Information on the Patch to Quit Smoking

According to the National Institutes of Health, smoking is responsible for 87 percent of lung cancer deaths. Smoking causes other health problems including heart disease, strokes and lung diseases. Nicotine is an ingredient of tobacco and is addictive. Using a nicotine replacement patch may make quitting smoking easier.

Expert Insight

According to the United States Surgeon General, nicotine replacement patches can double the odds that someone will be successful in his attempt to quit smoking.

Safety

A study conducted by the Methodist DeBakey Heart Center at the Methodist Hospital in Houston found that nicotine replacement patches are safe for smokers with coronary artery disease.

Identification

Nicotine replacement patches are worn for 24 hours. The patch releases a consistent dose of nicotine.

More Than 10 Cigarettes a Day

The smoking cessation program for nicotine patches begins with a 21-mg patch that is worn for six weeks for people who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day. The next step is to use a 14-mg patch for two weeks. Finally, the 7-mg patch is used for two weeks.

Less Than 10 Cigarettes a Day

People who smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day begin with the 14-mg patch for six weeks. They move to a 7-mg patch for two weeks.

Try Again

If someone fails to quit smoking using the patch, it is safe to start the program again.

Resources

• Information About the Safety of Nicotine Patches
• NIH Information About Quitting Smoking

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