Habitrol patch (Nicotine transdermal system) is an over-the-counter medication used to help smokers quit smoking and reduce the symptoms of withdrawal after quitting. Habitrol is the primary ingredient in tobacco products. When you stop smoking, your nicotine levels drop quickly, leading to withdrawal symptoms like nervousness, irritability, headache, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. The active ingredient in Habitrol patch is Nicotine transdermal system. Nicotine transdermal system belongs to a class of drugs called nicotine replacement therapies. It works by increasing your nicotine levels and reducing withdrawal symptoms. Habitrol patch delivers a steady dose of nicotine through your skin over 24 hours. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose until you no longer crave nicotine and stop the medication. This medication is often used as part of a comprehensive program, including behavior change, counseling, and support to stop smoking.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Habitrol patch from Canada manufactured by GSK in the strength of 7mg, 14mg, and 21mg transdermal patches. The generic Nicotine transdermal system is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Habitrol patch. The most common side effects of Habitrol patch may include the following:
• Dizziness;
• Dry mouth;
• Headache;
• Mild skin irritation where the patch is worn;
• Sleep problems
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Extreme weakness;
• Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats;
• Severe nausea;
• Swelling or skin rash where the patch is worn and does not clear up within 4 days of removing the patch
These are not all of the side effects of Habitrol patch. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Habitrol patch if you are allergic to Nicotine transdermal system or any ingredient in Habitrol patch. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a heart attack or stroke;
• Have a stomach ulcer;
• Have diabetes;
• Have liver disease;
• Have skin sensitivity to bandages or adhesive tape
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Habitrol patch and acetaminophen, adenosine, insulin, prazosin, caffeine, furosemide, etc. Avoid theophylline, labetalol, phenylephrine, or oxazepam with Habitrol patch. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Habitrol may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. If you are pregnant, smoking cigarettes can cause low birth weight, stillbirth, or miscarriage. Try to stop smoking without this medicine replacement product. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Nicotine passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not breastfeed while using this drug. Use Habitrol patch precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Use the transdermal patch the same day you quit smoking or using tobacco products. Your patch strength and treatment duration will depend on how many cigarettes you smoked daily before quitting. Wash your hands after applying or removing a Habitrol patch. Apply the patch to clean, dry, hairless skin on your chest or the outer part of your upper arm. Press the patch firmly in place for about 10 seconds to ensure it sticks. Do not wear more than one patch at a time. You may wear a Habitrol patch for 24 hours. Remove the skin patch after 24 hours and replace it with a new one. Choose a different place on your body to wear the patch each time you put on a new one. Do not use the same skin area within 7 days. After removing a skin patch, fold it in half, sticky side in, and put it back into its pouch. Do not use Habitrol patches for longer than 8 weeks without your doctor's advice. Keep used and unused Habitrol patches out of the sight and reach of children or pets. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.