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NicoDerm CQ: Package Insert / Prescribing Info

Package insert / product label
Generic name: nicotine
Dosage form: patch, extended release
Drug class: Smoking cessation agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 20, 2025.

Active ingredient (in each patch)

Nicotine, 21 mg delivered over 24 hours

Active ingredient (in each patch)

Nicotine, 14 mg delivered over 24 hours

Active ingredient (in each patch)

Nicotine, 7 mg delivered over 24 hours

Purpose

Stop smoking aid

Indications and Usage for NicoDerm CQ

reduces withdrawal symptoms, including nicotine craving, associated with quitting smoking

Warnings

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, only use this medicine on the advice of your health care 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.

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.
  • an allergy to adhesive tape or have skin problems because you are more likely to get rashes
  • stomach ulcers or diabetes
  • history of seizures

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are

  • using a non-nicotine stop smoking drug
  • taking a prescription medicine for depression or asthma. Your prescription dose may need to be adjusted.

When using this product

  • if you have vivid dreams or other sleep disturbances remove this patch at bedtime

Stop use and ask a doctor if

  • skin redness caused by the patch does not go away after four days, or if your skin swells, or you get a rash
  • irregular heartbeat or palpitations occur
  • you get symptoms of nicotine overdose such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness and rapid heartbeat
  • you have symptoms of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing or rash)

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Used patches have enough nicotine to poison children and pets. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Dispose of the used patches by folding sticky ends together. Replace in pouch and discard.

NicoDerm CQ Dosage and Administration

  • if you are under 18 years of age, ask a doctor before use
  • before using this product, read the enclosed User's Guide for complete directions and other information
  • begin using the patch on your quit day
  • if you smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day,use according to the following 10-week schedule:

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

Use one 21 mg patch/day

Use one 14 mg patch/day

Use one 7 mg patch/day

Weeks 1-6

Weeks 7-8

Weeks 9-10

  • if you smoke 10 or less cigarettes per day,do not use STEP 1 (21 mg).Start with STEP 2 (14 mg)for 6 weeks, then STEP 3 (7 mg)for 2 weeks and then stop.
  • steps 2 and 3 allow you to gradually reduce your level of nicotine. Completing the full program will increase your chances of quitting successfully.
  • apply one new patch every 24 hours on skin that is dry, clean and hairless. Save pouch for disposing of the patch after use.
  • remove backing from patch and immediately press onto skin. Hold for 10 seconds.
  • wash hands after applying or removing patch. Throw away the patch by folding sticky ends together. Replace in its pouch and discard. See enclosed User's Guide for safety and handling.
  • you may wear the patch for 16 or 24 hours
  • if you crave cigarettes when you wake up, wear the patch for 24 hours
  • if you have vivid dreams or other sleep disturbances, you may remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new one in the morning
  • the used patch should be removed and a new one applied to a different skin site at the same time each day
  • do not wear more than one patch at a time
  • do not cut patch in half or into smaller pieces
  • do not leave patch on for more than 24 hours because it may irritate your skin and loses strength after 24 hours
  • it is important to complete treatment. If you feel you need to use the patch for a longer period to keep from smoking, talk to your health care provider.

Storage and Handling

  • store at 20-25°C (68-77°F)

Related/similar drugs

Inactive ingredients

ethylene vinyl acetate-copolymer, polyisobutylene and high density polyethylene between clear polyester backings

Questions or comments?

call toll-free 1-800-834-5895

Additional Information ( Step 1)

Read carton and enclosed User’s Guide before using this product. Keep this carton and User’s Guide. They contain important information.

Includes User’s Guide with MyQuit Program Enrollment Offer.

What is the NicoDerm CQPatch and How is it Used?
NicoDerm CQis a small, nicotine-containing patch. When you put on a NicoDerm CQpatch, nicotine passes through the skin and into your body. NicoDerm CQis very thin and uses special material to control how fast nicotine passes through the skin. Unlike the sudden jolts of nicotine delivered by cigarettes, the amount of nicotine you receive remains relatively smooth throughout the 16 or 24 hour period you wear the NicoDerm CQpatch. This helps to reduce cravings you may have for nicotine.

READ THE LABEL
Nicotine Transdermal System
STOP SMOKING AID
STEP 1
14 clear patches (2-week kit)

  • Not for sale to those under 18 years of age.
  • Proof of age required.
  • Not for sale in vending machines or from any source where proof of age cannot be verified.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

For more information and for a FREE individualized stop smoking program, please visit www.nicodermcq.comor see inside for more details.

