The Habitrol patch is a transdermal smoking cessation consisting of the drug nicotine. This patch is available as the brand name Habitrol Patch in 14mg. 

The Habitrol patch is used when a person is committed to quit smoking. When a person is addicted to cigarettes, they are actually addicted to the nicotine found in tobacco. If a person smokes cigarettes (tobacco), they risk lung disease, cancer, and heart disease. Nicotine is addictive and once the body becomes dependent on it, high levels of nicotine are needed in the body to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms include craving tobacco, nervousness, irritability, headache, weight gain, and difficulty concentrating. Withdrawal symptoms play a big role in why most people have such a hard time quitting the habit of smoking.

The Habitrol Patch helps to reduce these withdrawal symptoms to help you quit smoking by allowing your body small amounts of nicotine without having to smoke tobacco.

Only use this product the way your doctor recommends. Your patch strength and treatment duration is based on how many cigarettes you smoked a day before you stopped. You may use your first patch the day you quit smoking. You are allowed to get the patch wet in order to shower and bathe (or swim). Do not wear more than 1 patch at a time and avoid wearing it at night if you have vivid dreams or insomnia. Do not put a patch on the same spot twice.

• Wash your hands and the area you are going to apply the patch to.
• Apply the patch on dry and hairless skin located on the chest or outer part of the arms.
• Press the patch firmly into place for about 10 seconds.
• Wash your hands again.
• Keep the patch on for 24 hours.

The amount of nicotine in a used or unused patch can be fatal for a child if they accidently suck or chew on it. Keep all patches out of reach of children.

This patch should not be used by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Before using this patch, it may be in your best interest to mention to your doctor if you have ever had heart disease, irregular heartbeats, a heart attack or stroke, untreated or uncontrolled high blood pressure, blood circulation problems, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland), diabetes, a thyroid disorder, a stomach ulcer, liver disease, or if you have sensitive skin.

Do not use this patch without medical advice from a health care professional if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control with using the nicotine patch. If you are pregnant and breast feeding, but do not have the will power to quit smoking, using the patch may be safer for your baby than smoking. Consult your doctor if this is a concern.

Remove the patch before having an MRI; an MRI may cause the patch to burn your skin.

Using the patch will not discourage you from wanting to smoke; it will only help decrease the symptoms of withdrawal. In order for you to quit smoking successfully, you must be committed to wanting to quit and use the patch only as an aid in quitting.

Common side effects of Habitrol Patch (nicotine) may include:

dizziness; sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams; dry mouth, upset stomach; joint or muscle pain; headache; or mild skin irritation where the patch is worn.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Habitrol Patch (nicotine) may include:

fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest; extreme weakness or dizziness; severe nausea and vomiting; or redness, swelling, or skin rash where a Habitrol patch was worn (especially if these symptoms do not clear up within 4 days after the patch was removed).

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Signs to watch for:

allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

What should I avoid while using this patch?

Avoid using lotions and other similar products on the area you will be applying the patch. The patch may refuse to stick to the skin if a lotion was recently used on it. Avoid smoking.

How should I store this product?

Keep the Habitrol Patch stored at room temperature away from light, moisture, and reach of children.

Is this patch effective for someone who smokes occasionally and wants to quit?

No. This medication is meant for people who are addicted to cigarettes and smoke every day. A person who only smokes regularly would intake more nicotine using the patch than smoking. Consider non-drug alternatives to quit smoking.

What happens if I smoke a cigarette while wearing a Habitrol Patch?

If you smoke while also wearing the patch, the amount of nicotine entering your body will become very high. This will not only increase your nicotine tolerance and feed your addiction, making it stronger, but will also put you at risk for nicotine toxicity. This can lead to dangerous heart rhythms that can end fatally.