Where can you put a nicotine patch. Mastering Nicotine Patches: Effective Placement and Usage Guide for Smokers Quitting
Where should you place a nicotine patch for optimal effectiveness. How do nicotine patches work to help smokers quit. What are the different types of nicotine patches available. How can you obtain nicotine patches at discounted rates. What are the best practices for using nicotine patches in combination with other quitting aids.
Understanding Nicotine Patches: A Powerful Tool for Smoking Cessation
Nicotine patches are a cornerstone of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), designed to aid smokers in their journey to quit. These patches work by delivering controlled doses of nicotine through the skin, effectively reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. By providing a steady release of nicotine, patches help smokers manage their dependence while gradually weaning off the addictive substance.
How do nicotine patches differ from other forms of NRT? Unlike gum or lozenges, patches offer a hands-free, long-lasting nicotine delivery system. This continuous supply helps maintain stable nicotine levels in the bloodstream, potentially making the quitting process more manageable for many users.
The Science Behind Nicotine Patches
Nicotine patches utilize transdermal technology to deliver nicotine directly into the bloodstream. This method bypasses the digestive system, ensuring a more consistent absorption rate. The patch’s adhesive layer contains a reservoir of nicotine that slowly diffuses through the skin over the course of several hours.
Why is this gradual release beneficial? It mimics the steady supply of nicotine that smokers are accustomed to, but without the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. This can significantly reduce the intensity of cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier for individuals to focus on breaking the behavioral aspects of their smoking habit.
Proper Placement: Maximizing the Effectiveness of Nicotine Patches
The effectiveness of nicotine patches largely depends on their correct application. Where should you place a nicotine patch for optimal absorption? The ideal locations include:
- Upper outer arm
- Chest
- Back
- Hip
These areas typically have less hair and are less prone to movement, ensuring better adhesion and consistent nicotine delivery. It’s crucial to rotate the application site daily to prevent skin irritation and maintain effectiveness.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Choose a clean, dry, and hairless area of skin.
- Remove the protective backing from the patch.
- Apply the patch to the chosen area, pressing firmly for about 20 seconds.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after application to remove any residual nicotine.
Can you shower or swim with a nicotine patch? Yes, most patches are designed to stay on during normal daily activities, including bathing. However, extended exposure to water may affect adhesion, so it’s best to apply the patch after showering or swimming.
Types of Nicotine Patches: Choosing the Right Option
Nicotine patches come in various strengths and durations to cater to different smoking habits and quitting strategies. The two main types are:
- 16-hour patches: Worn during waking hours and removed before bed
- 24-hour patches: Worn continuously, including during sleep
How do you determine which type is right for you? Consider your smoking habits and nicotine dependency level. Heavy smokers or those who experience strong morning cravings may benefit from 24-hour patches, while lighter smokers might find 16-hour patches sufficient.
Strength Variations and Stepping Down
Patches typically come in three strength levels:
- High: 21 mg/day (or 25 mg for 16-hour patches)
- Medium: 14 mg/day
- Low: 7 mg/day
Many smoking cessation programs recommend starting with the highest strength and gradually stepping down over 8-12 weeks. This tapering approach helps minimize withdrawal symptoms while progressively reducing nicotine dependency.
Combining Nicotine Patches with Other NRT Products
While nicotine patches provide a steady baseline of nicotine, they may not address sudden, intense cravings effectively. This is where combination therapy comes into play. How can you enhance the effectiveness of nicotine patches? Consider using them in conjunction with faster-acting NRT products such as:
- Nicotine gum
- Lozenges
- Inhalers
- Mouth sprays
These products offer quick nicotine delivery to combat sudden urges, complementing the sustained release provided by patches. This dual approach can significantly increase your chances of quitting successfully.
Tailoring Your NRT Strategy
Every smoker’s journey to quitting is unique. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you develop a personalized NRT strategy that combines patches with other products in a way that best suits your needs and smoking patterns.