U.S. Patent No. 7,622,136

8,075,911

TO INCREASE YOUR SUCCESS IN QUITTING:

1. You must be motivated to quit.

2. Complete the full treatment program, applying a new patch every day.

3. Use with a support program as described in the enclosed User's Guide.

For your family's protection, NicoDerm CQpatches are supplied in child resistant pouches. Do not use if individual pouch is open or torn.

NicoDerm CQ is a three step program. You start with the highest level of medicine and

gradually step down your dose. If you smoke 10 or less cigarettes per day, start with Step 2.

Made in Ireland

©2022 GSK group of companies or its licensor.

200697

Additional Information ( Step 2)

Read carton and enclosed User’s Guide before using this product. Keep this carton and User’s Guide. They contain important information.

Includes User’s Guide with MyQuit Program Enrollment Offer.

What is the NicoDerm CQPatch and How is it Used?
NicoDerm CQis a small, nicotine-containing patch. When you put on a NicoDerm CQpatch, nicotine passes through the skin and into your body. NicoDerm CQis very thin and uses special material to control how fast nicotine passes through the skin. Unlike the sudden jolts of nicotine delivered by cigarettes, the amount of nicotine you receive remains relatively smooth throughout the 16 or 24 hour period you wear the NicoDerm CQpatch. This helps to reduce cravings you may have for nicotine.

READ THE LABEL
Nicotine Transdermal System
STOP SMOKING AID
STEP 2
14 clear patches (2-week kit)

  • Not for sale to those under 18 years of age.
  • Proof of age required.
  • Not for sale in vending machines or from any source where proof of age cannot be verified.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

For more information and for a FREE individualized stop smoking program, please visit www.nicodermcq.comor see inside for more details.

U.S. Patent No. 7,622,136

8,075,911

TO INCREASE YOUR SUCCESS IN QUITTING:

1. You must be motivated to quit.

2. Complete the full treatment program, applying a new patch every day.

3. Use with a support program as described in the enclosed User's Guide.

For your family's protection, NicoDerm CQpatches are supplied in child resistant pouches. Do not use if individual pouch is open or torn.

NicoDerm CQ is a three step program. You start with the highest level of medicine and

gradually step down your dose. If you smoke 10 or less cigarettes per day, start with Step 2.

Made in Ireland

©2022 GSK group of companies or its licensor.

201227

Additional Information ( Step 3)

Read carton and enclosed User’s Guide before using this product. Keep this carton and User’s Guide. They contain important information.

Includes User’s Guide with MyQuit Program Enrollment Offer.

What is the NicoDerm CQ Patch and How is it Used?

NicoDerm CQis a small, nicotine-containing patch. When you put on a NicoDerm CQpatch, nicotine passes through the skin and into your body. NicoDerm CQis very thin and uses special material to control how fast nicotine passes through the skin. Unlike the sudden jolts of nicotine delivered by cigarettes, the amount of nicotine you receive remains relatively smooth throughout the 16 or 24 hour period you wear the NicoDerm CQpatch. This helps to reduce cravings you may have for nicotine.

READ THE LABEL
Nicotine Transdermal System
STOP SMOKING AID
STEP 3
14 clear patches (2-week kit)

  • Not for sale to those under 18 years of age.
  • Proof of age required.
  • Not for sale in vending machines or from any source where proof of age cannot be verified.

Trademarks are owned by or licensed to the GSK group of companies.

For more information and for a FREE individualized stop smoking program, please visit www.nicodermcq.comor see inside for more details.

U.S. Patent No. 7,622,136

8,075,911

TO INCREASE YOUR SUCCESS IN QUITTING:

1. You must be motivated to quit.

2. Complete the full treatment program, applying a new patch every day.

3. Use with a support program as described in the enclosed User's Guide.

For your family's protection, NicoDerm CQpatches are supplied in child resistant pouches. Do not use if individual pouch is open or torn.

NicoDerm CQ is a three step program. You start with the highest level of medicine and

gradually step down your dose. If you smoke 10 or less cigarettes per day, start with Step 2.

Made in Ireland

©2022 GSK group of companies or its licensor.

