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$Title{nicotine transdermal patch}
$Subject{Habitrol Basel Nicoderm Marion Merrell Dow Nicotrol Warner-Lambert
ProStep Lederle stop smoking aid nicotine Transdermal patches cessation
withdrawal irritability headache fatigue insomnia patch}
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Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


nicotine transdermal patch
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Habitrol (Basel)
     Nicoderm (Marion Merrell Dow)
     Nicotrol (Warner-Lambert)
     ProStep (Lederle)

TYPE OF DRUG

     A "stop smoking" aid

INGREDIENT

     nicotine

DOSAGE FORM

     Transdermal patches (5 mg, 7 mg, 10 mg, 11 mg, 14 mg, 15 mg, 21 mg, 22
mg)

STORAGE

     This medication should be kept in its original, child-resistant packaging
until ready to be applied to the skin.  After use, the patch should be
disposed of carefully, as the nicotine patches contain a large quantity of
residual nicotine that may be harmful to children or pets.

USES

     Nicotine patches are used as a temporary aid to smoking cessation
programs.  They help to control the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal
(irritability, headache, fatigue, insomnia) and thus help you to concentrate
on overcoming the psychological and social aspects of your smoking habit.
Over time the dose of nicotine delivered from the patch is lowered until you
are gradually weaned off nicotine.

TREATMENT

     It is important to STOP SMOKING when therapy with nicotine patches is
started.  If you continue to smoke and use the nicotine patches, you are
increasing the amount of nicotine in your blood and may be more likely to
experience side effects.  The nicotine patch should be applied daily to a
non-hairy, clean, dry skin site on the upper trunk (chest, back, stomach) or
upper outer arm.  After 24 hours, the used patch should be removed and a new
patch applied to a different site on your body.  Try to change the patch at
the same time every day, as this may prevent you from forgetting to apply a
new patch.  Depending on the type of nicotine patch your doctor prescribes and
the severity of your withdrawal symptoms, you may be using the patches daily
for six weeks to 12 weeks in order to help you stop smoking.
     The risk of smoking again is highest in the first few months after using
nicotine patches.  Follow your smoking cessation program to prevent smoking
"relapse."

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abnormal dreams, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, mood changes,
skin rash, swelling, hives, burning or itching at the patch site, and
sweating.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.

     Major.

     If any of the side effects are persistent or particularly bothersome,
report them to your doctor or pharmacist.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL
YOUR DOCTOR about signs of too much nicotine (cold sweats, confusion,
diarrhea, difficulty in breathing, disturbed hearing or vision, nervousness,
nightmares, marked weakness, muscle palpitations, severe itching, or rash and
seizures).

INTERACTIONS

     Smoking cessation, with or without nicotine patches, may affect blood
levels of certain medications (including aminophylline, caffeine, furosemide,
imipramine, insulin, labetalol, pentazocine, prazosin, propoxyphene, and
theophylline.  Nicotine can also lessen the blood-pressure-lowering effects of
beta blockers, such as propranolol.  BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack.  It is also
important to tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had heart
palpitations or irregular heartbeat, angina, heart disease, hormone
imbalances, kidney problems, thyroid problems, pheochromocytoma, diabetes
mellitus, high blood pressure, or stomach ulcers.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Nicotine (from the
patches or from cigarette smoke) can cause fetal harm.  Also, tell your doctor
if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of nicotine can pass into
breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.