USING NICODERM CQ
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You should use NicoDerm CQ for the full 8 or 10 weeks, depending on which step you start with. It is important to complete treatment. However, if you find that you need to use NicoDerm CQ longer than 8 ̶ 10 weeks, the FDA has determined that is acceptable to do so in most cases. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you feel the need to use NicoDerm CQ for longer than 8 ̶ 10 weeks.
FDA Consumer Health Information. Nicotine replacement therapy labels may change. April 2013. Available at http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm345087.html
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If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, follow the 10-week plan. Use NicoDerm CQ Step 1 (21 mg) for 6 weeks, NicoDerm CQ Step 2 (14 mg) for 2 weeks and NicoDerm CQ Step 3 (7 mg) for 2 weeks. If you smoke 10 or fewer cigarettes a day, follow the 8-week plan. Use Step 2 (14 mg) for 6 weeks and Step 3 (7 mg) for 2 weeks.
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Quitting smoking isn’t easy. But you’ll feel a lot better than you would if you quit cold turkey. That's because the NicoDerm CQ patch helps reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, which can include things like depressed mood, insomnia, irritability, frustration, anxiety, and restlessness. And since the benefit of quitting smoking is such a positive thing for your body and mind, you should start to feel better, both physically and emotionally, because of the decision you’ve made.
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Step 1: Do not remove the NicoDerm CQ patch from its sealed protective pouch until you are ready to use it. NicoDerm CQ patches will lose nicotine to the air if you store them out of the pouch.
Step 2: Choose a non-hairy, clean, dry area of skin. Do not put a NicoDerm CQ patch on skin that is burned, broken out, cut or irritated in any way. Make sure your skin is free of lotion or soap.
Step 3: Take the patch out of the pouch. Save the pouch for use at time of disposal. A clear, protective liner covers the sticky side of the NicoDerm CQ patch – the side that will be put on the skin. The liner has a slit down the middle to help you remove it from the patch. With the sticky side facing you, pull half the liner away from the NicoDerm CQ patch starting at the middle slit. Hold the NicoDerm CQ patch at one of the outside edges (touch the sticky side as little as possible), and pull off the other half of the protective liner. Place liner back in the pouch. Save pouch for disposing of the patch after use.
Step 4: Immediately apply the sticky side of the NicoDerm CQ patch to your skin. Press the patch firmly on your skin with the heel of your hand for at least 10 seconds. Make sure it sticks well to your skin, especially around the edges.
Step 5: Wash your hands when you have finished applying the NicoDerm CQ patch. Nicotine on your hands could get into your eyes and nose, and cause stinging, redness or more serious problems.
Step 6: After 16 or 24 hours, remove the patch you have been wearing. Fold the sticky ends of the used NicoDerm CQ patch together. Place in its pouch and discard where it will be out of reach of children and pets. Even used patches have enough nicotine to poison children and pets. Wash your hands.
Step 7: Choose a different place on your skin to apply the next NicoDerm CQ patch and repeat Steps 1 to 6. Do not apply a new patch to a previously used skin site for at least one week.
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Choose a start date for your quit and begin to use NicoDerm CQ that day. Upon reviewing the published literature data on the use of NRT products like NicoDerm CQ, the FDA has determined that the use of NRT products with cigarettes does not raise significant concerns.
Consult the user’s guide for complete directions and other important information.
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Water will not harm the NicoDerm CQ patch if applied properly. You can bathe, swim, or shower for short periods of time while wearing the NicoDerm CQ patch. If you’re concerned that it could loosen on your skin, you can secure it with two pieces of medical or sports tape, placed in an “X” over the patch.
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The Original and Clear NicoDerm CQ patches can be worn while in the sun or tanning bed. However, the patches have not been demonstrated to be effective protection against sun exposure. Use of sunscreens with the patch is not recommended because it may affect the adhesion. Therefore, if you are planning on using the patch while tanning, you may want to place it in an area that will not be exposed.