201228

Principal Display Panel

NDC 0135-0194-02

NicoDerm CQ

Nicotine Transdermal System 21 mg Delivered over 24 Hours

STOP SMOKING AID

CLEAR PATCH

EXTENDED RELEASE24 HOURS

SMARTCONTROL TECHNOLOGY

STEP 1

21 mg

IF YOU SMOKE MORE THAN 10 CIGARETTESA DAY, START WITH STEP 1

10 OR LESS CIGARETTESA DAY, START WITH STEP 2

ACTUAL SIZE

14 clear patches( 2-week kit)

The full course of treatment for STEP 1 is 42 patches (6 weeks); this package contains 14 patches (2-week course) only.

Read the enclosed User’s Guide for additional information.

200697 Nicoderm CQ 21mg clear patch 14 count.jpg

Principal Display Panel

NDC 0135-0195-02

NicoDerm CQ

Nicotine Transdermal System 14 mg Delivered over 24 Hours

STOP SMOKING AID

CLEAR PATCH

EXTENDED RELEASE24 HOURS

SMARTCONTROL TECHNOLOGY

STEP 2

14 mg

IF YOU SMOKE 10 OR LESS CIGARETTESA DAY, START WITH STEP 2

MORE THAN 10 CIGARETTESA DAY, START WITH STEP 1

ACTUAL SIZE

14 clear patches( 2-week kit)

The full course of treatment for STEP 2 is 2 or 6 weeks (depending on how many cigarettes you smoke per day).
Read the enclosed User’s Guide for additional information.

PA201227 Nicoderm CQ 14 mg clear patch 14 count

Principal Display Panel

NDC 0135-0196-02

NicoDerm CQ

Nicotine Transdermal System 7 mg Delivered over 24 Hours

STOP SMOKING AID

CLEAR PATCH

EXTENDED RELEASE24 HOURS

SMARTCONTROL TECHNOLOGY

STEP 3

7 mg

FOR USE AFTER COMPLETING STEP 2

ACTUAL SIZE

14 clear patches( 2-week kit)

201228_ Nicoderm CQ 21mg clear patch 14 count.jpg
NICODERM CQ
nicotine patch, extended release
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN OTC DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0135-0194
Route of AdministrationTRANSDERMAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
NICOTINE (UNII: 6M3C89ZY6R) (NICOTINE - UNII:6M3C89ZY6R) NICOTINE21 mg in 24 h
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE COPOLYMER (40% VINYL ACETATE) (UNII: L5F16ZG4ZU)
HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (UNII: UG00KM4WR7)
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0135-0194-017 in 1 CARTON05/12/2011
124 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
2NDC:0135-0194-0214 in 1 CARTON05/12/2011
224 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
3NDC:0135-0194-031 in 1 PACKAGE05/12/2011
321 in 1 CARTON
324 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
4NDC:0135-0194-0514 in 1 CARTON05/12/2011
4NDC:0135-0194-0824 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA02016505/12/2011
NICODERM CQ
nicotine patch, extended release
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN OTC DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0135-0195
Route of AdministrationTRANSDERMAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
NICOTINE (UNII: 6M3C89ZY6R) (NICOTINE - UNII:6M3C89ZY6R) NICOTINE14 mg in 24 h
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE COPOLYMER (40% VINYL ACETATE) (UNII: L5F16ZG4ZU)
HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (UNII: UG00KM4WR7)
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0135-0195-0214 in 1 CARTON05/12/2011
124 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
2NDC:0135-0195-031 in 1 PACKAGE05/12/2011
221 in 1 CARTON
224 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
3NDC:0135-0195-0514 in 1 CARTON05/12/2011
3NDC:0135-0195-0824 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA02016505/12/2011
NICODERM CQ
nicotine patch, extended release
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN OTC DRUGItem Code (Source)NDC:0135-0196
Route of AdministrationTRANSDERMAL
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
NICOTINE (UNII: 6M3C89ZY6R) (NICOTINE - UNII:6M3C89ZY6R) NICOTINE7 mg in 24 h
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE COPOLYMER (40% VINYL ACETATE) (UNII: L5F16ZG4ZU)
HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (UNII: UG00KM4WR7)
Packaging
#Item CodePackage DescriptionMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
1NDC:0135-0196-0214 in 1 CARTON05/12/2011
124 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
2NDC:0135-0196-0514 in 1 CARTON05/12/2011
2NDC:0135-0196-0824 h in 1 PATCH; Type 2: Prefilled Drug Delivery Device/System (syringe, patch, etc.)
Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
NDANDA02016505/12/2011
Labeler - Haleon US Holdings LLC (079944263)

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