Nicotine Patches and Gum

Health Services 255-5155 anytime (24/7) gannett www.gannett.cornell.edu Nicotine Patches and Gum

Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT’s) patch contain the tars and poisonous swimming. If it falls off, replace it with such as the patch or gum help relieve gases found in cigarettes. a new patch. Carefully discard a used withdrawal symptoms (e.g., irritability, While the nicotine patch can take patch and its wrapper, as nicotine is headache, disturbed sleep, anger) or the edge off your cravings, it is not a toxic to children and pets. cigarette cravings that may be expe- “magical cure for smoking.” The patch Some people who use the patch devel-

Live well to learn well learn to well Live rienced when trying to quit smoking. can give you an opportunity to make op a mild skin reaction of redness and After just a few weeks, the body will changes in your routine without hav- itching. If this happens to you, rinse clear itself of nicotine, and these ing to deal with withdrawal symptoms. the area with cool water (you may also symptoms will go away. But it is also recommended that other apply 1% hydrocortisone cream). If the Nicotine Patches (behavioral, psychological, environ- reaction is severe, discontinue use of The patch provides a steady, con- mental and social) support strategies the patch and talk with your health trolled release of nicotine (absorbed be used in conjunction with the patch. care provider. Do not use the patch if through the skin) throughout the day. Over time, as you become more com- you have an allergy to adhesives. It does not release as much nicotine fortable being a nonsmoker, a lower If you have vivid dreams at night while as does a cigarette, nor does the dose patch can be purchased to taper wearing the patch, try removing it off, and then stop, the use of nicotine before you go to sleep. Never cut the altogether. patch before application as this can What dosage will I need? result in over-dosing or under-dosing. Those who smoke more than ten ciga- Nicotine Gum rettes a day are advised to begin with Similar to the patch, nicotine gum the step one (21 mg) patch and use it is a nicotine replacement therapy for six weeks. After that, taper to the (NRT) that provides a steady, con- step two (14 mg) patch for two weeks trolled release of nicotine (absorbed and then the step three (7 mg) patch through the membrane of the mouth) for two weeks. throughout the day. It can be used to Those who smoke fewer than ten relieve withdrawal symptoms at the beginning of quitting, to relieve urges kick t cigarettes a day are advised to begin he h to smoke (cravings) while quitting, or a with the step two (14 mg) patch for six b

i to avoid relapse months after quitting t weeks and taper to the step three (7 mg) patch for two weeks. when a new stress or situation may trigger a strong urge to smoke. Patches are designed to be worn for 24 hours or for 16 hours. Be sure to Like the patch, nicotine gum can help review the instructions that come you make changes in your lifestyle with the product you purchase. without having to deal with withdrawal symptoms. How to use nicotine patches Over time, when you are more com- Stop all use of tobacco. Apply the fortable being a nonsmoker, use of patch to any dry, non-hairy area of skin nicotine gum can be reduced and each morning. Most people use their then stopped. upper arm, shoulder, back or thigh. Apply a new patch each day to a dif- What dosage will I need? ferent location for seven days. Then, If you smoke fewer than 24 cigarettes you may return to the original site. The per day, it is recommended that you patch can be used while showering and use the 2 mg/piece of gum dosage. Use one piece every one to two hours for the first six weeks. Then use one Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Facts piece every two to four hours for the It is important to use any nicotine replacement therapy (such as the patch next three weeks. Finally, use one or gum) in a safe and effective manner. Keep the following facts in mind piece of gum every four to eight hours before beginning any NRT program. for the next three weeks, until you gradually stop usage. Some people • It is strongly recommended that users of NRT products refrain from smok- may find that they can taper their use ing, chewing tobacco, using snuff or other nicotine products. This can trigger more quickly than recommended. Do a relapse. It may also cause high levels of nicotine in the body creating side- not exceed 24 pieces of gum a day or effects such as: headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, 12 weeks of usage. mental cofusion, weakness or fainting. If you smoke 24 or more cigarettes • If you have a medical problem such as heart disease or high blood pressure, per day, it is recommended you use consult with your health-care provider before beginning any NRT, even one the 4 mg/piece of gum dosage. Use that is available over-the-counter. one piece every one to two hours • If you take any medication, especially for asthma or depression, speak to for the first six weeks. Then use one your provider before taking NRT’s. The dose of a medication may need to piece every two to four hours for be adjusted because the body changes when one stops smoking. the next three weeks. Finally, use one piece of gum every four to eight • While NRT products enable you to make changes in your routine without hours for the next three weeks, until having to deal with withdrawal symptoms, it is also recommended that be- you gradually stop usage. Some may havioral, psychological, environmental and social support strategies be used find that they can taper their use in addition to any NRT program. more quickly than recommended. Do not exceed 24 pieces of gum a day or • Chew nicotine gum very slowly and • One stick of gum can be chewed 12 weeks of usage. intermittently to release the nicotine. up to 30 minutes then discarded. In How to use nicotine gum • Take a couple of chews, until you order to ensure the nicotine is absorbed correctly, avoid chewing and Follow these instructions to ensure get a tingling sensation or a peppery swallowing too quickly. the most effective use of nicotine taste in the mouth. The only way gum: nicotine from gum can be absorbed • Avoid acidic foods and beverages is through the membrane lining the (coffee, colas, tea, fruit juices, etc.) • Stop all use of tobacco. Nicotine mouth. Nicotine that is swallowed 15 minutes before or while using gum works by providing the user a will be wasted. the gum. steady, controlled release of nicotine throughout the day to reduce • Once the tingling sensation or Additional information peppery taste begins, park the gum withdrawal symptoms and cravings, Tobacco cessation can be challenging. in a cheek for a few minutes, then while getting rid of the high peaks For more information about Gannett continue to chew every once in of nicotine that result from smoking. services that can support you in this awhile when the tingling subsides to An occasional cigarette at any point effort, go to www.gannett.cornell.edu in quitting can trigger a relapse. release more nicotine from the gum.

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