How do nicotine patches work. Where should you apply a nicotine patch. What are the best practices for using nicotine patches. Can nicotine patches help you quit smoking. What are the potential side effects of nicotine patches.

Understanding Nicotine Patches and Their Role in Smoking Cessation

Nicotine patches are a popular and effective tool for individuals seeking to quit smoking. These patches work by delivering controlled amounts of nicotine through the skin, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. By providing a steady release of nicotine, patches can assist smokers in gradually weaning themselves off nicotine dependence.

The effectiveness of nicotine patches lies in their ability to mimic the nicotine delivery of cigarettes without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. This approach allows users to focus on breaking the behavioral habits associated with smoking while managing their nicotine cravings.

How Do Nicotine Patches Work?

Nicotine patches function through transdermal delivery, allowing nicotine to be absorbed directly through the skin and into the bloodstream. This method provides a consistent dose of nicotine throughout the day, helping to maintain stable nicotine levels in the body and reduce the urge to smoke.

• Patches release nicotine slowly over a period of 16 or 24 hours
• They come in different strengths to match the user’s smoking habits
• The nicotine dose is typically reduced over time to gradually decrease dependence

Proper Placement of Nicotine Patches for Optimal Effectiveness

The correct placement of nicotine patches is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness and minimizing potential side effects. Proper application helps maximize nicotine absorption and reduces the risk of skin irritation.

Where Should You Apply a Nicotine Patch?

Nicotine patches should be applied to clean, dry, and hairless areas of skin on the upper body. Ideal locations include:

• Upper arm
• Chest
• Back
• Hip

It’s important to rotate the application site daily to prevent skin irritation. Avoid areas with excessive hair, cuts, burns, or irritated skin.

Best Practices for Using Nicotine Patches

To maximize the benefits of nicotine patches and ensure a smooth smoking cessation process, it’s essential to follow these best practices:

1. Clean the application area with soap and water, then dry thoroughly
2. Remove the protective backing from the patch
3. Apply the patch to the chosen area, pressing firmly for 10-20 seconds
4. Wash hands after application to remove any residual nicotine
5. Replace the patch at the same time each day
6. Dispose of used patches safely, out of reach of children and pets

Can You Wear Nicotine Patches While Showering or Swimming?

Yes, nicotine patches are designed to be water-resistant. They can be worn while showering, swimming, or engaging in other water-based activities. However, prolonged exposure to water may affect the patch’s adhesive properties, so it’s advisable to check the patch’s security after water exposure.

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While nicotine patches are generally safe and effective, some users may experience side effects. Being aware of these potential issues can help users manage their treatment more effectively.

What Are the Common Side Effects of Nicotine Patches?

Common side effects of nicotine patches include:

• Skin irritation at the application site
• Sleep disturbances or vivid dreams
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness

If these side effects persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Combining Nicotine Patches with Other Cessation Methods

Nicotine patches can be used in conjunction with other smoking cessation methods to increase the chances of successfully quitting. This comprehensive approach addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of nicotine addiction.

Can Nicotine Patches Be Used with Other Nicotine Replacement Therapies?

In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend combining nicotine patches with short-acting nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) such as gum or lozenges. This combination can help manage sudden cravings while maintaining a steady nicotine level throughout the day. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before combining different NRTs to ensure safe and appropriate usage.

Tailoring Nicotine Patch Usage to Individual Needs

The effectiveness of nicotine patches can be optimized by tailoring their usage to individual smoking habits and nicotine dependence levels. This personalized approach increases the likelihood of a successful quit attempt.

How to Choose the Right Nicotine Patch Strength?

Selecting the appropriate nicotine patch strength depends on several factors:

• Number of cigarettes smoked per day
• Time to first cigarette after waking
• Previous quit attempts
• Overall health status

Generally, heavier smokers start with higher-strength patches and gradually reduce the dosage over time. It’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable starting strength and tapering schedule.

Monitoring Progress and Adjusting Treatment

Successful smoking cessation with nicotine patches requires ongoing monitoring and adjustment of the treatment plan. This process helps ensure that the therapy remains effective and addresses any challenges that may arise during the quit attempt.

How Long Should You Use Nicotine Patches?

The duration of nicotine patch therapy varies depending on individual needs and progress. Typically, a full course of treatment lasts 8-12 weeks, with gradual reduction in patch strength. However, some individuals may benefit from extended use under medical supervision.

Regular check-ins with a healthcare provider can help assess progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. This may include modifying patch strength, addressing side effects, or incorporating additional support measures.

Complementary Strategies for Smoking Cessation

While nicotine patches play a crucial role in managing the physical aspects of nicotine addiction, incorporating complementary strategies can significantly enhance the overall success of smoking cessation efforts.

What Additional Support Can Enhance the Effectiveness of Nicotine Patches?

