How to use a nicotine patch
How to use a nicotine patch
We have given you a 2-week supply of nicotine patches
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- Use a nicotine patch every day to cut down on smoking, aim for at least one less cigarette each day
- We will contact you in 2 weeks to check how you are getting on and if you need more patches
- Put a new patch on when you wake up and take it off before you go to bed
- Put the patch anywhere on your arm, shoulder or thigh
- Choose a different place each day; use the right side one day and the left the next but NOT over your heart
Helpful tips for using NRT patches
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- To open the foil packet you’ll need some scissors. Take the patch out and peel off the foil backing. Hold the patch at a corner and gently waft it for a few seconds. This helps reduce the risk of any irritation from the glue.
- Some people feel a slight tingling sensation when they first put on a patch, this usually wears off quickly.
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- Apply the patch to a clean part of the skin. Each day use a different place, start off on one side of your body and the next day use the other side.
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- You can put the patch on your arm, shoulder, back, hips and thighs but not over your heart.
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- Avoid using body lotion on the area where you are going to put the patch because lotions make it hard for the patch to stick.
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- Put a new patch on in the morning as soon as you wake up and take it off before you go to bed. Remember to alternate which side and where you stick the patch.