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We understand how frustrating it is when your patch does not stick. Lack of adhesion may be attributed to hot weather, patient skin type, or activity. Please be sure you have applied the patch properly: Choose a non-hairy, clean, dry area of skin. Press the patch firmly on your skin with the heel of your hand for at least 10 seconds. Make sure it sticks well to your skin, especially around the edges. Do not use moisturizing soap or lotion prior to applying the patch. If you are using a moisturizing soap, try changing soaps or apply medical adhesive tape over the patch to help keep it in place.
Product
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NicoDerm CQ is a unique patch with Extended Release SmartControl® Technology that helps prevent the urge to smoke all day long. NicoDerm CQ supports you through your day by delivering therapeutic nicotine via the patch’s specially designed layers. This technology ensures that the nicotine in the patch will not be delivered all at once, or run out too soon. NicoDerm CQ helps reduce the withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.
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Each NicoDerm CQ patch contains a special nicotine rate-controlling membrane that controls the release of nicotine into your bloodstream through your skin. The level of nicotine uptake is lower than that of cigarettes, and the program is designed to allow your body to gradually adjust to having less nicotine until you don’t need any.
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Because the active ingredient in NicoDerm CQ is a low, therapeutic dose of nicotine, side effects can include vivid dreams. Some users may experience skin irritation with use of the NicoDerm CQ patch. Check out the video for information and solutions and be sure to carefully read the user guide inside your package for a complete list of possible side effects.
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You can use your HSA and FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase certain OTC products including NicoDerm CQ. The passage of the CARES Act by Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility under tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. Your plan details may vary, so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility.
Dos and don’ts
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The whole reason to use NicoDerm CQ is to quit smoking. Once you’ve made the decision to quit, you should choose a date to stop smoking and start using NicoDerm CQ that day. It is okay if you slip-up and have a cigarette. You can still continue your quit attempt and keep using NicoDerm CQ as directed. Just throw away your cigarettes and get back to your quit plan. The FDA has determined that there are no significant concerns with using NRT products like NicoDerm CQ at the same time as another nicotine-containing product like a cigarette.
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If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, only use this medicine on the advice of your healthcare provider. Smoking can seriously harm your child. Try to stop smoking without using any nicotine replacement medicine. This medicine is believed to be safer than smoking. However, the risks to your child from this medicine are not fully known.
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If you are concerned, your doctor or pharmacist is the best person to advise you based on your medical history and present state of health. We specifically recommend you ask a doctor before use if you have:
- Heart disease, recent heart attack, or irregular heartbeat. Nicotine can increase your heart rate.
- High blood pressure not controlled with medication. Nicotine can increase your blood pressure.
Also, ask a doctor or pharmacist before using if you are:
- Using a non-nicotine stop-smoking drug.
- Using prescription medicine for depression or asthma. Your prescription dose may need to be adjusted.
- Heart disease, recent heart attack, or irregular heartbeat. Nicotine can increase your heart rate.
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Any questions about drug interactions between medications should be answered by your physician or other health care professional. Talk to your doctor if you take other medications. The active ingredient in NicoDerm CQ is nicotine, which is already in your system if you are a smoker. Talk to your doctor about this, especially if you use a non-nicotine stop-smoking drug or take prescription drugs for asthma or depression.
About quitting
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Nicotine delivered by cigarettes is so addictive that people often underestimate how difficult it is to resist cravings using willpower alone. Nicorette delivers a controlled amount of nicotine to your system to help soothe your physical cravings and allows you to focus on mental aspects of your quit. Using Nicorette Replacement Therapy as directed doubles your chances of quitting.
*Doubles your chances of quitting vs. placebo. Use as directed. Behavioral support program increases chances of success. Many people require several quit attempts to stop smoking. This product is part of an 8-12-week program.
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When it comes to quitting smoking, weight gain is a common concern. Even if you do gain a bit, it’s nothing compared to all the good things you’re doing for yourself. If you continue to gain weight after a few months, try to analyze what you’re doing differently. Reduce your fat intake, choose healthy snacks, and increase your physical activity to help burn off extra calories.
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You can. You just haven't succeeded yet. Even if you've made it a day, a week, or a month — you've made it. Try to learn from your mistake. Figure out why you fell off the wagon so you can avoid putting yourself in similar situations in the future, choose a new quit date, and then try again. This time, you may be able to quit for good!