To maximize the benefits of nicotine patch therapy, consider integrating the following supportive measures:

• Behavioral counseling or therapy
• Support groups or quit-smoking programs
• Stress management techniques
• Regular exercise
• Healthy dietary changes

These complementary approaches address the psychological and lifestyle factors associated with smoking, providing a more comprehensive cessation strategy.

Overcoming Challenges and Preventing Relapse

Quitting smoking is a challenging process, and setbacks are common. Understanding potential obstacles and developing strategies to overcome them can significantly improve long-term success rates.

How to Handle Cravings While Using Nicotine Patches?

Even with nicotine patches, users may experience occasional cravings. Effective coping strategies include:

• Practicing deep breathing exercises
• Engaging in physical activity
• Using distraction techniques
• Seeking support from friends or family
• Utilizing nicotine gum or lozenges for sudden cravings (under medical guidance)

Developing a personalized plan to address cravings can help maintain motivation and prevent relapse during the quit journey.

Long-term Benefits of Quitting Smoking with Nicotine Patches

Successfully quitting smoking using nicotine patches can lead to numerous long-term health benefits and improvements in quality of life. Understanding these positive outcomes can serve as powerful motivation throughout the cessation process.

What Health Improvements Can Be Expected After Quitting Smoking?

Individuals who successfully quit smoking can expect a range of health benefits, including:

• Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
• Improved lung function and respiratory health
• Decreased risk of various cancers
• Enhanced sense of taste and smell
• Improved circulation and skin health
• Increased energy levels and physical endurance

These health improvements begin almost immediately after quitting and continue to accrue over time, significantly enhancing overall well-being and life expectancy.

Safety Considerations and Contraindications

While nicotine patches are generally safe for most individuals, there are certain situations where their use may be contraindicated or require special precautions. Understanding these safety considerations is crucial for ensuring the appropriate and effective use of nicotine patches.

Who Should Avoid Using Nicotine Patches?

Nicotine patches may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals in the following categories should consult their healthcare provider before using nicotine patches:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with cardiovascular diseases
• Individuals with skin conditions or allergies to adhesives
• Those with liver or kidney disease
• Patients taking certain medications that may interact with nicotine

A thorough medical assessment can help determine the safety and appropriateness of nicotine patch therapy for individual cases.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Nicotine Patches

Misconceptions about nicotine patches can deter some individuals from using this effective smoking cessation tool. Addressing these myths can help potential users make informed decisions about their quit journey.

Are Nicotine Patches Addictive?

While nicotine patches contain nicotine, they are designed to deliver it in a controlled manner that helps reduce addiction. The gradual reduction in nicotine dosage over time allows users to wean off nicotine dependence more comfortably than abrupt cessation. When used as directed, nicotine patches are not considered addictive and serve as a tool to break the cycle of nicotine addiction associated with smoking.

Can Nicotine Patches Cause Cancer?

Nicotine patches do not cause cancer. The carcinogenic effects associated with smoking are primarily due to the numerous harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, not nicotine itself. Nicotine patches provide a cleaner form of nicotine delivery without exposing users to the carcinogens found in cigarette smoke, making them a safer alternative for individuals trying to quit smoking.

Technological Advancements in Nicotine Patch Design

As smoking cessation remains a critical public health concern, ongoing research and development have led to improvements in nicotine patch technology. These advancements aim to enhance user experience, efficacy, and adherence to treatment protocols.

What Innovations Are Emerging in Nicotine Patch Technology?

Recent and upcoming innovations in nicotine patch design include:

• Smart patches with digital tracking capabilities
• Patches with improved adhesive properties for longer wear
• Customizable nicotine release rates
• Integration with mobile apps for personalized support
• Patches with reduced skin irritation potential

These technological advancements promise to make nicotine patch therapy more effective, user-friendly, and tailored to individual needs, potentially improving overall quit rates.

The Role of Healthcare Providers in Nicotine Patch Therapy

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in guiding patients through nicotine patch therapy and overall smoking cessation efforts. Their expertise can significantly impact the success of quit attempts and help manage any challenges that arise during the process.

How Can Healthcare Providers Support Patients Using Nicotine Patches?

Healthcare providers can offer valuable support to patients using nicotine patches in several ways:

• Conducting thorough assessments to determine suitability for patch therapy
• Providing personalized treatment plans and dosage recommendations
• Offering guidance on proper patch usage and potential side effects
• Monitoring progress and adjusting treatment as needed
• Addressing concerns and providing motivational support
• Recommending additional resources or complementary therapies

Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers can significantly enhance the effectiveness of nicotine patch therapy and increase the likelihood of long-term smoking cessation success.

Nicotine Patches in the Context of Public Health Initiatives

Nicotine patches play a significant role in broader public health initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates and improving population health. Understanding this context can provide insight into the importance of accessible and effective smoking cessation tools.

