Generic name: Nicotine Patch [ nik-oh-TEEN ]
Drug class: Smoking cessation agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 10, 2024.

Uses of Nicoderm CQ:

• It is used to treat nicotine withdrawal.
• It is used to curb the craving to smoke.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Nicoderm CQ?

• If you are allergic to Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch); any part of Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Chest pain or pressure, a heartbeat that does not feel normal, or a recent heart attack.
• If you still smoke, chew tobacco, or use other products that have nicotine while using Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch).

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Nicoderm CQ?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Get counseling to help you quit smoking.
• Do not use more than told. Unsafe side effects may happen.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking another drug to help you stop smoking.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) affects you.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• When you stop smoking, other drugs may be affected. Talk with your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you have not been able to quit smoking after using Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) for as long as it says to use it.
• The patch may have metal. Take off the patch before an MRI.
• If you have strange dreams or other trouble sleeping, take off the patch at bedtime.
• This medicine may cause harm if chewed or swallowed. If Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) has been put in the mouth, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• This medicine may cause harm or be deadly if used or swallowed by children or pets. If a child uses Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) or if Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) is swallowed by a child or pet, call a doctor or poison control center right away.
• If you are 65 or older, use Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) with care. You could have more side effects.
• This medicine may cause harm to the unborn baby if you take it while you are pregnant. If you are pregnant or you get pregnant while taking Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch), call your doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is this medicine (Nicoderm CQ) best taken?

Use Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• The patch comes in 3 doses. If you smoke 11 or more cigarettes a day start with the 21 mg patch (step 1). If you smoke 10 or less cigarettes a day start with the 14 mg patch (step 2).
• Put patch on clean, dry, healthy skin on the chest, back, belly, or upper arm. Move the site with each new patch.
• Put patch on a site without hair.
• Wash your hands after use.
• Each patch can stay on for 16 to 24 hours. If you crave cigarettes when you wake up, wear the patch for 24 hours.
• Do not leave on the skin for more than 24 hours.
• Do not put on more than 1 patch at a time.
• Do not use patches that are cut or do not look right.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Use a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not use 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Mood changes.
• Feeling confused.
• Chest pain or pressure, a fast heartbeat, or an abnormal heartbeat.
• A burning, numbness, or tingling feeling that is not normal.
• Dizziness.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Diarrhea.
• Drooling.
• Shakiness.
• Feeling tired or weak.
• Cold sweats.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Change in hearing.

Related/similar drugs

bupropion, varenicline, nicotine, Chantix, Nicorette, Zyban

What are some other side effects of Nicoderm CQ?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Trouble sleeping.
• Bad dreams.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Back pain.
• Irritation where Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch) is used.
• Flu-like signs.
• Gas.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Nicoderm CQ?

• Store at room temperature.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• After you take off a skin patch, be sure to fold the sticky sides of the patch to each other. Throw away used patches where children and pets cannot get to them.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about Nicoderm CQ (nicotine patch), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• How long does nicotine withdrawal last?
• How long does nicotine stay in your system?
• What are the side effects of vaping?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer