• Explain to patient the necessity of immediate cessation of smoking upon initiation and throughout therapy

» Encourage patient to participate in a smoking cessation program while using this product

» Review the patient instruction sheet enclosed in the package

» Instruct patient in proper method of disposal of patch. Emphasize need to keep out of the reach of children

» Nicotine in any form can be harmful to a pregnant woman and/or the fetus. Assist patient in determining risk/benefit of nicotine replacement therapy and harm to the fetus versus the likelihood of stopping smoking without nicotine replacement therapy

» Emphasize the importance of regular visits to health care professional to monitor progress of smoking cessation

• Instruct patient in application and use of patch. Apply patch at the same time each day. Keep patch in sealed pouch until ready to apply. Apply to clean, dry skin of upper arm or torso free of oil, hair, scars, cuts, burns, or irritation. Press patch firmly in place with palm for 10 sec, making sure there is good contact, especially around the edges. Keep patch in place during showering, bathing, or swimming; replace patches that have fallen off. Wash hands with soap and water after handling patches. Do not trim or cut patch. No more than one patch should be worn at a time. Alternate application sites. Dispose of used patches by folding adhesive sides together and replacing in protective pouch or aluminum foil; keep out of reach of children

» Advise patient that redness, itching, and burning at application site usually subside within 1 hr. Instruct patient to notify health care professional and not apply new patch if signs of allergic reaction (urticaria, generalized rash, hives) or persistent local skin reactions (severe erythema, pruritus, edema) occur

» May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known