How Do Nicotine Patches Contribute to Public Health Goals?

Nicotine patches contribute to public health objectives in several ways:

• Providing a widely available and scientifically proven cessation aid
• Reducing the economic burden of smoking-related healthcare costs
• Supporting smoke-free policies by helping individuals comply with restrictions
• Decreasing secondhand smoke exposure in communities
• Serving as a gateway to comprehensive smoking cessation programs

By facilitating successful quit attempts, nicotine patches play a crucial role in reducing the overall prevalence of smoking and its associated health risks at a population level.

Future Directions in Nicotine Patch Research and Development

As the field of smoking cessation continues to evolve, ongoing research aims to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of nicotine patches. These efforts focus on addressing current limitations and exploring new approaches to nicotine replacement therapy.

What Are the Emerging Trends in Nicotine Patch Research?

Current and future research directions in nicotine patch technology include:

• Development of patches with faster nicotine absorption rates
• Exploration of combination therapies involving patches and other cessation aids
• Investigation of personalized patch dosing based on genetic factors
• Creation of patches with reduced environmental impact
• Studies on long-term efficacy and safety of extended patch use

These research efforts aim to improve quit rates, reduce side effects, and make nicotine patch therapy more accessible and effective for a wider range of individuals seeking to quit smoking.

Nicotine Patch – familydoctor.org

Congratulations on your decision to quit smoking! This is called smoking cessation. Quitting is the best thing you can do to improve your heath. It lowers your risk of cancer and heart disease. It also improves your quality of life. You’ll be able to breathe better and be more active. Not smoking improves your appearance, too. You’ll have whiter teeth, fresher breath, and younger-looking skin.

Several tools can help you quit smoking. Many are nicotine-based products that help you reduce your dependence on nicotine over time. The nicotine patch is a popular smoking cessation tool. You wear the patch on your skin. The patch slowly releases nicotine into your system. This helps your body get used to having less and less nicotine over time.

Follow these instructions to use the patch correctly.

• Stop smoking on the day you start using the patch.
• Do not smoke or use other forms of tobacco while using the patch. This can lead to health problems.
• Do not let anyone else use your patch.
• Keep the patch away from children and pets.
• Talk to you doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and want to use the patch.
• Talk to your doctor before using the patch if you are younger than 18 years old.

Path to improved well being

Quitting smoking is not easy. You can improve your odds for quitting by consulting your doctor about which smoking cessation method works best for you. If you and your doctor decide that the nicotine patch is best for you, follow directions while using it. Here are some things to consider:

What do I need to tell my doctor?

Tell your doctor if you take any medicines. The patch may change how some medicines work. Also, tell your doctor if you have any illnesses, including the following:

• Chest pains or a recent heart attack
• Heart disease
• Stomach ulcers
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Skipped or an irregular heartbeat
• Allergies to tape, bandages, or medicines
• Skin rashes or skin diseases
• High blood pressure
• Kidney or liver disease

My skin tingles under the patch.

Is that normal?

It is normal to feel mild tingling, itching, or burning when you put the patch on. This feeling usually lasts 15 minutes to 1 hour. When you take off an old patch, your skin may be red where the patch was. Your skin should not stay red for more than 1 day. If the skin stays red for 4 days, or if it gets swollen or sore, do not put on a new patch. Call your doctor.

Can I wear the patch in the shower?

You can wear your patch when you bathe, shower, swim, or soak in a hot tub. Water will not harm the patch as long as it is firmly in place.

What if the patch falls off?

If your patch comes off, put a new one on a different area of skin. Change it again at the usual time the next day.

Directions

• Open the sealed package only when you are ready to put on a patch.
• Peel the protective cover off the patch and throw the cover away. Try not to touch the sticky side of the patch (the side with the protective cover).
• Put one patch on a clean, dry area of skin on your upper body that isn’t covered with hair, such as your stomach, upper arm or side. Do not put the patch on burned, cut, or sore skin.
• To apply the patch, place the sticky side on your skin and press it firmly with the palm of your hand for 10 seconds. Make sure the patch is flat and smooth against your skin.
• Wash your hands after putting on the patch. Nicotine on your hands could get into your eyes or nose and cause stinging or other problems. Or you could accidentally transfer the nicotine to others you come into contact with.
• Wear the patch for the amount of time shown on the package. Most patches are worn for 16 or 24 hours. If you have sleep problems when you have the patch on, you can take it off at bedtime and put on a new patch in the morning.
• When you take off the old patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together. Put the old patch in the package from the new patch or in the disposal tray provided. Put the package or tray in the trash where children and pets cannot find it.
• Put the next patch on a different area of skin. Use a different area each day. You can use a previously used area again after waiting 1 week.

Things to consider

The nicotine patch may not be the nicotine replacement for you if you have sensitive skin or other skin problems. You also will not be able to use the nicotine patch if you are allergic to adhesive tape.

