Q&A : ADVICE FROM EXPERTS LATEST NICOTINE PATCH NEEDS NO PRESCRIPTION.Nicotrol, the first nicotine patch nicotine patch Nicotine transdermal delivery system Substance abuse A device used in smoking cessation Side effects Transient burning, itching–50%, erythema–14%; contact hypersensitivity–2.4%. See Nicotine replacement therapy. to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration for nonprescription non·pre·scrip·tion adj. Sold legally without a physician's prescription; over-the-counter. sale, became available this month. Information about the skin patch skin patch, transdermal patch, or transdermal delivery system, adhesive patch used to deliver a controlled dose of a drug through the skin over a period of time. was provided by Albert Lim, M.D., a pulmonologist pul·mo·nol·o·gist n. A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory disorders. with Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Woodland Hills. How does Nicotrol help curb cravings for cigarettes? Nicotine is an addictive drug. When smokers stop, their bodies miss the regular flow of nicotine and they'll experience withdrawal symptoms Withdrawal symptoms A group of physical or mental symptoms that may occur when a person suddenly stops using a drug to which he or she has become dependent. - anxiety, depression, nervousness and irritability. The symptoms usually hit hardest within the first three days of quitting. The patch helps eliminate withdrawal symptoms by providing a steady level of nicotine. Is the over-the-counter nicotine patch the same as the previous prescription dosage? No. The prescription patch was an eight-week program, where the user was given 15 milligrams the first four weeks, 10 milligrams the next two weeks and 5 milligrams the last two weeks. Over-the-counter Nicotrol only comes in a 15 mg dose, so there is no tapering off and it is only six weeks long. How are the patches used? Apply the patch directly on the skin in the morning. Nicotrol will last between 12 and 16 hours, which should be enough to help control your cravings throughout the day. How long does a smoker need to use the patch? The over-the-counter product can be used as long as the six-week supply lasts. By the end of six weeks, you should not experience any physical withdrawal. How safe is the patch? The patch is a safer alternative than continued smoking, which has been associated with problems in the nervous system, the cardiovascular system cardiovascular system: see circulatory system. cardiovascular system System of vessels that convey blood to and from tissues throughout the body, bringing nutrients and oxygen and removing wastes and carbon dioxide. and brain. Are there side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. to the patch? The only side effect reported has been skin irritation caused by the adhesive nature of the patch. Users are advised to put the patch on different parts of the arms or legs to avoid repeatedly irritating a single area. |
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