What is Habitrol?
The main ingredient in tobacco products is habitrol.The skin patch Habitrol is used to reduce the symptoms of withdrawal from this medicine when you quit smoking.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Habitrol.
Side effects of Habitrol
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Side effects from Habitrol can be serious. If you experience:
- Fluttering or fast heartbeats
- Extreme weakness or dizziness
- Nausea, or severe nausea.
- Redness, swelling, or skin rash at the site of the Habitrol patch (especially if symptoms persist for more than 4 days after removal)
Some of the common side effects associated with Habitrol include:
- Dizziness;
- Sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;
- Upset stomach, dry mouth.
- Joint or muscular pain
- Mild skin irritation is possible where the patch has been worn.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Reaching out to the FDA with any adverse events is easy; just dial 1-800-FDA-1088!
Similar/related drugs
bupropion, Chantix, varenicline, nicotine, Zyban, and Nicorette
Warnings
Please read all the instructions on the label or package of your medication.Inform your healthcare provider of any medical conditions, allergies and medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
Anyone younger than 18 is not allowed to use Habitrol.
Have any of the following occurred to you?
- Irregular heartbeats;
- A stroke or heart attack
- Untreated or uncontrolled hypertension
- Blood circulation problems
- Pheochromocytoma
- A thyroid disorder
- A stomach ulcer
- Liver disease
- If your skin is allergic to adhesive tapes or bandages,
If you are pregnant, do not use Habitrol unless you have been advised by your doctor. Use an effective form of birth control and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant while on treatment.Smoking during pregnancy may cause miscarriage or stillbirth. Smoking is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, using a Habitrol product may be less harmful than smoking. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant, it is best to try and stop smoking without using this replacement medicine. Speak to your doctor about how you can stop smoking.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.If you wear the Habitrol patch during MRI (magnetic-resonance imaging), it may cause skin burns. Remove the patch prior to undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging test.
How to take Habitrol?
Habitrol is part of a comprehensive treatment program that can include counseling, support groups, and behavioral changes. You will be successful if you participate in every aspect of your quitting smoking program.Follow the instructions on the label or those prescribed by your physician. Transdermal patches should be used the day after you quit smoking or using tobacco.The strength of your patch and the number of weeks you will need to use it depend on how many cigarettes you smoked each day before quitting. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.After applying or removing an Habitrol skin patch, wash your hands.The patch should be applied to clean, hairless, and dry skin on the chest or upper arm.For the best results, press the patch into place firmly for 10 seconds. The patch can be left on during bathing, swimming, and showering.Wear only one habit patch. Never cut skin patches.If you have trouble sleeping or vivid dreams, do not wear the Habitrol patch.Try sticking the patch back in place if it falls off. If the patch does not adhere well, try a different one.Wear the Habitrol patch for up to 24 hours.Wear a Nicoderm cQ for 16 or 24 hours (for 24 hours if you have a craving for cigarettes in the morning).After 24 hours, remove the patch and replace it with another one. Each time you apply a new patch, choose a different area of your body. Use the same area of skin no more than once a week.Fold the skin patch in half with the sticky side facing out, then place it back in its pouch.Use Habitrol patches for no longer than 8 weeks without consulting your doctor.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Each patch should be kept in the foil pouch until ready to use. You can save the pouch to use when you throw out any used patches.Do not let children or pets touch the used or unused Habitrol patch.If your child accidentally chews or suckers on a skin patch, you should seek emergency medical care.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you can, apply a skin patch. Wear a skin patch for no longer than 24 hours. Don't use extra patches to cover the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness.
What should be avoided?
Avoid applying lotions, oils, or moisturizing soaps to the area where you intend to wear your Habitrol patch. It may not adhere well.
Interaction with other drug
Habits may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
