Nicoderm Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

NicoDerm CQ is an over-the-counter nicotine patch used to help people quit smoking. The NicoDerm CQ patch is applied daily, and allows nicotine to pass through the skin and into the bloodstream. The transdermal patch releases a steady amount of nicotine throughout the day to reduce cravings. Typical side effects of Nicoderm include nausea, dizziness, diarrhea, headache and skin irritation where the patch is placed.^[1]

NicoDerm CQ patches are available in three nicotine strengths: 21 mg, 14 mg, and 7 mg. Individuals begin with the strength that best reflects their smoking habits, and decrease nicotine levels over a period of weeks. This system is a type of nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT. Those who quit smoking using NRT methods are twice as likely to be successful.^[2]

Contents 1 Common NicoDerm CQ Side Effects 2 About Drug Side Effects 3 NicoDerm CQ Allergic Reactions 4 NicoDerm CQ Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common NicoDerm CQ Side Effects

Common NicoDerm side effects include diarrhea, dizziness, headache, and nausea or vomiting. Some users may also experience redness or swelling at the patch site.

Serious NicoDerm side effects, which may require immediate medical attention, include abnormal heartbeat or rhythm, difficulty breathing, weakness, and severe rash or swelling. These more severe adverse reactions may be due to nicotine overdose.^[4]

About Drug Side Effects

NicoDerm CQ Allergic Reactions

Those who are allergic to adhesive tape are likely to have a reaction to Nicoderm. In addition, people with skin problems are more prone to rashes or other issues with the patch. The use of NicoDerm CQ is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to nicotine or to any of the following inactive ingredients: ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (40% vinyl acetate), polyisobutylene, and high density polyethylene.^[4]

NicoDerm CQ Precautions and Warnings

• Continuing to smoke while using Nicoderm can result in nicotine overdose.
• Only one patch is to be worn at a time, and each patch should be removed after 24 hours.
• Pets or children who swallow the Nicoderm patch may be poisoned; the manufacturer recommends folding the adhesive side together after use, and then placing the patch back in its pouch before disposing.^[4]
• NicoDerm CQ may not be right for some patients who have heart disease, an irregular heart rhythm, or have recently had a heart attack. Nicotine is known to increase the heart rate of patients.^[4]
• NicoDerm CQ may cause problems for some patients with high blood pressure. Nicotine is known to increase blood pressure levels.^[4]
• NicoDerm CQ has been is classified by the FDA as pregnancy category D because studies have shown that high levels of nicotine, the main ingredient in NicoDerm CQ, have proven to be a risk to a developing fetus.^[5] However, the nicotine patch is thought to be safer for pregnancy than smoking cigarettes.^[4]
• Nicotine can pass through breast milk in nursing mothers. It is possible for infants who ingest nicotine through nursing to have increased heart rates. Animal studies have also linked nicotine exposure to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and compromised lung development.^[6]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Tobacco Side Effects, Chantix, Chantix Coupons, Wellbutrin Side Effects, Zyban Side Effects, Nicotine Patch Coupons

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601084.html#side-effects
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} http://www.nicodermcq.com/quitting-smoking/nicotine-replacement-therapy.aspx
3. ↑ http://us.gsk.com
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5} http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=93b2d1b9-83c1-40b5-b6af-90c38c8d6cef
5. ↑ http://lungs.emedtv.com/nicoderm-cq/nicoderm-cq-and-pregnancy.html
6. ↑ http://lungs.emedtv.com/nicoderm-cq/nicoderm-cq-and-breastfeeding.html