Examine individual changes

'{{Cleanup|date=July 2009}} [[Image:Nicoderm.JPG||thumb|right|A 21 mg dose [[Nicoderm]] CQ patch applied to the left arm]] A '''nicotine patch''' is a [[transdermal patch]] that releases [[nicotine]] into the body through the skin. It is usually used as a method to quit [[tobacco smoking|smoking]]. The first patch appeared in 1993. ==Issues== ===Efficacy=== Doubts have been expressed on the efficacy of nicotine patches as a method to help reduce or stop smoking. In some studies the success rates of experimental groups using nicotine patches was comparable to using nothing at all and significantly lower than many other treatments.<ref>http://whyquit.com/whyquit/A_OTCPatch.html</ref> The American Cancer Society recommend using nicotine patches or other nicotine replacement therapies to help reduce the severity of physical withdrawal symptoms.<ref>http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/PED_10_13X_Guide_for_Quitting_Smoking.asp</ref> ===Side effects=== Common side effects seen in smokers using nicotine patches instead of tobacco are similar to nicotine withdrawal symptoms. These include dizziness, headache, irritability, sleep disturbances, and depression. Skin irritation at the site of the patch is also common, including allergic reactions to materials or adhesives on the patch. ===Cost=== {{Unreferenced section|date=November 2009}} {{Original research|date=November 2009}} In the [[United States|U.S.]], the nicotine patch costs roughly [[US dollar|$20 to $30]] per week, although some municipalities, schools, and [[health insurance|health plan]]s offer [[subsidy|subsidized]] or free nicotine patches. Depending on local tobacco [[tax]] rates, patches are cheaper than cigarettes. Some pharmacies have begun marketing nicotine patches under [[private label]]s; they are 25% to 30% cheaper than branded patches. In the [[United Kingdom|U.K.]] nicotine patches cost approximately [[British pound|£]]15 for a week's supply. For heavy smokers, this compares favorably with cigarettes at £5 for 20 (prices Jan 2007), however light smokers may find that nicotine patches are more expensive than their cigarette addiction. Patches are available without charge on [[National Health Service|NHS]] [[medical prescription|prescription]] from a [[general practitioner|GP]]. In some countries the nicotine patches are more costly per week than smoking. For example, in [[Colombia]] a packet of cigarettes can cost between 3000-4000COP (approximately 86p - £1.20 respectively {{As of|2009|12|lc=on}}). So, at most, a pack a day smoker, would pay 28000COP (approx. £8) a week, whereas the patches available (e.g. [[NiQuitin]]) can cost between 35000COP - 40000COP per week. In the Philippines and other countries drug stores have stopped supplying the patches as they are much more expensive than tobacco and do not sell well. For example: one pack of cigarettes costs from 35 to 80 pesos (US$0.70 - 1.60) depending on the brand, whereas a week's supply of patches costs 850 pesos (US$17.75). There is little demand for nicotine patches. ==Alternate uses== Nicotine patches are under study to help relieve the symptoms of [[post-surgical pain]].<ref>[http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/85508.php Nicotine Patch Decreases Post Surgical Pain]</ref> ==See also== * [[Murray Jarvik]] - co-inventor of the nicotine patch * [[Smoking cessation]] * [[Nicotine replacement therapy]] * [[Nicotine lozenge]] * [[Nicotine gum]] * [[Transdermal patch]] * [[Nicoderm CQ]] ==References== <references /> {{DEFAULTSORT:Nicotine Patch}} [[Category:Tobacco cessation]] [[Category:Transdermal patches]] [[de:Nikotinpflaster]] [[nl:Nicotinepleister]]'