Nicoderm

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to teach you how to use the nicotine patch effectively and to give you tips on quitting smoking. Only one nicotine patch should be applied once a day to an area on the upper body or upper outer arm that is non-hairy, intact, non-irritated, clean, and dry.

After 24 hours, the old patch should be removed and discarded and a new patch applied. Be sure that new and discarded patches are kept out of the reach of children. It is very important to apply the patch to a new site on the body and avoid any unnecessary contact with the medicated part of the patch. If during handling you do come into contact with the medicated portion of the patch, quickly wash the affected area with water only. Do not use soap as it can increase the amount of nicotine absorbed into the body. Avoid contact with your eyes.

Your initial dose and duration of therapy can depend on a number of factors such as weight, number of cigarettes you smoke, and various medical conditions. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning a nicotine patch therapy.

Therapy for most people begins with the 21 mg/day patch and continues for 6 weeks. It is important to reassess your initial dose of nicotine after the first 2 weeks of therapy. The next stage of therapy will gradually reduce the dose of nicotine. After successful completion of the first 6-week stage, the 14 mg/day patch should be started for 2 weeks, immediately followed by the 7 mg/day patch for another 2 weeks. Treatment will generally take 8 to 12 weeks. You should not use Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal) for more than 3 months. You must stop smoking completely when taking Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal).

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to use Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal) on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If you miss a dose of Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal), take your next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause dryness of the mouth; it may cause indigestion; it may cause spots or redness of the skin; it may cause sleep disturbances or insomnia; it may cause muscle pain; it may cause unusual dreams. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Nicoderm is available as nicotine transdermal patches.

Nicoderm is a rectangular opaque or transparent patch comprising of a protective liner and 4 layers. Proceeding from the outer surface toward the surface adhering to the skin, these layers are:

1. a backing layer of polyethylene/aluminum/polyester/ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer,
2. a drug reservoir of nicotine (in an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer matrix),
3. a polyethylene membrane that controls the rate of nicotine delivery to the skin surface, and
4. a layer of polyisobutylene adhesive.

Nicoderm is supplied in the following forms:

21 mg/day
Each opaque or transparent rectangular 22 cm² patch has 114 mg of nicotine that delivers 21 mg/day through a rate-controlled system over 24 hours. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyisobutylene, and high density polyethylene between polyester backings.

14 mg/day
Each opaque or transparent rectangular 15 cm² patch has 78 mg of nicotine that delivers 14 mg/day through a rate-controlled system over 24 hours. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyisobutylene, and high density polyethylene between polyester backings.

7 mg/day
Each opaque or transparent rectangular 7 cm² patch has 36 mg of nicotine that delivers 7 mg/day through a rate-controlled system over 24 hours. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, polyisobutylene, and high density polyethylene between polyester backings.

Do not use nicotine patches if you:

• are allergic to nicotine or any ingredients of the patch
• are a non-smoker or an occasional smoker
• are under 18 years of age
• are pregnant or breast-feeding
• have just had a Heart Attack
• have life-threatening Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythm)
• have severe or worsening Angina (chest pain)
• have recently had a Stroke
• have a generalized skin disorder

There may be an interaction between nicotine patches and any of the following:

• Acetaminophen
• adenosine
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Oxazepam)
• caffeine
• Furosemide
• Imipramine
• insulin
• Labetalol
• peginterferon alfa-2b
• phenylephrine
• Prazosin
• Propranolol
• Theophylline

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal).

Medical conditions: If you have Thyroid conditions, Diabetes, stomach ulcers, heart disease, blood vessel disease, Kidney Disease, or a skin disease, discuss with your doctor how Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Pregnancy: Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal) should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using nicotine patches, they may affect your baby. Do not breast-feed while you are using Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal).

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of Nicoderm (Nicotine-transdermal) have not been established for people under 18 years of age.

This medication is contained in a patch that is to be applied to your skin on your front or back, above the waist. Avoid areas where the skin is oily, broken or irritated. To clean the skin, use only water, not alcohol or soap. If the area is hairy, clip hair with scissors. Do not shave it, it would irritate the area.<br/><br/>Avoid touching the sticky side when handling the patch. Apply the patch on the skin and press firmly. When you change patches, apply the new one at a different location. Wait a week before applying a patch at the same location. Patches are waterproof; you may swim or take a shower. If your patch comes off during the day, reapply it or replace it with a new one.<br/><br/>The patch may cause itching or a rash where it has been applied. If such a reaction persists, consult your pharmacist. This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Apply it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effect.