Nicabate Patches

also known as Nicoderm / Niquitin patches

Nicabate Patch Step 1 (21mg) From $15.00	Nicabate Patch Step 2 (14mg) From $13.30	Nicabate Patch Step 3 (7mg) From $12.45

Classification
Pharmacy Only Medicine

Dosage
Apply one patch daily.

Purpose/Usage
Nicabate patches are designed to help you quit smoking. The unique rate controlled membrane releases nicotine steadily through the skin into the bloodstream, regardless of skin type. Nicotine is available immediately upon application of the patch. After 2 to 4 hours the nicotine in the blood peaks and a steady dose is delivered until the patch is removed after 24 hours. Each nicotine patch helps relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings (such as early morning), which you could otherwise have when you stop smoking. This allows you to work on changing the habits that accompany smoking whilst you?re being weaned off nicotine. Use nicotine patches exactly as prescribed. The general procedure is as follows:

• Take a fresh patch out of its packaging and remove the protective liner from the adhesive. Save the wrapper for later disposal of the used patch.
• Stick the patch onto your outer upper arm or any clean, dry, non-hairy part of your trunk.
• Press the patch firmly onto your skin for about 10 seconds, making sure that the edges are sticking well.
• Wash your hands. Any nicotine sticking to your hands could get into your eyes or nose, causing irritation.
• After 16 or 24 hours (depending on the brand), remove that patch and apply a fresh patch to a different spot on your body. To reduce the chances of irritation, do not return to a previously used spot for at least a week.
• Fold the used patch in half, place it back in its own wrapper, and throw it in a trash container that cannot be reached by children or pets.

Water will not harm the nicotine patch. You may keep wearing your patch while bathing, showering, swimming, or using a hot tub. If your patch does fall off, dispose of it carefully and apply a new patch. As a memory aid, pick a specific time of day and always apply a fresh patch at that time. You may change the schedule if you need to. Just remember not to wear any single patch for more than the recommended time (16 or 24 hours), since after that time the patch will begin to lose strength and may begin to irritate your skin. Do not change brands without consulting your doctor, and do not attempt to adjust your dosage by cutting a patch in pieces. If you are unable to stop smoking after 4 to 10 weeks of wearing nicotine patches, it is likely that patch treatment will not work for you.

If you miss a dose: Apply the patch as soon as you remember. Never use 2 patches at once.

Precautions
Do not take this medication if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to nicotine. Be cautious if you have ever had a bad reaction to a different brand of nicotine patch or to adhesive tape or other adhesive material. Do not smoke, chew, or sniff any form of tobacco while wearing a patch; doing so could give you an overdose of nicotine. Be aware that for several hours after you remove a patch, nicotine from the patch is still in your skin and passing into your bloodstream, so you should not smoke even when the patch is off. The use of nicotine patches may aggravate certain medical conditions. Before you use any brand of nicotine patch, make sure your doctor knows if you have, or have ever had, any of the following conditions:

• Allergies to drugs, adhesive tape, or bandages
• Chest pain from a heart condition (angina)
• Diabetes requiring insulin injections
• Heart attack or heart disease
• High blood pressure (severe)
• Irregular heartbeat (heart arrhythmia)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Overactive thyroid
• Skin disease
• Stomach ulcer/s Nicotine, from any source, can be toxic and addictive.

Do not use nicotine patches any longer than your pharmacist or doctor prescribes or the product instructions recommend. Thoroughly discuss with your pharmacist or doctor the benefits and risks of nicotine replacement therapy. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Ideally, a pregnant woman should not take nicotine in any form. Do your best to quit smoking with the aid of counseling and support and without drug therapy. If you are unable to quit, you and your doctor should discuss which is more likely to harm your unborn baby: continued smoking or use of nicotine patches to help you quit smoking. Because nicotine passes very readily into breast milk, ideally it should not be taken in any form during breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding and are unable to quit smoking, discuss with your doctor the pros and cons of using nicotine patches. Remember that if you smoke while wearing a patch, you are giving your body a "double dose" of nicotine; if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your baby will get the "double dose", too.

Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible.

• Most common side effects may include: Dizziness, high blood pressure, itching and burning at the application site, nausea, redness of the skin.
• Less common side effects may include: Abnormal dreaming, allergic reactions, back pain, chest pain, constipation, cough, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, impaired concentration, indigestion, inflammation of sinuses, menstrual irregularities, numbness, pain, pins and needles sensation, rash, sleeplessness, sore throat, stomach pain, sweating, taste changes, tingling, vomiting, weakness.