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Nicotine Patch

Nicotine patches deliver a continuous dose of nicotine throughout the day. They may cause sleep disturbances or nightmares, if this occurs take the patch off before bed.

Possible side effects are:

  • Skin irritation

  • Reaction to the adhesive

  • Nicotine can be an irritant, but this is not an allergy

Talk to your pharmacist about medicated creams that may help such as aloe and hydrocortisone.

 

How to use the nicotine patch

  1. Set doses: guides you from Step 1 to Step 2 to Step 3
  2. Apply to clean, dry area; apply on a different part of arm (or upper body) each day
  3. Remove old patch before applying new one
  4. Touch only small corner of adhesive, the sticky back of the patch
  5. Rub patch after application and make sure all edges are stuck
  6. Wash hands in water after application, do not use soap.
  7. The old patch can still be harmful. Fold the old patch in half with the sticky parts together and discard it out of reach of children and animals.

Useful Tips:

  • Do not use lotion or moisturizing soap where you intend to apply the patch, it may not stick well
  • If the patch does not stick well:
    • Clean the area with an alcohol wipe
    • Use medical tape to hold the patch in place
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