Managing Side Effects and Optimizing Patch Use
While nicotine patches are generally well-tolerated, some users may experience side effects. Common issues include skin irritation, sleep disturbances, and vivid dreams. How can you mitigate these effects?
- Rotate patch locations daily to reduce skin irritation
- Apply moisturizer to affected areas (after removing the patch)
- For sleep issues, consider switching to 16-hour patches or removing the patch before bedtime
- Reduce caffeine intake, especially in the evening
Is it normal to experience cravings while using nicotine patches? Yes, some breakthrough cravings are common, especially in the early stages of quitting. This is where combination therapy with faster-acting NRT products can be particularly helpful.
Accessing Nicotine Patches: Cost-Effective Options
The cost of nicotine patches can be a concern for many smokers looking to quit. However, several options exist to make them more affordable. How can you obtain nicotine patches at discounted rates?
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS): In many countries, nicotine patches are available at subsidized rates through government health programs.
- Prescription discounts: Some healthcare providers offer discounted rates for prescribed NRT products.
- Bulk purchasing: Buying larger quantities can often result in lower per-patch costs.
- Insurance coverage: Check if your health insurance plan covers smoking cessation aids.
For example, in Australia, eligible individuals can access nicotine patches at a discounted price through the PBS with a doctor’s prescription. Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may qualify for free or heavily discounted NRT products under the Closing the Gap Scheme.
Integrating Nicotine Patches into a Comprehensive Quit Plan
While nicotine patches are a powerful tool, they are most effective when part of a broader smoking cessation strategy. How can you maximize your chances of quitting successfully?
- Set a quit date and prepare mentally for the change
- Use nicotine patches as directed, starting on your quit date
- Combine patches with faster-acting NRT for breakthrough cravings
- Seek support from friends, family, or support groups
- Consider behavioral therapy or counseling to address psychological aspects of addiction
- Stay physically active to manage stress and cravings
- Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
Why is a multi-faceted approach important? Smoking is both a physical addiction and a behavioral habit. Addressing both aspects simultaneously increases your likelihood of long-term success.
Leveraging Professional Support
Many countries offer quit smoking helplines staffed by trained counselors. These services can provide personalized advice, motivation, and support throughout your quitting journey. For instance, in Australia, the Quitline (13 7848) offers free, confidential support to smokers looking to quit.
Long-Term Success: Beyond the Patch
As you progress through your nicotine patch regimen, it’s important to plan for life after NRT. How can you maintain your smoke-free status once you’ve completed the patch program?
- Develop new coping mechanisms for stress and triggers
- Stay committed to your reasons for quitting
- Celebrate milestones and reward yourself for progress
- Stay connected with support networks
- Be prepared for occasional cravings and have a plan to manage them
Remember, quitting smoking is a journey, and nicotine patches are a valuable tool to help you along the way. With proper use, support, and determination, you can successfully break free from smoking and enjoy the numerous health benefits of a smoke-free life.
By understanding how to effectively use nicotine patches, combining them with other quitting strategies, and leveraging available support systems, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible chance of success in your journey to quit smoking. Whether you’re just starting to consider quitting or you’re ready to take the plunge, nicotine patches offer a scientifically proven method to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, paving the way for a healthier, smoke-free future.
Nicotine patches
Nicotine patches are a type of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) that can be used to help you stop smoking. Nicotine patches help to reduce cravings and feelings of withdrawal by replacing some of the nicotine you would normally get from smoking. A nicotine patch is often used together with a faster-acting type of NRT (such as nicotine lozenges, gum, inhalator, or mouth spray) to help you quit. Watch the video and read the information below to learn about nicotine patches and how to use them to help you stop smoking.
Click and watch the video to learn about nicotine patches.
How to use nicotine patches
A nicotine patch is applied by sticking it onto your skin,
much like you would a band-aid. The nicotine in the patch is slowly absorbed
into your body through your skin. Here are two simple steps to use nicotine
patches correctly:
Step one: Press the patch onto a dry hairless area of skin
for about 20 seconds. You can put it on your chest, arm, or back. Use a
different area of your skin each day. If you applied the patch correctly, you
can shower, bathe, or swim without worrying about it coming off.