You may have trouble sleeping while using the nicotine patch. You may also have abnormal dreams or dreams that are more vivid than usual.

You should not suddenly stop using the patch. Doing so can cause you to go through nicotine withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nervousness
• Increased appetite/weight gain
• Inability to concentrate
• General anxiety
• Sleep interference

When to see a doctor

Call your doctor if you experience any of the following while using the patch. These could be signs that you are getting too much nicotine (an overdose) from the patch. If you experience any of these problems, take off the patch and call your doctor right away.

• Dizziness
• Upset stomach
• Bad headaches
• Vomiting
• Cold sweats
• Drooling
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Hearing problems
• Weakness or fainting

Questions to ask your doctor

• Can the nicotine patch help me quit smoking?
• Do you recommend one brand of nicotine patch over another?
• Are there different strength nicotine patches? If so, which strength should I use?
• Can I use the nicotine patch as long as I have cravings?
• How long after my last cigarette should I wait before applying the patch?
• Will the patch help keep me from gaining weight when I quit smoking?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Learn About Nicotine Replacement Therapy

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Nicotine Transdermal Patch

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Nicotine Patches | Kaiser Permanente

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Overview

A nicotine patch helps you quit smoking. The patch looks like a large bandage. The outer part of the patch sticks to your skin, while the inner part presses against your skin and slowly releases nicotine into your skin.

Patches may also give you a constant dose of nicotine for either 16 or 24 hours. The 24-hour patch may cause sleep problems, such as trouble sleeping or unusually vivid dreams. Removing the patch a few hours before you go to sleep may stop the sleep problems.

Here’s how to use the patch.

• Read the directions.

  Read and follow the directions that came with the medicine as well as any directions your doctor gave you.

• Choose the correct patch.

  Choosing the right patch strength is important to your success in quitting smoking. The starting patch size depends on how much you smoke now. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more help choosing the right patch strength.

• Apply the patch to your skin.
  • Put the patch on a clean, hairless place on your skin between your neck and your waist, such as your upper arm, your shoulder, or your back.
  • Do not apply the patch to the same place over and over again. Find several locations and rotate among them. This will reduce problems with skin irritation.
• Change the patch every day, and wear it all day.

  It’s important to use a new patch each day and to wear the patch all day. Do not put it on and remove it as a substitute for a cigarette. Do not remove it in order to smoke a cigarette.

• Change the patch size and strength as the directions say.
  • Many brands come with different-sized patches that have different strengths of nicotine.
  • Use the patches as the directions say. Generally use the:
    • Large patches for the first few weeks.
    • Medium-sized patches for the next few weeks.
    • Smallest patches—which have the least nicotine—during the last few weeks.
  • With other brands, you use the same size of patch every week and then simply stop using the patch.
• Use the patch as long as you need to.

  The patches are usually used for 8 to 10 weeks, but it can vary with each person and with the brand of patch. If you feel you need to use the patch for a longer period of time, talk to your doctor.

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  Related Information

To smoke or not? The choice is yours! » GBUZ MO Kashirskaya Central District Hospital

telephone number of the Russian “hotline” for advice on quitting smoking 8-800-200-0-200

smoldering in the flow of inhaled air, in order to saturate the body with the active substances contained in them by sublimation and subsequent absorption in the lungs and respiratory tract. As a rule, it is used for the use of smoking mixtures with narcotic properties (tobacco, hashish, marijuana, opium, crack, etc.) due to the rapid flow of blood saturated with psychoactive substances into the brain.

After reading this article, you will learn not only about the dangers of health, but also about methods that will help you quit smoking or stop harming your health.

To smoke or not? — The choice is always yours!

Does it make sense to quit smoking
Smoking cessation is a process. As a rule, it begins with a change in a person’s attitude to smoking. It makes sense to give advice on quitting smoking even when it seems that the smoker is not interested in it. This may be the initial impulse that started this process, or another push that has advanced this process a little further. Smoking cessation is perhaps the most important single change in the life of smokers that can positively affect their health.

Many smokers put off quitting smoking until a later date, believing that irreparable damage has already been done to their body and therefore it is too late to stop smoking – this is not true. The harm caused to the body by smoking is aggravated with each new cigarette smoked. The earlier a person started smoking, the greater the risk he will be exposed to later. And the sooner a person quits smoking, the better the effect will be.

Quitting smoking is really helpful. If people stop smoking before they develop cancer, serious heart complications, or lung disease, they largely avoid the risk of premature death.

Quitting smoking has an immediate positive impact on a person’s health. The risk of developing a serious illness begins to decrease almost immediately, breathing improves very quickly, quitting smoking will be less prone to coughing fits and infections. In addition, they themselves (and their clothes) will emit a more pleasant smell.

