Habitrol is designed to temporarily replace some of the nicotine that
cigarettes would normally supply. While the patch is worn, controlled
quantities of nicotine pass from the patch into your skin, and then into
your bloodstream. Because some nicotine is left in your skin when you
take the patch off, the nicotine will continue to pass into your
bloodstream for several hours after patch removal.
If you smoke 20 or more cigarettes per day:
- Start with Step 1 (21 mg), wearing one 21 mg patch daily for 3-4 weeks before moving on to Step 2.
- Next, wear Step 2 (14 mg) for an additional 3-4 weeks before moving on to Step 3.
- Finish by wearing Step 3 (7 mg) for 3-4 weeks.
If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes per day:
- Start at Step 2 (14 mg), wearing one 14 mg patch daily for 6-8 weeks before moving on to Step 3.
- Finish by wearing Step 3 (7 mg) for 3-4 weeks.
You
may have to switch sizes during the first week or two of therapy in
order to determine the correct size for you. If you still have
withdrawal symptoms or cigarette cravings with 14 mg/day, try 21 mg/day.
If you are experiencing side effects, use the next lower dose.
Each Step 2 patch contains 14 mg/day of nicotine.
