Store nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) up and away from children and pets so they're less likely to reach and accidentally take the medication. To dispose of patches, fold the sticky ends together and put in the pouch the patch came in before throwing it in the trash. If you think your child accidentally took the medication, call a Poison Control Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
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Frequently asked questions about Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)
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What are the risks and warnings for Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)?
Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Harm to unborn babies and breastfeeding babies
Risk factors: Pregnant or planning to become pregnant | Breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your provider about the benefits and risks of using nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ). Use of nicotine during pregnancy in any form can cause serious harm to your baby in the womb and after birth. Research shows that children born to mothers who used nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) during pregnancy might be at higher risk for certain developmental disorder after birth. Nicotine can also get into breastmilk and might cause harm to breastfed babies. Ask your provider about options to quit smoking with no or minimal use of nicotine products.
Worsening of certain medical conditions
Risk factors: Heart problems | Recent heart attack | Irregular heartbeat | High blood pressure not controlled with medication | Diabetes | Stomach ulcers | Skin problems | History of seizures
Don't take nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) can worsen your condition(s) and cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all the medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ).
Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)
Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) patches are applied directly to the skin once daily.
If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day:
Week 1 to 4: Step 1 - use one 21 mg patch daily
Week 5 to 6: Step 2 - use one 14 mg patch daily
Week 7 to 8: Step 3 - use one 7 mg patch daily
If you smoke 10 or less cigarettes per day:
Week 1 to 6: Step 2 - use one 14 mg patch daily
Week 7 to 8: Step 3 - use one 7 mg patch daily
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How much does Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ) cost?
What are alternatives to Nicotine patch (Nicoderm CQ)?
To lessen withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings associated with smoking cessation (quitting smoking)
To lessen withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings related to smoking cessation (quitting smoking)
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Cancer Society. (2020). Harmful chemicals in tobacco products.
Blanc, J., et al. (2021). Nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy and child health outcomes: A systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). How to use nicotine patches.
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Inc. (2022). Habitrol Step 1, Step 2, Step 3- nicotine transdermal system patch patch, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Haleon Group of Companies. (n.d). FAQs.
Hartmann-Boyce, J., et al. (2018). Nicotine replacement therapy versus control for smoking cessation. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Ilett, K. F., et al. (2003). Use of nicotine patches in breast-feeding mothers: Transfer of nicotine and cotinine into human milk. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Johnson, J. D., et al. (2015). Infantile colic: Recognition and treatment. American Family Physician.
Obstetrics and Gynecology. (2020). Tobacco and nicotine cessation during pregnancy: ACOG committee opinion, number 807.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Nicotine is why tobacco products are addictive.
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