Nicotine patch education

Do not use the patch if you are pregnant, unless your doctor knows you are pregnant and has told you to do so. If you are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor before using the patch.

Peel the protective cover off the patch and throw it away. Try not to touch the silver side of the patch the sticky side. Put one patch on a dry area of skin without hair, such as your stomach, upper arm or side. Do not put the patch on burned, cut or sore skin. To apply the patch, place the silver side on your skin and press it firmly for 10 seconds with the palm of your hand.

Make sure the patch is flat and smooth against your skin. Wash your hands after putting on the patch. Nicotine on your hands could get into your eyes or nose and cause stinging or other problems. Wear the patch for the amount of time shown on the package. Most patches are worn for 16 or 24 hours.

Put the next patch on in a different place. Use a different place each day. You can use the old place again after waiting one week. When you take off the old patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together.

Put the old patch in the package from the new patch, and put the package in the trash where children and pets cannot find it. Call your doctor if you get too much nicotine an overdose. Signs of an overdose could be dizziness, upset stomach, bad headaches, vomiting, cold sweats, drooling, confusion, blurred vision, hearing problems, weakness or fainting.

It is normal to feel mild tingling, itching or burning when you put the patch on. This feeling lasts 15 minutes to one hour. When you take off an old patch, your skin may be red where the patch was. Your skin should not stay red for more than one day. If the skin becomes very red, swollen or sore, call your doctor and do not put on a new patch. You can wear your patch when you bathe, shower, swim or soak in a hot tub.

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements.

You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Nicotine Transdermal Patch pronounced as nik' oh teen.

Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? What special precautions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose?

What side effects can this medication cause? What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. Before using nicotine skin patches, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to adhesive tape or any drugs. If you become pregnant while using nicotine skin patches, call your doctor immediately. Nicotine and nicotine skin patches may cause harm to the fetus.

The quit-smoking medicines talked about on this website are approved by the FDA for adults to use to quit cigarettes. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or younger than 18, you should not use these medicines without talking to your doctor. If you use tobacco products other than cigarettes like cigars, chew, snuff, hookah, or e-cigarettes , talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider or call the quitline QUIT-NOW to get help with quitting.

Some of the ways have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. How to Use Nicotine Patches.