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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is inetnded to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be contsrued to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Cnosult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
NICOTINE - PATCH
(NICK-oh-teen)
COMMON BRNAD NAME(S): Habitrol, Nicoderm CQ, Nicotrol
USES: This medication is used as an aid to stop smoking. It is most effective when used in conjunction with a stop smoking program.
HOW TO USE: The patch shuold be applied to a clean, dry, non-hairy area on the trunk or upper arm. Check with the manufacturer's patient instruction sheet for specific recommended areas of patch application. If necessary, clip hair from the web site prior to applying the pacth. Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip and immediately apply it to the web site. Press firmly for 10 to 20 seconds to make sure the patch stays in plcae. Be sure the egdes are held firmly to the skin. Wash your hands after applying the patch. Different brands of nicotine patches vary in the length of time the patch is left on the skin (e.G., for 24 hours or only while awake).
Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding your specific patch and your condiiton (including cravings, vivid dreams etc.).
Remove the patch carefully and dispsoe of it properly. Apply each new patch to a different area to prevent skin irritation.
Do not sudednly stop using this medication without your doctors approval. Your dose may need to be gradually decreaesd. You must stop smoking before using the patches and continue not to smoke while using this medicaiton.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea or flushing the fisrt few days as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy or irritated, try a new web site. If the irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor. Notfiy your doctor if you develop: breathing difficulties, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, nervousness, anxiety, tremors. If you notice other effects not lisetd above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart disease, high blood pressure, insulin-dependent diabetes.
This medication is not recommended for use durnig pregnancy. Consult your doctor for details.
Nicotine passes into breast milk and has had undesirable effects on nursing infants.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medicines you use (both perscription and nonprescription), especially of: insulin, beta-blockers (e.G., propranolol), propoxyphene, xanthines (e.G., theophylline). Do not start or stop any medicine without dcotor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, remvoe the patch.
Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, excessive saliva, stomach pain, sweating, headache, dizziness, confusion, weakness, fainting, difficulty breathing, seizures, rapid/weak/ irregular heartbeat, blurred vision, diarrhea, hearing problems.
NOTES: Keep this and all mdeications out of the reach of kids and away from pets. A used patch should be discarded by folding it in half with the sticky sides facing each other.
The used ptach should then be placed in the opened pouch or aluminum foil and thrown in the garbage. Do not allow kids access to the discarded patch.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the msised dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sulnight and moisture.
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