Press the patch onto a dry hairless area of skin for about 20 seconds. You can put it on your chest, arm, or back. Use a different area of your skin each day.
Step two: Rinse your hands with water.
It can take a while for the patch to start
working, so use a faster-acting type of NRT (nicotine gum, mouth spray, lozenge
or inhalator) to help reduce cravings.
It’s important to apply the patch to different areas of skin
day-to-day. This will help to prevent skin irritation. Creams can help to
reduce skin irritation if it does occur and changing brands can also help. It’s
best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist who can provide more information.
Some people can experience vivid dreams whilst using
patches. Be reassured that most vivid dreams go away after several days of using
NRT. Some simple things can help prevent this dreaming:
- Reduce your caffeine intake by at least half and avoid
consuming caffeine in the evening. - Ensure you are using a faster-acting type of NRT (such as
the nicotine mouth spray, gum, lozenge or inhalator) whenever you think you’ll
want one or when you feel like a cigarette.
Sleep disturbance is common when stopping smoking; talk to
your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
How the nicotine patch helps
The nicotine patch helps by replacing some of the nicotine
you would normally get from smoking; it can help to manage cravings. Using the
nicotine patch can also help to manage some of the other symptoms of nicotine
withdrawal when you quit such as difficulty concentrating, frustration,
restlessness and anxiety.
After putting the patch on, it can take hours to absorb the
nicotine and get to a comfortable level. This is why it’s important to use the
patch in combination with a faster-acting type of NRT.
What type of nicotine patch should I use?
Patches come in two types, 16-hour day patches and 24-hour
day and night patches. The patches also come in different strengths. The right
type and strength depend on when you have your first cigarette in the morning
and the number of cigarettes that you smoke each day – talk to your doctor or
pharmacist about the right option for you.
If you’re using the 16-hour day patch, remove it before bed.
If you’re using the 24-hour day and night patch, remove and replace first thing
in the morning.
If you’re using the 16-hour day patch, remove it before bed. If you’re using the 24-hour day and night patch, remove and replace first thing in the morning.
Use the patch for at least eight weeks. You can stay with
the same strength of patch for the whole time or reduce the strength of patch
if you like. Discuss the best approach for you with your doctor or pharmacist.
How can I get the nicotine patch at the discounted PBS rate?
You can buy nicotine patches at pharmacies, supermarkets or online.
You can also get the patches at a discounted price on the Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme (PBS). To get nicotine patches at the discounted PBS price, you
need to get a prescription from your doctor, which you take to your pharmacist.
Under the Closing the Gap Scheme, eligible Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people can access nicotine patches, gum and lozenges for
free or for a small co-payment. Speak to your doctor or call the Aboriginal
Quitline on 13 7848 for more information.
For your best chance of quitting
For
your best chance of success, call Quitline and use a faster-acting type of NRT
(mouth spray, gum, lozenge or inhalator), along with the nicotine patch. NRT helps to reduce your cravings to smoke,
while Quitline will help you to identify your other triggers to smoke. Call 13
7848 to speak to our friendly and qualified Quitline counsellors today.
The best chance of successfully quitting smoking comes from using combination therapy – calling Quitline and using patches plus a faster-acting type of NRT (mouth spray, lozenge, gum or inhalator).
For more information: talk to your doctor,
pharmacist or Quitline. For an overview of nicotine replacement therapy, watch our NRT frequently asked questions video. You can also via the patient resources on the Alfred Health website.
If you’re thinking about quitting
If you’re thinking of stopping smoking, chat with one of our
qualified Quitline counsellors on 13 7848, Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm. Quitline
provides non-judgemental, empathetic and tailored support to help you along
your quitting journey. Quitline is a culturally inclusive service for all,
including the LGBTIQA+ community. We also have Aboriginal counsellors available
as well as an interpreter service for people who speak languages other than
English.
Please note, this information is not intended to replace consumer medicines information or health professional
advice. If you would like to provide feedback, please contact [email protected].
