What are nicotine patches for?
Nicotine patches helps you to give up smoking by relieving the desire to smoke, and some of the unpleasant effects which smokers experience when they stop smoking.
How nicotine patches work
Smokers have a reliance on nicotine i.e. the body becomes dependant on nicotine.
When you give up smoking, your body will miss the effects of nicotine and you will miss the habit of smoking. Nicotine patches will help you to tackle these feelings.
It is your body’s dependence on nicotine which causes withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly stop smoking.
Nicotine patches are intended to ease withdrawal symptoms by providing your body with nicotine. This leaves your mind free to concentrate on overcoming your desire to smoke. Nicotine patches allow nicotine to be taken up slowly through your skin. The amount of nicotine in the patch is enough to help reduce withdrawal symptoms but is lower than the amount of nicotine which you get from smoking.
For the nicotine patch to be effective you must not smoke at all while using it.
Important information before using nicotine patches
Do not use a nicotine patch if:
- you have angina
- you have had a recent heart attack or a stroke
- you have long term skin disorders like psoriasis
- you are allergic to nicotine or may be sensitive to the patch adhesive
Your doctor will help you understand if any other medical problems or medicines that you might have will affect the decision to use a nicotine patch.
Using the nicotine patch
There are three different strengths of Nicorette Patch that are intended to be used for 16 hours.
- Use the 15 mg/16h Nicorette Patch for 12 weeks
- Use the lower strength 10 mg/16h for the next two weeks
- Then use the lowest strength 5 mg/16h for the final two weeks
- Choose and prepare an area of skin and make sure it is clean and dry. Any area of the body could be used, but preferably hairless skin is best to stick the patch on. Examples may be the upper thigh, hip, under the upper arm or the chest.
- The patch should be placed on a different part of the body each day. This will help reduce skin irritation if one site is used all the time.
- Each patch comes in a pouch. You will need a pair of scissors to cut the pouch open. Cut along one edge of the pouch with the scissors and carefully remove the patch. Be sure to handle the patch carefully as the nicotine on the sticky side could come off on your hands. This can cause stinging and redness if it gets near your eyes or nose.
- To apply the patch, remove the clear plastic coating and press the sticky side onto the clean dry skin for about 10 seconds.
- Run your finger around the edge of the patch to ensure it sticks properly.
- You should apply a patch first thing in the morning and remove it before you go to bed. The patch is not intended to be worn at night when you are sleeping.
- When you are finished with your patch, fold the used patch in half with the sticky side inward. Place the folded patch inside the opened pouch or wrap it in a piece of aluminium foil. The used patch should then be disposed of carefully where children or animals cannot get hold of it.
- After applying or removing a Nicorette patch wash and dry your hands thoroughly so that you cannot get any nicotine into your eyes or nose. Do not use soap
Side effects
You may notice the following:
- redness or itching of the skin where the patch has been
- tingling in fingers or toes
- redness of the skin and hives.
- dizziness
- headache
- indigestion or heartburn
- irritability
- sleep disturbances
- light headedness