What if it didn’t work out this time?
It is known that the return to smoking is not such a rarity. Cases of a temporary return to smoking are especially frequent.

So don’t be disappointed in yourself and don’t give up. You need to accept this as part of the process, as a step in bringing your decision to life!

On the other hand, it’s important to take your return to smoking as an experience that you can use next time. When a smoker tries to quit smoking, he usually uses the vast amount of information about himself that he received from past relapses.

Indeed, now you know which methods are effective for you and which are not! If you try to understand the factors that triggered the relapse, you can develop the right strategy to overcome them next time.

With this approach, small mistakes can be turned to your advantage and prevent a full return to smoking. So, all the work you have done is not in vain!

If I occasionally smoke…
Does this mean that you lost? Not at all. You have every chance to successfully complete the business you have begun. Analyze your past experience and think of other possible ways to end the situation in which you smoked:

• When and where did I smoke again?

• Was anyone with me then? Who?

• What was your mood like?

• I think it happened because…

• If it were possible to experience this situation again, what could be done to prevent it?

• I think this experience will help me next time what.

And be sure that you can quit smoking again. When you encounter a similar situation, then successfully solve it!

If I smoke constantly again…
This may depend on several reasons. To comprehend them, answer the questions that will help you find the answer:
1. Did you really want to quit smoking?
2. Are you concerned about weight gain?
3. You do not know how to cope with stress without cigarettes?
4. Are you addicted to smoking?
5. Can’t refuse cigarettes offered by others?
6. Do you need help from family or friends?

When you feel that you know how to solve the problem and are ready for it, you can safely set a New Smoke-Free Day and start quitting again!

And most importantly – try again, try other ways, get to know yourself, don’t be afraid of change! And sooner or later, but you will definitely succeed!

The one who can count wins!
Even unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking prolong life
Even unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking are good for health. Scientists from the University of Kuopio (Kuopio) examined more than a thousand inhabitants of two rural areas of Finland and found that smoking cessation, even for a short time, reduces the risk of premature death in men by twenty percent.

It is well known that smoking leads to decreased lung function, which in turn increases the risk of death from all causes. Now, for the first time, smoking breaks (called occasional smoking) have been shown to reduce lung damage and prolong the lives of middle-aged men.

As Dr. Margit Pelkonen pointed out, this is good news for people who lack the willpower to give up the addiction completely. New evidence suggests that at least try to quit smoking.

Smoking increases the risk of impotence
It has long been known that smoking does not benefit the body. Everyone knows about this, but everyone does not care about the warnings about the dangers of smoking, voiced by the native Ministry of Health. No one is afraid of stories about lung cancer, especially when in the pocket of an unhealthy-looking doctor who amuses his patients with these horror films, the outlines of a cigarette pack are clearly guessed.

Do not scare today’s healthy and strong guy with talk about lung cancer. “My grandfather smoked until 90 years old, and died of drunkenness. What is there to object? This disease is not terrible, especially since awareness of it is not at all up to par. Maybe that’s why in some countries they decided to slightly modify the standard warnings by placing photographs of diseased organs on the packs instead.

You can also talk with smokers about “interesting” and, most importantly, understandable diseases. Here, women and men need a different approach. Studies show that the components of cigarette smoke destroy collagen, the main structural protein in the skin. This means that smoking actually ages the skin by adding premature wrinkles.

This is for women. What scares men? A recent survey among the British showed that more than cancer, AIDS and even death, they are afraid of impotence. And this plays into the hands of fighters against smoking, because, as scientists have established, nicotine can cause male impotence. It is estimated that 120 thousand people from 30 to 40 years old became impotent in the UK due to smoking.

Why is this happening? Nicotine constricts blood vessels, including those that supply blood to the penis, and in fact, in the mechanism of erection, the importance of blood flow is paramount. In addition, it is involved in the development of atherosclerosis, which, in turn, constricts the pelvic vessels, reducing blood flow. Moreover, the effect of smoking is both acute, immediate, and chronic.

By the way, a hybrid between the first and the second method of “intimidation” of smokers described here has been invented. It is proposed to place an allegorical picture on the packs, where the ash falling from a cigarette symbolizes what happens when smoking with manhood. The usual inscriptions about the connection of impotence with smoking are also appropriate.

The negative effect of cigarettes on potency is especially pronounced when there is already an increased pressure. Hypertension itself is a factor that increases the risk of sexual impotence, and some drugs for its treatment also sin with this. However, if the patient also smokes, the risk increases by 26 (!) times. Doctors believe that all hypertensive patients need to be specifically warned about this.

Perhaps it would be more correct from a preventive point of view to reassure smokers that if they quit cigarettes everything will be fine again, but this is not so.

Even ex-smokers with high blood pressure who quit the habit are 11 times more likely to have impotence than non-smokers. A sad conclusion suggests itself: there is no need to start smoking, and it is necessary to teach this from school, because then it may be too late.