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Trying to Quit Smoking? Here’s What You Should Know about the Nicotine Patch
Patricia Mallaber, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, CTTS, NCTTP
Nicotine. We’ve all heard this word concerning tobacco use, but did you know that nicotine is even more potent than morphine? Learn more about how to safely use nicotine in a positive way to give up cigarettes, which has many benefits for your health. Patricia Mallaber, DNP, RN, ANP-BC, CTTS, NCTTP, nurse practitioner and program director of Wilmot Cancer Institute’s Tobacco Dependence Treatment program, answers some common questions about nicotine.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is a chemical that’s found in the tobacco plant itself. It’s what makes smoking cigarettes and using other tobacco products addictive. While other chemicals in the cigarette are carcinogenic, nicotine in and of itself is not what puts you at risk of health problems like cancer. It’s just what keeps you going back to light up despite knowing the harms of continuing to smoke.
Lack of nicotine is what causes the withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit smoking. The most common symptoms are anxiety, irritability, trouble focusing/concentrating and cravings to smoke. Nicotine replacement therapy including the nicotine patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, and nasal spray are designed to deliver controlled amounts of nicotine to help make withdrawal easier and to help improve patient success. Nicotine replacement therapy has been thoroughly researched and is FDA-approved for assisting patients in quitting smoking. The goal is to taper off over time and eventually stop nicotine altogether. There is strong evidence over the years that nicotine patches are safe, effective, and increase patient success.
What should I know about using the nicotine patch?
Nicotine patches come in three different doses. Dosage should be chosen based on how much you currently smoke. Check package instructions regarding appropriate dosing or ask your healthcare provider about what dose is appropriate for you. If you experience dizziness, rapid heartbeat or nausea, this may mean you are getting too much nicotine and you may need to reduce the nicotine patch dose.
When should I use the nicotine patch?
Place the nicotine patch on in the morning and remove it at bedtime. Some people sleep with it on as well. If you have trouble remembering to put it on, try setting an alarm on your phone or put the nicotine patch near your toothbrush or car keys.
Where on my body should I put the nicotine patch?
Apply the patch to clean, dry skin — not skin that has oil, lotion or creams on it. Also, avoid putting the patch in a location that has a lot of hair. Ouch! Upper chest, upper arm, and shoulder are common places on the body to put the patch.
What if the patch bothers my skin?
The nicotine patch can cause skin irritation. You may be able to reduce this by moving the nicotine patch to a different location each day. If you have trouble getting the patch to stick, try to reinforce with fabric bandage (like Coban or other stretchy bandage material), medical tape, or tegaderm. However, avoid cutting the nicotine patch. If you have a known latex allergy, many brands of the nicotine patch are latex-free. Just check the packaging to see if it’s latex-free before you purchase.
The nicotine patch gave me bad dreams. Help!
The nicotine patch can in fact disrupt sleep and cause bad dreams. If you experience this, try taking it off at bedtime to reduce the chances of this happening. Use a new patch the following morning.
Can I smoke with the patch on?
No, and this is important! Smoking while wearing the nicotine patch can not only increase your addiction and tolerance to nicotine, but it also puts you at risk for nicotine toxicity. Having too much nicotine in the body can cause dangerous heart rhythm problems that could be fatal.
Can I use the nicotine patch with the nicotine gum?
Combining the nicotine patch and other nicotine products (gum, lozenge, etc. ) can be useful when carefully monitored. If you have questions or need guidance, ask a medical professional.
I have had a heart attack before. Can I use the nicotine patch?
Nicotine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so it’s important that you check with your healthcare provider to ensure this is a safe option for you.
How much does the nicotine patch cost?
The nicotine patch is available over-the-counter and prices vary from brand to brand. Shop around and compare prices online and in-store to find the best price. Look for coupons if you want extra savings. It’s worth mentioning, New York State Medicaid covers the cost of nicotine patches (as well as all of the other forms of nicotine replacement).
