The nicotine patch is a method of nicotine supplementation that helps people quit smoking by reducing the physical craving for nicotine.The patch looks like a large square Band-Aid that adheres to the skin. It reduces a person’s desire for a cigarette by maintaining the level of nicotine in the body.
How does it work?
Nicotine patches provide a constant level of nicotine in the body by releasing nicotine through the skin into the circulatory system, transdermally. People who use nicotine patches, therefore, still have nicotine in their bodies but are not getting it by inhaling cigarette smoke into their lungs or by chewing tobacco.
Are there possible side
effects of the patch?
The most common reaction may be a slight rash on the skin at the site where the patch has been placed. Other possible side effects that may occur include nicotine toxicity (when there is too much nicotine entering the body at one time), burning at the skin site during the initial application, heartburn, nausea, dizziness, vivid dreams and insomnia. All of these side effects are rare. Changing the location of the patch daily may help.
Smoking while using the nicotine patch is not a good idea.
In addition to risking nicotine toxicity, smoking while on the patch totally
defeats the purpose of quitting smoking. Remember to keep your goal in mind …. Not to smoke anymore! The main purpose
for choosing to use a nicotine patch is to be free of cigarettes not to enable
you to keep smoking. People are strongly advised Not to smoke while using
the patch since it can drive up nicotine levels in the bloodstream; nicotine
overdoses are poisonous. Get rid of all of your cigarettes before you begin
to use the patch.
Where are they sold?
Nicotine patches are accessible over the counter or though your help insurance carrier. Your health insurance carrier may have specific procedures you must follow in order to get the patches covered with little or no cost to you.
How do I know if my health
care coverage will pay for the patches?
Medi-Cal and San Francisco Health Plan cover the cost of the patches IF you are actively participating in a stop smoking class. Actively participating means that you are attending all the classes and doing the suggested activities. You can not attend one class and expect to be assisted in obtaining the patch.
What is the difference
between the 24-hour patch and the 16-hour patch?
Quit rates are about the same whether you use the 24 or the
16-hour patch. Obviously, you do not keep the 16-hr patch on while you sleep.
The most important criteria for success are your sincere desire to quit smoking
and
to engage in behaviors that discourage your interest and desire for a cigarette.
Clinical studies show that there is approximately a 22% quit rate (one out of 5 people) at 3 months after discontinuing using the patches. However, for people who participate in behavioral based quit smoking programs, these success rates are much higher.
If I have to pay for the
patches, how much will I spend?
Depending on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day, you may need anywhere from a 6 week to a 10 week supply of patches. The cost could range from $200.00 to $300.00 if you have to pay for them out of pocket. A box contains a week supply and usually costs about $4 per patch.
I tried to use the patch but it kept falling off. What can I do?
This happens to a small number of people. Try using band-aid or tape to secure it. You could also wrap an ace bandage around it. Don’t give up.
If you smoked over two packs of cigarettes of cigarettes and sometimes if you smoked, you may have strong cravings for cigarettes. First, remember to use the behavioral tools taught in the class. They are your best hope for long term change and without learning them you are severely limiting your chances for success. In the short term, we often recommend carrying some 2mg Nicorette gum with you if the cravings are unbearable. Sometimes just knowing that you have the gum with you for insurance helps, just in case, and you may never need it.
I exercise and the patch
falls off when I run. What can I do?
Athletes in our program have reported that they wear the patch on a foot in one of their running shoes.