Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use the patches exactly as directed in the dosing section on the label. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

This medicine comes with a patient instruction booklet. Read and follow these instructions carefully.

It is also important to use a stop-smoking program that may include education, counseling, and psychological support. This may make it easier for you to stop smoking.

For most patches, the strength of the patch will be decreased over a few weeks until use is stopped. If you use a patch that is only available in one strength, use is stopped after the treatment period indicated on the label.

NicoDerm® CQ patch:

  • This is a 3-step program. If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day, start with Step 1 followed by Step 2 and Step 3. If you smoke 10 or less cigarettes per day, start with Step 2 followed by Step 3.
  • Begin using the patch on the morning of your "quit" day, even if you are not able to stop smoking immediately.
  • Leave the patch in its sealed storage pouch until you are ready to put it on. Carefully open the pouch. Never cut the pouch or patch with scissors. Do not use a patch that has been cut by accident.
  • Save the original storage pouch. It will be used to dispose of the used patch.
  • Apply the patch at about the same time every day to clean, dry skin and in an area with little hair.
  • When putting on a new patch, choose a different body area. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one.
  • Do not put the patch on burned, cut, or irritated skin. Do not use creams or lotions, including sunscreen, on the skin where you apply the patch because it may not stick well.
  • Wash your hands after applying or removing a patch.
  • Apply a new patch to a different body area if one falls off.
  • Remove the patch after 16 or 24 hours. It will not work as well after 24 hours and may irritate your skin.
  • If you have vivid dreams or sleep problems, remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new one in the morning.
  • Water will not harm the patch. You may bathe, shower, or swim for short periods while wearing the patch.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For transdermal dosage form (patch):
    • To help you stop smoking:
      • Adults and teenagers 18 years or older—The dose will be provided on the label and is based on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. The amount of nicotine is decreased over time until treatment ends. If you need to use the patch for a longer period of time than recommended on the label, talk to your doctor.
      • Children—Use is not recommended.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

After removing a used patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together. Place the used patch in its storage pouch and throw it away. Make sure it is out of the reach of children and pets.