What is Nicoderm?
Nicoderm is a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), which provides your body with less nicotine than cigarettes, while giving it enough to reduce the severity of both cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
In turn, it can be much easier to stop smoking using Nicoderm, compared to quitting ‘cold turkey’ (with no assistance).
There are a number of different types of NRT. To clarify, this page will focus specifically on Nicoderm nicotine patches in Canada.
How does Nicoderm work?
Nicoderm nicotine patches work by slowly releasing nicotine into your bloodstream through your skin.
The amount of nicotine is often enough to reduce the severity of your nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings for cigarettes, while still being less than you would take in while smoking.
There are currently 3 types of Nicoderm nicotine patches in Canada:
- Step 1 - 21 mg nicotine patches
- Step 2 - 14 mg nicotine patches
- Step 3 - 7 mg nicotine patches
SIDE NOTE: Not every person will start at Step 1, when they begin treatment. For example, Nicoderm recommends starting treatment at Step 2, if you’re not a heavy smoker.
All of these patches contain the same ingredients and function the same way, but there is progressively less nicotine in the treatment, as you move through the steps.
Eventually, this should help make it easier to stop smoking. Nicoderm also notes that you may combine patches with other forms of NRTs (i.e., lozenges, gum, etc.), if the nicotine patches alone aren’t controlling your cravings.
What is Nicoderm used to treat?
How do you take Nicoderm?
Using Nicoderm nicotine patches is easy. Just remove a single Nicoderm patch from your package and clean the area of skin where you’d like to apply the patch with soap and water. Make sure to dry thoroughly afterwards.
Remove the adhesive layer from the back of the patch, and be sure to avoid touching that side until you’re applying it.
Apply the adhesive side directly to your chosen area (i.e., arm, leg, shoulder) and press firmly to ensure it sticks.
Each Nicoderm nicotine patch is designed for 24-hour usage, so you should avoid removing the patch before this period is completed. You won’t be able to reapply the patch after it has been removed.
NEVER use more than one Nicoderm patch at a time. This could cause symptoms of overdose, or exaggerate other negative side effects.
How long does Nicoderm last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Nicoderm?
Most people using Nicoderm nicotine patches won’t experience any kind of negative side effects, but some of the most commonly appearing side effects of Nicoderm include:
- Minor skin irritation
- Headaches
- Light-headedness
- Insomnia
- Upset stomach
- Vivid dreams
These side effects of Nicoderm are normal and may pass once your body adjusts to the nicotine patches. If they become severe, be sure to talk to your practitioner about it.
The side effects of a Nicoderm overdose or excessively high dose of nicotine could include:
- Severe headaches
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cold sweats
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty hearing
- Mental confusion
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Weak/irregular pulse
- Extreme exhaustion
- Circulatory collapse
- Convulsions
If you start to experience ANY of these more severe symptoms, remove your Nicoderm patch and seek immediate medical attention.
Who shouldn't take Nicoderm?
Nicoderm patches aren’t meant for anyone under the age of 18. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use Nicoderm nicotine patches, as it could harm the baby.
Nicoderm nicotine patches aren’t meant to be used by non-smokers, or those who are only occasional smokers.
You should also avoid using Nicoderm if you have any generalized skin disorders (i.e., rashes, eczema, dermatitis, etc.), or if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in Nicoderm.
Further reading