What is withdrawal sickness?
Withdrawal illness is a collection of symptoms or signs of illness associated with the body’s addiction to a particular substance.

This disease can be observed with the reduction or cessation of the use of any drug that causes physical dependence.

Such drugs include heroin, opium, LSD, pervitin, diphenhydramine and other sedatives, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, alcohol, nicotine.

Nicotine withdrawal sickness most commonly presents with the following symptoms:
• anxiety (87%)
• sleep disorders (84%)
• irritability (80%)
• impatience (76%)
• difficulty concentrating (73%)
• restlessness (71%)
• craving for tobacco ( 62%)
• Hunger (53%)
• Gastrointestinal problems (33%)
• Headaches (24%)
• Drowsiness (22%)

Percentage of smokers with this symptom is shown in brackets.

If you have most of the symptoms listed above when trying to quit smoking and they are pronounced, then you are addicted to nicotine.

In this case, one way to increase your success in your quit attempt may be to use quitting medications, such as nicotine replacement therapy.

Smoking cessation pharmacological agents
If a smoker wants to successfully quit smoking, personal motivation and conviction are vital. The situation is fundamentally different from some infectious diseases, where vaccination and the use of effective drugs provide a complete and sufficient cure, regardless of personal knowledge or belief. Many smokers wish that this were the case with smoking and are persistently seeking a magical cure that will relieve them of the burden of accepting responsibility for the difficult task of changing their behavior.

Perhaps the most important element of successful smoking cessation is the recognition by smokers that they themselves must be in control of change. But, as already mentioned, there are now pharmacological agents that really increase the chances of success in a serious attempt to quit smoking. Extensive and rigorous scientific research over the past twenty years has shown that nicotine, as the addictive substance underlying smoking, can itself be used as an effective treatment, and recently new non-nicotinic drugs have been shown to be effective. drugs.

Nicotine replacement therapy
The rationale for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is that many of the difficulties in quitting smoking stem from problems caused by nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine withdrawal (consisting of a range of affective symptoms, including irritability, restlessness, feelings of depression, decreased concentration and appetite, and cigarette compulsions) occurs several hours after the last cigarette. Numerous experimental and clinical studies have shown that NRT significantly reduces the severity of withdrawal, making it easier for quitters to cope with abstinence while weaning from deeply ingrained smoking habits.

Nicotine replacement products are available in several forms, including gum, skin patch, nasal spray, tablets and inhalers. The different forms of NRT differ in the mode of administration and rate of absorption, as well as in the extent to which they provide a situational response to the urge to smoke and the behavioral ritual that replaces the ritual of cigarette smoking. Neither form produces the high arterial nicotine concentrations associated with cigarette smoking, and the total dose of nicotine they inject is typically only one-third to one-half the dose from cigarettes. All this, together with the absence of toxic tars and gas phase components of cigarette smoke, gives them an encouraging level of safety.

Randomized trials have found that all forms of NRT are effective in smoking cessation, approximately doubling the chances of a successful quit attempt on average.

Currently, there is no reliable evidence that any one form of NRT stands out as more effective than the others, which means that the choice of agent will depend more on characteristics such as the convenience of the regimen with the recommended dosage (skin patch has special advantages here), as well as on accessibility.

The efficacy of NRT appears to be independent of other components of treatment, although absolute success rates are higher with more intense behavioral support. The effect of NRT, doubling the chances of successful smoking cessation, has been found in both brief interventions and sales through pharmacies and specialized clinics for smokers. This characteristic places NRT at an important place in public health approaches aimed at reaching smoking populations through simple and short interventions.

The effect of NRT to support smoking cessation is seen right from the start of the quit attempt. Research shows that achieving complete abstinence within the first 48 hours is critical to long-term success. Those smokers who do smoke thereafter, even at very low levels, will almost inevitably fail to complete the attempt successfully. This means that health care providers can save money by offering NRT refills only to those who have been completely abstinent for a short follow-up period of about one week. There is no evidence that any benefits can be obtained with long-term use of NRT for more than eight weeks.

Availability of NRT funds varies from country to country. In some, they are available only with a prescription, while in others they can be freely bought at a pharmacy or in a regular store. Especially in the developing world, the cost of these funds can be a major barrier to their wider application.

It is currently not typical for the health care system to bear the cost of providing NRT to smokers, although there is evidence that overall smoking cessation rates are highest where the cost of treatment is fully reimbursed.

The use of NRT is contraindicated in only a few cases, and recent clinical practice guidelines suggest that NRT should be part of the main course of treatment offered to all smokers. Even in cases where there is understandable caution in recommending the use of NRT, such as pregnancy or advanced heart disease, rational arguments based on efficacy and safety suggest that it is still preferable to the likely alternative of continuing to smoke cigarettes.

