How to Properly Use Nicotine Patches

Nicotine patches are designed for treatment of tobacco use and dependence. They are applied directly to the skin every day, anywhere on the torso (between your neck and waist). You apply a new patch each day, after removing the previous day’s patch.

Patches come in different strengths and it is important to use the correct dosage for your current tobacco use. If you smoke 11 or more cigarettes per day or use 2 or more tins of smokeless tobacco, you should likely use the 21mg patches, for example. Keep in mind this is a general guidelines and if you feel the dosage isn’t working for you, you should speak with your doctor about adjusting the dosage or adding another medication.

When buying patches, remember that every 21mg patch equals an entire pack of cigarettes. When broken down, the cost of the patches is only about $3 a day, depending on the brand you choose.

Learn more about how to use nicotine replacements by enrolling in the program and talking with a Quit Coach®.