Nicotine Patches

People who smoke a pack a day die on average 7 years earlier than people who have never smoked.

Nicotine patch is applied to your skin. Over a prolonged period of time, the nicotine dissolves right through the skin and enters the body. Nicotine from the patch replaces some of the nicotine you were getting from cigarettes.
This can relieve some of the physical symptoms related with quitting smoking, so you can concentrate on your behavioral and psychological addiction to cigarettes. You can buy the nicotine patch without a prescription but as always, it’s best to check with your doctor to see if the nicotine patch is right for you.

Conditions in Which Nicotine Patch Cannot Be Used

You may not be able to use the nicotine patch if:

• You are taking certain prescription medicines, or
• You have cardiovascular disease or certain other health conditions

Even if you’ve been told not to use the nicotine patch because of a medical condition, you may want to check back with your doctor from time to time, to see if your condition or the medical advisories have changed.
For example, physicians were initially concerned that nicotine patch use might be dangerous for cigarette smokers who have coronary artery disease.
However, a recent study found that the nicotine patches are a safe smoking cessation therapy for this group, and may also improve blood and oxygen flow to the heart. Some research has suggested that the nicotine patch is safe and efficient for teenage smokers, but nicotine patch use is currently not advised for people under 18 years of age.

Types of Patches

Some patches contain more nicotine than others. Some smokers start with the strongest patch. Then after several weeks, you can switch to a medium-strength patch for a few weeks, and possibly a lower-strength patch for the last few weeks.
On the other hand, some people prefer the simplicity of a single-strength patch. If you do use the nicotine patch, each morning you will apply a new nicotine patch to a clean, dry, non-hairy part of your upper body or upper arm.
Don’t apply creams on the skin where you will put the nicotine patch. Press the nicotine patch firmly on your skin. It should stick to the skin well, allowing you to do all of your usual activities, including bathing.