The history of nicotine replacement therapy began in the 1980s.

Various forms of nicotine replacement therapy are currently available worldwide. The effectiveness of NRT in the treatment of tobacco dependence is related to relieving cravings and other symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.

As evidenced by reviews of leading experts from different countries, the effectiveness of various forms of nicotine therapy differs very little, and so far there is no reliable scientific information that would allow each patient to choose a strictly defined form of nicotine therapy or indicate the advantage of one form over another. There are also no contraindications against combining different drugs. In some cases, this combination has a positive effect.

However, if one type of nicotine therapy fails, it is difficult to expect that a smoking cessation attempt using another form of NRT will be more successful.

The availability of nicotine therapy products is regulated differently in different countries. In the UK, for example, these are drugs prescribed by a doctor.

However, it should be noted that in a number of countries it has already been decided or considered that medicines for the treatment of tobacco dependence are prescribed by a doctor, but their cost is subsequently reimbursed to the patient. This is due to the established cost-effectiveness of measures related to smoking cessation, that is, the costs of the state or the employer in relation to the former smoker objectively decrease, which allows in developed countries to raise the issue of reimbursement for the cost of treatment.

They are available over the counter in a number of other countries, with the United States, for example, noting that the conversion of these drugs to OTC resulted in 3.8 million new quit attempts in one year, of which 630,000 were successful.

The study found that smoking cessation success rates with nicotine therapy did not depend on whether the drug was prescribed by a doctor or purchased without a prescription.

Nicotine chewing gum
Nicotine chewing gum is currently available in approximately 20 European countries. It should only be offered to the patient after he has received careful instructions.

It is not a miracle cure and by itself will not make a person stop smoking. However, it will reduce the degree of desire to smoke.

With this chewing gum, nicotine enters the body, but not as quickly as with cigarette smoke. And it will not bring the same satisfaction as a cigarette.

Physician’s advice on gum use:
• Use it instead of, NOT with, smoking a cigarette.
• Each lozenge can be chewed for 20-30 minutes;
• stop chewing if you feel a little dizzy, if you have hiccups, or if you find the taste of chewing gum too harsh;
• Chewing gum may taste bad for several days. But don’t worry. You will get used to it.

The use of chewing gum is recommended during the 3-4 months of the smoking cessation period.
The use of nicotine gum is rarely addictive.

If chewing gum is used without following the directions in the instructions and without appropriate supervision, the effectiveness of such application is likely to be not very high.

For severely addicted smokers, 4mg chewing gum has been found to be more beneficial than 2mg. Since the degree of dependence is rather difficult to quantify, for practical purposes, you can use the criterion: whether a person smokes more than 20 cigarettes per day or not.

Transdermal patch
Approximately 25% of smoking cessation attempts involve the patch, which is the most popular form of nicotine therapy and is preferred by smokers if they have a choice.

16-hour and 24-hour patches are available in different dosages. Studies show that for moderately and heavily addicted smokers, the standard patch with a dosage of 21 mg and designed for 24 hours turned out to be more effective than its counterparts with a lower dosage.

The transdermal patch is usually recommended for 12 weeks.

Combining the patch with other forms of nicotine replacement therapy is safe and more effective than the patch alone.

Nasal Spray
The inhaler, unlike other nicotine preparations, allows puffs, making it similar to the usual way a smoker obtains nicotine. In this case, nicotine is delivered to the respiratory tract mixed with menthol. Some research indicates that the combination of an inhaler and a patch may be the most successful combination for the most addicted smokers.

Anti-Smoking Spray
Special homeopathic spray to help you quit smoking. It allows you to control the craving for nicotine and helps to cope with the psychological dependence on smoking. Quite often parting with a cigarette is accompanied by neurosis and insomnia. The spray relieves discomfort and softens the adaptation period. It also helps in cases of coughing, shortness of breath, shortness of breath, and relieves the feeling of heaviness in the chest associated with smoking.

Simply spritz over tongue once or twice. The result is felt almost immediately – usually within a minute or even a few seconds.

The spray contains absolutely no alcohol and no side effects. No prescription required.
Small dimensions allow you to always carry it with you.

Non-nicotine pharmacological treatments
The success of NRT has led to a renewed interest in finding other drugs that could help smoking cessation. Many of them have so far failed to provide evidence of their effectiveness (including most of the anxiolytics and antidepressants tested), while for others, such as clondin, promising signs were offset by unacceptable side effects.

The drug bupropion, an atypical antidepressant with some noradrenergic and dopamenergic activity, recently became the first non-nicotinic drug licensed for smoking cessation in the US, Canada and Mexico. Its mechanism of action does not appear to be related to the drug’s antidepressant properties, but rather to addiction-like mechanisms.

