| MEDICATION | Nicotine PatchOver-the-Counter24-hour patch 21mg, 14mg, 7mg16-hour patch 15mg |
| PROS & CONS | Pros: Easy to use (stick and go). Once a day application. 24 hour patches help reduce early morning cravings. Cons: |
| DOSAGE | If you smoke…more than 14 cigarettes per day: Start with a 21 mg patch.14 or less cigarettes per day: Start with a 14 mg or 15 mg patch.5 or less: Try quitting without medication first.Apply a new patch every 24 hours on a clean, dry, hairless area. |
| TIPS | Some patch wearers find that they have vivid dreams or nightmares when wearing the patch at night. If this is a concern, try using a 16-hour patch or remove your 24-hour patch at bedtime. Don’t forget to put a new patch on in the morning, and plan for possible morning cravings.Skin irritation can occur when a new patch is applied in the same area as the old one. Try changing your patch site every day. Use hydrocortisone cream on the irritated area. |
| COST PER DAY | Name Brand: $ 4.00 – $ 4.50 /day (16- or 24-hour)Generic AvailableCovered by Medicaid & Medicare and other insurances with prescription. |