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How soon after removing the patch can I start smoking (if I should decide to give up) and how long after my last cigarette before I can begin using NicoDerm CQ®?
Following removal of the patch, nicotine levels decline slowly over a period of about 3 to 4 hours. In order to minimize your total nicotine intake if you decide to start smoking again, you should wait about 4 hours after removing the patch before it is safe to smoke.
Wait 1/2 hour after your last cigarette before applying the patch.
What if I smoke very "low nicotine cigarettes", should I be concerned about getting too much nicotine from NicoDerm CQ®?
The criteria for using a particular strength of NicoDerm CQ® according to the amount of cigarettes smoked per day has been tested and reviewed by the FDA as being an effective means of selection. Experts advise us that even smokers who only smoke one half pack a day of so-called "low nicotine" cigarettes can get more nicotine by puffing harder, puffing more often or smoking close to the filter. The rapid nicotine absorption that occurs when smoking even low nicotine cigarettes can result in higher peak levels of nicotine compared to NicoDerm CQ®.
How long will the nicotine stay in my blood or urine? (May need to know if having blood test done).
Trace amounts of nicotine can be detected in blood and urine for several hours but should not be detectable in blood or urine after 48 hours. However, COTININE, which is a metabolite of nicotine can be detected in blood or urine for up to 7 days.
Can I cut the patch and receive less nicotine from it?
NicoDerm CQ® provides a unique therapeutic approach to smoking cessation. The NicoDerm CQ patch is designed to provide the fastest delivery of medicine in a dosage form that maintains its effectiveness for a full 24 hours. The availability of enough medicine to fight your cravings and provide 24 hours of treatment can be compromised if the patch is cut in half. Extensive clinical testing has established the appropriate amounts of nicotine to be included in each of the three "steps" of NicoDerm CQ®. Cutting any of the patches in half is not recommended as it may alter the controlled release.
How long should I use each step?
If you smoke over 10 cigarettes a day, it is a 10 week program. Use Step 1 for 6 weeks, Step 2 for 2 weeks and Step 3 for 2 weeks.
If you smoke 10 cigarettes a day or less, it is an 8 week program. Use Step 2 for 6 weeks and Step 3 for 2 weeks.
What is the benefit of a patch versus gum?
Automatic dosing enhances patient compliance, assures reproducible, relatively constant levels of nicotine and provides nicotine for up to 24 hours for relief of nicotine cravings.
How does NicoDerm CQ® help a smoker to quit?
NicoDerm CQ® provides a constant delivery of nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms, including nicotine cravings, associated with stopping smoking. By reducing that craving and withdrawal, the user can concentrate on changing their habits.
Studies have proven that a nicotine patch should be used in combination with a behavioral support program like Committed Quitters to be effective. The support provides direction on changing behavioral patterns, while the patch reduces withdrawal symptoms to allow the quitter to effectively deal with the psychological issues.
Committed Quitters, a free, personalized stop-smoking plan, helps break the addiction to smoking by offering customized advice on how to cope with situations that may tempt the quitter to smoke. Studies show that personally-tailored behavioral support increases the chances of successfully changing behavior.
How much nicotine remains in the NicoDerm CQ® patch after 24 hours of use?
The rate of delivery of nicotine to the patient from each system (40 ug/cm2/h) is proportional to the surface area. About 73% of the total amount of nicotine remains in the system after 24 hours of application. NicoDerm CQ's systems are labeled by the dose actually absorbed by the patient. The dose of nicotine absorbed from the NicoDerm system represents 68% of the amount released in 24 hours. The other 32% (e.g., 9 mg/day for the 21 mg/day system) volatilizes from the edge of the system.
What is the source of nicotine in the NicoDerm CQ® patch?
The nicotine is derived from a natural source.
The adhesive is sticking so well that it is difficult for me to remove the patch from my body. What would you suggest?
When trying to remove an adhesive from your skin you could try rubbing an oil-based product, such as baby oil, over the adhesive. This should help to remove the residue.
How much nicotine would be absorbed if a user left the patch on for 16 hours versus 24 hours since the patch strengths on the labels are for 24 hour use?
If the patch is removed after 16 hours, you will have received two-thirds of the labeled dosage of nicotine.
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