Nicoderm (Nicotine)

Nicoderm (Nicotine) is an over-the-counter medication used to help people quit smoking or to reduce the withdrawal symptoms from quitting smoking—mood swings, trouble concentrating, increased appetite, irritability, and restlessness. The active ingredient in Nicoderm is Nicotine. Nicotine belongs to a class of medications called nicotine replacement therapies. It works by releasing a steady amount of nicotine through the skin, which helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Stop smoking completely when you begin using NicoDerm. Read enclosed user's guide.
NicoDerm Program: Step 1 (21mg)- Initial treatment for Period Weeks 1-6. Step 2 (14mg)- Step down treatment for Period Weeks 7-8. Step 3 (7mg)- Step down treatment for Period Weeks 9-10.

Important Notes: Light Smokers (10 cigarettes a day or less): Do not use STEP 1 (21 mg). Use STEP 2 (14 mg) for six weeks and STEP 3 (7 mg) for two weeks and then stop. Steps 2 and 3 allow you to gradually reduce your levels of nicotine. Completing the full program will increase your chances of quitting successfully. At the end of 10 weeks (8 weeks for light smokers), stop using NicoDerm CQ. If you still feel the need for NicoDerm CQ, talk with your doctor.

Manufacturer Information

Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Nicoderm. The most common side effects of Nicoderm may include the following:
• Dizziness;
• Dry mouth;
• Headache;
• Insomnia;
• Joint pain;
• Mild skin irritation

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Fast heartbeat;
• Severe nausea;
• Severe weakness;
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or throat

These are not all of the side effects of Nicoderm. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not use Nicoderm if you are allergic to Nicotine or any ingredient in Nicoderm. 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 become pregnant;
• Have adrenal gland tumor;
• Have diabetes;
• Have had a heart attack;
• Have heart disease;
• Have irritated skin;
• Have liver disease;
• Have skin sensitivity to adhesive tape or bandages;
• Have stomach ulcer;
• Have thyroid disorder;
• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between the Nicoderm and other medicines, like acetaminophen, insulin, furosemide, phenylephrine, theophylline, etc. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not use this drug when pregnant because it can harm your unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy when using Nicoderm. If you are already pregnant, smoking cigarettes can cause low birth weight, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Nicotine passes into breast milk but is not expected to harm your nursing infant.

Use this medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Nicoderm comes as a patch. Apply to the skin only. Do not cut the patch. Start using the patch on the same day you stop smoking or using tobacco products. Your patch strength and number of weeks of treatment will depend on how many cigarettes you smoked daily before quitting. Wash your hands after applying or removing a Nicoderm skin patch. Apply the patch to clean, dry, and hairless skin on your chest or the outer part of your upper arm. Press the patch firmly for about 10 seconds to ensure it sticks. Wash your hands with plain water after applying the patch. Do not use soap. You may leave the patch on while bathing, showering, or swimming. Do not wear more than one Nicoderm patch at a time. Do not wear a Nicoderm patch at night if you have vivid dreams or trouble sleeping. If a patch falls off, try sticking it back into place. If it does not stick well, put on a new patch. You may wear a Nicoderm patch for 16 or 24 hours. Wear it for 24 hours if you crave cigarettes when you wake up in the morning. 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 twice within seven days. After removing a skin patch, fold it in half, sticky side in, and put it back into its pouch.

Do not use Nicoderm patches for longer than eight weeks without your doctor's advice. Do not stop using Nicoderm without talking to your doctor. Stopping this treatment suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Avoid using lotions, oils, or moisturizing soaps on the skin where you plan to wear a Nicoderm patch, or it may not stick well. Your doctor may recommend a treatment program that includes counseling, group support, and behavior changes while using Nicoderm. Your success in quitting smoking will depend on your participation in all aspects of your smoking quitting program. Avoid exposing the skin under the patch to direct heat sources such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or prolonged direct sunlight while wearing your patch. Heat sources may cause more drugs to be released into your body, increasing the chance of side effects. Store this drug at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

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