Wilmot Cancer Institute has a smoking cessation program from which those wishing to quit can get free nicotine replacement. To learn more, call (585) 504-9461 or email [email protected].
Additionally, eligible patients can receive a supply of nicotine replacement therapy by calling the NYS Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-697-8487.
Need help quitting smoking?
Wilmot Cancer Institute has multiple programs that can help! Current Wilmot patients can to their oncology team or call (585) 504-9461. For all others, call (585) 504-9461 or email [email protected]
Brun reported the first death in Russia due to snus analogues
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The chief freelance narcologist of the Ministry of Health, Yevgeny Bryun, said that the first fatal case was recorded in Russia due to poisoning with non-smoking mixtures. Counterfeit products with a high content of nicotine have previously become a cause of poisoning in children. Regional media disseminated information in different regions of Russia at the end of last year, but there was not a single fact confirming the reliability of such information.
Nevertheless, the problem of the lack of a regulatory framework and the availability of nicotine mixtures for minors has received a wide public outcry.
Discussion of the need for rapid regulation of the market has reached the federal level. Currently, in a number of regions of the Russian Federation laws have already been adopted prohibiting the sale of nicotine mixtures to minors. Several bills are under consideration in the State Duma: one equates such products to cigarettes and applies similar age and marketing restrictions to them, and several more completely prohibit the category.
It is noteworthy that even tobacco companies are in favor of tight control over the segment of non-smoking nicotine products. Thus, it is proposed to legally prohibit the sale of nicotine products to persons under 18 years of age, as well as to establish the maximum concentration of nicotine in non-tobacco mixtures at the level of 15-20 mg
Boris Mendelevich, nicotine products are used by adults seeking to quit smoking or switch from cigarettes to other nicotine products. Nicotine gums, sprays and patches are commercially available, with nicotine concentrations ranging from 2 to 16 mg.
Previously, a number of legislators have called for the speedy regulation and ban of nicotine-containing products for minors.
In turn, State Duma deputy, member of the United Russia faction Airat Farrakhov, in his commentary to Arguments and Facts, said: “Regarding the new segment – nicotine-containing oral consumption products, for which excise duty has not yet been established and which is not mentioned in the Tax Code, my opinion is this. First, it is necessary to develop amendments to the legislation that would introduce an obligation for manufacturers and importers of such products to pay excise duty. Thus, it would be possible to separate the legal market from the illegal one. The second is to consider the introduction of a digital marking system that would allow controlling the payment of excise duty and checking the legality of the product in retail. And the third is to establish rules for the circulation of such products, prohibit their sale to minors, and limit advertising. And, perhaps, introduce additional licensing of production and imports.”
In turn, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Information Policy, Information Technologies and Communications, United Russia deputy Sergei Boyarsky stressed: “Relevant amendments will be finalized by the second reading of the bill. In addition, it is necessary to prohibit sales via the Internet. It is also advisable to empower the relevant authorities with the possibility of pre-trial blocking of sites where these products are sold – this practice already exists. The so-called sweets, lollipops, marmalade and other variations of nicotine-containing products disguised as food analogues should be banned as a class by the norm. Externally attractive jars in which snus and its analogues are packaged should be exactly the same marked as tobacco. At the same time, this issue needs to be approached carefully, given that some products, such as nicotine patches and chewing gum, which are sold in pharmacies, should not be banned. ”
Legislators’ opinion is shared by civil society.
In particular, the head of the regional public anti-drug movement “AntiDealer” Denis Terskov, in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta, said: “We see that today the problem of minors’ access to a new type of nicotine-containing products – non-tobacco nicotine mixtures has become an acute problem. This market segment has not yet been regulated by Russian legislation. This creates a legal gap allowing unscrupulous manufacturers to make products targeted at minors. In particular, we see a large number of products with an exorbitant concentration of nicotine – more than 100 mg. Such doses can be hazardous to health, products with such a concentration of nicotine should be banned. That being said, it would be shortsighted to ban the category of nicotine blends as such. It is important to separate counterfeit goods and products designed to reduce people’s dependence on smoking. For smokers, such products may be in demand and necessary, they can help in the fight against the habit of smoking traditional cigarettes. According to our experience in fighting illegal products (cigarettes and alcohol), if this segment goes into the shadow zone, then it will be much more difficult to control the quality of such products and prevent sales to minors. Such a segment needs strict regulation by analogy with tobacco and alcohol products.”
