Side Effects and Precautions of Nicotine Patches

Potential side effects of nicotine patches and what to do about them

• Red, itching skin at the patch site. This usually does not happen until several weeks after you start using the nicotine patch. Apply 1 percent hydrocortisone cream to the irritated areas two to three times. If you see red, itching skin soon after starting to use the patch, or if the irritation is not helped by using hydrocortisone cream, contact your healthcare provider.
• Blistering skin at patch site. Apply 1 percent hydrocortiscone cream to the irritated areas two to three times. If you see blistering or other skin irritation soon after starting to use the patch, or if the irritation is not helped by using hydrocortisone cream, contact your healthcare provider.
• Nausea. If you feel nauseous, lessen your patch dose. If nausea does not get better contact your healthcare provider.
• Vivid dreams. If you have vivid dreams due to the nicotine patch, simply take it off at bedtime.

Precautions

If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before starting to use nicotine patches:

• A heart attack in the last two weeks
• A serious heart rhythm problem
• Pain in your heart (angina) that is serious or getting worse
• Allergy to adhesive tape or other serious skin problems like psoriasis and eczema
• Could be pregnant or are breastfeeding
• Less than 18 years old