My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Using the Nicotine Patch to Quit Tobacco
The nicotine patch is a type of nicotine replacement therapy that is proven to increase your chances of successfully quitting tobacco. It contains nicotine (the addictive part of tobacco) without all the other dangerous chemicals in tobacco smoke. The patch can ease the cravings and other symptoms you might feel as your body withdraws from nicotine. This allows you to focus on your other strategies for living without tobacco.
How to use the patch
The patch may be used for up to 24 hours, although some people remove the patch at night if it interferes with their sleep. It is important to use the patch correctly to get the full benefits:
- Apply the patch to clean, oil-free, hair-free skin on your chest, back, or upper arm.
- Hold the patch in place for 30 seconds to help it stick.
- Leave it in place for 24 hours and then replace it with a fresh patch.
- Choose a new spot to put the patch each day. Once you've used a spot, don't use it again for 7 days.
- When you're finished using a patch, wrap in foil and throw it away where children and pets can't find it.
Most people use the patch for 8 weeks, although some people use it longer. Over a period of weeks, you'll begin to use patches with less and less nicotine in them, which will help gradually ease your body out of the addiction.
Possible side effects
Side effects of using the nicotine patch can include:
- Rash, itching, or reddening of the skin
- Vivid dreams
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea, or nervousness
If you're experiencing side effects severe enough to keep you from using this medication, let us know. There may be other forms of medication that you can use.
People who shouldn't use the patch
The nicotine patch might not be right for you if you're pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, or if you have:
- A very irregular or rapid heartbeat (severe arrhythmia)
- Unstable or worsening chest pain (angina)
- Had a heart attack within the last 2 weeks
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Peripheral vascular disease (Reynaud's or Bruegger's syndrome)
- Eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions
Cost
The nicotine patch is available over the counter without a prescription. It costs approximately $112 for a six-week supply.
Related Health Tools:
Classes and Coaching
- Wellness Coaching Wellness Coaching
Interactive Programs
- Quit Tobacco Medications Quit Tobacco Medications
- Quit smoking with Breathe™ Quit smoking with Breathe™
Podcasts
- Quitting Smoking Quitting Smoking
- Second-Hand Smoke Second-Hand Smoke
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.