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GBUZ NO “Narcological hospital” – Tobacco smoking
GO TO THE VERSION FOR THE VERSION
State Budgetary Health Institution of the Nizhny Novgorod Region
“Narcological Hospital”
Nizhny Novgorod
Reception
Hotline: +7(831)253-83-28
E-mail: nb_nn@mail. 52gov. en
Address Location: Nizhny Novgorod, st. Dyakonova, 39
- Home
- Therapies
- Tobacco smoking
The main goal of any tobacco therapy is smoking cessation and control of subsequent nicotine withdrawal. There are many methods of treating smoking, all of them can be divided into medicinal and psychotherapeutic. In turn, drug therapy is divided into 3 groups:
1. Nicotine replacement therapy (the use of products containing nicotine and facilitating overcoming nicotine addiction).
2. Aversive therapy (use of drugs that cause aversion to smoking).
3. Symptomatic therapy (sedative and analgesic drugs).
The most well-known replacement therapy drugs include lobeline, cytiton, anabasin, tabex, vitamin groups B and C, etc. Lobeline, cytiton and nicotine similarly act on the autonomic ganglia through H – cholinergic structures. That is, lobelin and cytiton serve as a substitute for nicotine in nicotine withdrawal. These drugs are especially indicated for those who are afraid that they will not survive nicotine withdrawal during the complete cessation of smoking. It should be remembered about contraindications to treatment with lobelin: severe atherosclerosis of the vessels of the brain, heart, kidneys, hypotension, age over sixty years.
Nicotine chewing gum
In addition to nicotine (2-4 mg), chewing gum contains menthol or other aromatic substances. While chewing gum, nicotine is slowly absorbed in the mouth and thus practically replaces the cigarette. Pharmacies sell nicotine-containing chewing gums “Nicorette”, “Gamibazin”, etc. They are usually used during a smoking attack (on average, up to 10 pads per day). However, this method of treatment may also be unsuccessful without a strong, uncompromising desire to say goodbye to smoking forever.
Contraindications to the use of nicotine-containing chewing gums are myocardial infarction, stroke and gastric ulcer.
Nicotine patch
A patch applied to the skin of the upper arm, back, or thigh, allowing nicotine to slowly and continuously enter the body through the skin. This allows you to use it for a long time (up to 6 months). Due to the constant release of nicotine, the patch alleviates the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal: improves mood, relieves irritability and, most importantly, muffles the desire to smoke. In some cases, when using the patch, side effects appear (nausea, headache, palpitations).
Aversive therapy
There are many ways to treat smoking aversively. Of these, the most common is rinsing the mouth with liquids that, interacting with tobacco smoke, cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth (0.25-0.5% silver nitrate solution, 0.1% copper sulfate solution, etc.). It is also recommended to lubricate the tongue and gums with a 0. 5% silver nitrate solution before smoking, and also rinse the mouth with a composition that includes tannin, glycerin, and water.
Symptomatic therapy
Long-term ex-smokers may experience prolonged withdrawal symptoms. During the period of quitting smoking, there may be a strong desire to smoke. This condition can be expressed in increased irritability, headaches, decreased performance, somatovegetative mood disorders, and general somatovegetative discomfort. An impending breakdown can be prevented with symptomatic treatment.
You can mitigate nicotine withdrawal with various sedative mixtures: infusion and extract of valerian, motherwort herb), stimulants (ginseng root, lemongrass seed, pantocrine, aralia tincture), vitamins (A, groups B, C, E).
Symptomatic treatment is necessary for various symptoms associated with cardiovascular disorders, lung diseases, headaches and other complaints. You should also actively use therapeutic nutrition, herbal medicine, physical and breathing exercises, and sports.