Clinical trials in non-depressed smokers have provided clear evidence of its effectiveness; Bupropion and the nicotine patch appear to have an additional effect on increased positive outcomes. Bupropion has a positive effect on body weight. Those smokers who took bupropion gained less weight than those who received a placebo.

This effect has also been observed in some trials of NRT, but the weight gain suppression effect of pharmacological treatment may not be maintained when therapy is discontinued. Bupropion is not yet available in most countries, but it is of considerable interest because of its potential to shed light on the mechanisms of nicotine addiction in the brain, as well as its potential to complement the therapeutic effects of NRT.

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Buy Nicopatch Lib 21mg nicotine patches 24H in pharmacy

brand:

Pierre Fabre Sante

Nicopatch Lib 21 mg Nicotine 24H patches is a transdermal device at 21 mg nicotine per day recommended for the treatment of tobacco dependence. Adult: Maximum one device per day.

Available in boxes of 7 and 28 transdermal devices.

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Pharmacist advice

Is used for:
to give up smoking

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Nicopatch Lib 21mg nicotine patches 24H

See instructions for use for warnings, precautions for use and contraindications.

Description of Nicopatch Lib 21mg nicotine patches 24H

Nicopatch Lib box of 28 transdermal devices at 21mg nicotine per day is recommended for the treatment of tobacco dependence . This drug is indicated for the treatment of tobacco dependence in smokers to relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms in subjects wishing to quit smoking.

Reserved for adults over 15 years old

Composition Nicopatch Lib 21 mg, 24H nicotine patches

Active substance (for 1 patch 30 cm²):

• Nicotine: 45 mg
• Self-adhesive matrix: acrylate-vinyl acetate copolymer, methyl methacrylate-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate copolymer.
• Backing film: polyester / polyethylene film.
• Removable protective film: silicone polyester film.

Nicopatch Lib Dosage 21mg Nicotine Patch 24H

The dosage most appropriate for your needs will be determined by your healthcare professional.

Nicopatchlib 21 mg-24H must be used transdermally.

• Open the bag and take out the patch.
• Remove the pre-cut protective sheet and apply Nicopatchlib to well-cleansed and dried skin without damage or skin irritation.
• It is advisable to choose an area where hair growth is rare: shoulder blade, thigh, outside of the arm, etc.
• Change the application site every day.

When swimming in the sea or swimming in a pool, you can:

Before entering the water, remove the device, replace it on the stand while swimming, and then stick it back on the skin once clean and dry.
Cover the device with a waterproof adhesive bandage.

While showering, you can save the patch by avoiding directing water on it.

Vitamin C and vitamin E deficiency in tobacco smokers

Smoking causes a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherol).
Vitamin E and vitamin C are antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals in our body that are formed during inflammatory processes (smoking, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease). Indeed, free radicals generated by tobacco smoke gradually destroy the alveolar membranes.
Vitamin E (tocopherol) works in conjunction with vitamin C, which explains why vitamin C intake significantly reduces the vitamin E deficiency seen in tobacco smokers.
Tobacco smokers are still deficient in vitamin E and vitamin C, which is why we recommend supplements rich in bioavailable natural vitamin C (Acerola) and vitamin E.

Contraindications Nicopatch Lib 21 mg nicotine patches 24H

Never use Nicopatch Lib 21mg-24H in the following cases:

• You do not smoke or only occasionally smoke.
• You are allergic to any component of the patch.
• You have a skin condition that could prevent you from using the transdermal system.

Read carefully the full list of special warnings and side effects on the packaging.

Transdermal route

Read instructions carefully

conditioning

Available in boxes of 7 and 28 transdermal devices.

Quitting smoking is never easy. To put the odds on his side, you need to choose the withdrawal method , which is the most suitable, depending on the degree of his addiction, lifestyle and habits.

An alternative or complementary method of tobacco cessation is acupuncture, which consists of implanting fine needles into tissues or organs at specific points, depending on the desired effect.
The urge to smoke will decrease if energy networks are activated. However, the Department of Health believes that acupuncture has not been proven effective in smoking cessation and that the effects obtained are no different from those of placebo.
However, the empirical experience of many ex-smokers has shown that this method has helped them wean them off whether it was a placebo effect or not. This is why the Department of Health nuance has been introduced since then: it is recognized that acupuncture can be used provided the smoker believes in it and is followed by a psychotherapist or doctor.

Summary of Product Characteristics (ANSM)

Our anti-stress advice and expert advice in pharmacy

• Breathe deeply, sitting or standing, with your eyes closed, for 15 to 20 breaths.
• Practice physical activity for at least 20 to 30 minutes of brisk walking.
• Seek restful sleep by going to bed on a regular schedule, after dinner rich in slow sugar, in a cool room with a book, not the TV.
• Use gentle methods such as foot reflexology, sophrology, yoga or meditation.