How to Find Free Nicotine Patches to Help You Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking can be a daunting task. Even though quitting is extremely beneficial to your health, it’s still hard to do because nicotine is an addictive substance. And nicotine withdrawal symptoms that come along with quitting — like nausea, restlessness, and anxiety — can be uncomfortable.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help minimize nicotine withdrawal symptoms and curb cravings for cigarettes. One example of NRT is nicotine patches (NicoDerm CQ, Habitrol), which are available over the counter (OTC). But where can you find them, and is it possible to get free nicotine patches? Here, we’ll answer these questions and more.

What is a nicotine patch?

Nicotine patches are one form of NRT. Along with nicotine lozenges and gum (Nicorette), they’re available OTC. They’re applied to your skin and provide a steady supply of nicotine over the course of 1 day (24 hours). 

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The best nicotine patch dosage for you depends on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. For example, if you smoke more than 10 cigarettes each day, the usual dosage is one 21 mg patch. In most cases, you’ll wear a patch for 24 hours then apply a new one in the morning after you wake up.

The manufacturers of nicotine patches recommend using them for 8 weeks. However, many people will need to use nicotine patches for longer in order to successfully quit smoking. Your healthcare professional can help you decide how long to use nicotine patches. Stopping treatment too early can increase your risk of returning to cigarettes.

Can you get free nicotine patches?

Yes, there are several ways to find free or low-cost nicotine patches, including:

• Use your insurance. If you have insurance, your plan may fully or partly cover the cost of nicotine patches. You can contact your plan to find out more information. Getting a prescription from a healthcare professional is often required for insurance to cover nicotine patches, even though they’re available OTC. If your plan doesn’t cover the full amount of the patches, you can also use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to cover the remaining cost if you have one.

• Check what programs your state offers. Several states have programs that offer free nicotine patches. You can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) or text “QUITNOW” to 333888 to access “quitlines” in your state. A quitline is a telephone hotline that connects you to a “quit coach” and other resources for quitting smoking, including support groups and access to NRT.

• Save with GoodRx. GoodRx may be able to help you save over 70% off the average retail price of generic nicotine patches. For example, a month’s supply of generic nicotine patches may cost as low as $[nicotine low price] at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx coupon. To use a GoodRx coupon for OTC products (like nicotine patches), you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare professional.

Keep in mind: Buying nicotine patches is usually less expensive than buying cigarettes. For example, if you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, you can save over $100 dollars per month by buying nicotine patches instead. And this could have a major effect on your wallet in the long run. If nicotine patches are effective in helping you quit, it could amount to thousands of dollars in savings over your lifetime.

Where can you find nicotine patches?

Now that you know how to get low-cost or free nicotine patches, you need to know where to find them. You can find nicotine patches from the same places you find other OTC medications. This includes:

• Your local pharmacy: All pharmacies, including chain drugstores and grocery store pharmacies, carry OTC medications. Independent pharmacies carry OTC products as well. Many pharmacies will keep nicotine patches in stock at all times, but it’s a good idea to check with a location in advance to confirm.

• Direct from the manufacturer: You can purchase brand-name Nicoderm CQ and Habitrol patches directly from the manufacturer, Nicorette. However, brand-name products typically cost more than generics.

• Online retailers: Nicotine patches are also available through online retailers. But not all online retailers are legitimate places to buy nicotine patches. It's important to do your research to make sure you’re not buying counterfeit products, which can be less effective or even harmful.

Good to know: In addition to online retailers, several state programs and even your local pharmacy may be able to help you get nicotine patches by mail. This prevents you from having to go to a pharmacy in person. Ask your state program or pharmacy whether they can deliver nicotine patches to your house.

Are nicotine patches safe?

Nicotine patches are safe when used as directed. Still, side effects are possible. Mild side effects may include:

• Skin irritation or a rash around the area where you place the patch

• Headaches

• Vivid dreams or sleep issues

Using nicotine patches correctly will help minimize your risk for side effects. Some tips include:

• Don’t use more patches than what’s recommended. If you experience a headache from a nicotine patch, you may need a lower dosage. On the other hand, if you're still having cravings for cigarettes, you may need a higher dosage. Talk to your prescriber before adjusting your dosage. They can help you do this safely.

• Rotate the spot where you place the patch. Nicotine patches can be applied to the skin on your back, shoulder, upper chest, upper arm, or inner arm. Try to avoid placing the patch in the same spot more than once per week to minimize skin irritation. And don’t place a patch onto areas of the skin that are irritated, scarred, or damaged.

• Consider taking your patch off before you sleep. If you experience trouble sleeping or bothersome, vivid dreams while using nicotine patches, consider removing your patch before you go to sleep. Then, apply a new patch first thing when you wake up.

Good to know: Though nicotine patches are an effective treatment on their own — especially when combined with nicotine lozenges or gum — they’re more effective when used as part of a smoking cessation program. These programs may involve working with a quit coach, going to counseling, or attending a support group. There are even text-based programs that can help people quit.

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Written by:

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA, is a licensed pharmacist specializing in chronic disease and health and wellness. Upon completing his residency, he worked in the managed care field, conducting medication therapy management and adherence counseling sessions with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance patients, before transitioning to a career in medical writing.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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