NicoDerm, also known as NicoDerm CQ (short for Comitted Quit or Comitted Quitter) is a Nicotine Replacement Therapy produced by GlaxoSmithKline. Like it's sibling products, Nicorette and the Commit Lozenge, the active ingredient is nicotine. GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE: GSK NYSE: GSK) is a British based pharmaceutical, biologicals, and healthcare company. ... Nicotine is an organic compound, a pyrrolidine-like alkaloid found naturally in the nightshade family of plants, such as tobacco and tomatoes. ...

History

NicoDerm was approved by the FDA in 1991, touted as the original "nicotine transdermal system."

NicoDerm was originally the second product to provide an alternative to the withdrawal symptoms of quitting smoking. By the time NicoDerm patches hit the market, nicotine gums, such as Pfizer's Nicotrol gum (no longer in production) had already been quite popular. Pfizer, Incorporated (NYSE: PFE), is a global pharmaceutical company, with headquarters in New York City. ...

Shortly after NicoDerm's release, Clear NicoDerm was released, as some users complained about the patch's inability to match a wide variety of skin colors. Over the past several years, NicoDerm has become the most popular topical nicotine alternative.

Also shortly after NicoDerm's release, many other pharmaceutical companies began releasing many nicotine replacement therapies, such as Nicotrol, which for a time encompassed Pfizer's entire line of products, including gum, lozenges, inhalers and nasal sprays. Of the Pfizer line of products, it appears that the Nicotrol inhaler and nasal spray are the only two products that appear to still be in production.

For a short time GSK did produce an inhaler, but it would seem that Pfizer's experience in design prevailed, and GSK relented, opting rather to produce more consumer oriented products.

How It Works

Unlike adhesive bandages, topical patches generally use a solid plastic backing, occasionally with a fabric covering on the outside to look like an adhesive bandage. Unlike adhesive bandages, topical patches use a much stronger adhesive, allowing them to maintain their hold without having to wrap around to themselves, be covered or taped.

Like any other topical patch currently available on the market right now, NicoDerm's adhesive also mediates the release of the medication through the skin.

NicoDerm comes in 3 different variations ranging from 7mg to 21mg. The main difference between each level is not the amount of nicotine placed between the backing and the adhesive, but the size of the patch. This is due to the nature of the adhesive. For the adhesive to maintain its hold properly, the consistency of it must remain the same, thereby allowing only a specific amount of nicotine through.

General Usage

GlaxoSmithKline recommends starting with the Step 1(21mg) patch for smokers who smoke more than half a pack (10 cigarettes) a day. Smokers of half a pack or less per day are recommended to start with Step 2(14mg) patches. Smokers are advised to use the initially chosen step for six weeks, and use the additional step(s) for two weeks each.

It is recommended to find a fairly flat spot on the body that will not bend or unsettle the patch too much. This has become somewhat more lenient as GSK has recently (late 2005) released a "ThinFlex" version of NicoDerm, which moves more easily with the body. It is also wise to avoid spots that have long, or thick hair, this can disrupt the adhesive making the patch less effective, and also harder --and possibly painful-- to remove.

When placing the patch, remove the plastic backing from the adhesive, and place one flat edge of the adhesive on a dry, clean area of the skin, roll your hand over the rest of the patch until it completely covers the patch. Hold for ten to fifteen seconds to make sure that the adhesive takes hold.

If the patch does not hold, discard it safely by folding it in half with the adhesive inside, clean and dry the skin and repeat.

NicoDerm, like most other topical nicotine treatments, should not be worn for more than 24 hours. As the NicoDerm patch does not allow the skin under it to breathe, it must be removed after such time to prevent the skin from beginning to die. When removing the patch, simply peel away from the skin, fold the adhesive side into itself and discard somewhere that pets and children cannot get at it.

Safety Warnings

Be very careful to watch for signs of allergy, such as itching for extended periods, "foaming" around the edges of the patch and redness. Mild itching may occur for a few minutes in the vicinity of the fresh patch and after the patch has been removed; this is normal. If the itching persists beyond a few minutes or begins to sting, remove the patch immediately and consult a physician.

DO NOT smoke or use other nicotine products while wearing NicoDerm or any other topical nicotine products! The constant flow of nicotine from products like NicoDerm and others, combined with the use of other nicotine products can easily cause an overdose, shock and/or death!

ALWAYS discard the patch where it is not accessible to pets or children. Even the small amount of nicotine left over after use is enough to kill most children and animals.

NEVER cut any topical nicotine product. Cutting the patches can release the nicotine oil from the inside in large doses, which, if absorbed through the skin or ingested can cause an overdose, shock and/or death.

DO NOT use any topical nicotine product for more than 24 hours in the same spot. The patches do not allow the skin they cover to breathe. Leaving a patch on for more than 24 hours can cause severe damage to the skin beneath it by preventing needed amounts of oxygen to reach the epidermal layer of the skin, and cause capillaries to expand unnaturally and burst. For the same reason, do not place a patch on the same place more than once in a row. It is recommended to find between two and four spots to alternate or rotate the patch through.

Resources & Other Options

Topical nicotine products are not the only products for withdrawal symptoms. Products are available in the form of gums, lozenges, and various inhalers.

In 1995, Axia Health Management and the Boston University School of Public Health created the Quitnet, a resource for people wanting to quit smoking. Quitnet contains support groups, tips, and a personal quit calendar. The site can also periodically email a quitter with reminders and extra tips upon subscription.

Philip Morris USA provides QuitAssist to help potential quitters, and Youth Smoking Prevention to help parents educate children about smoking.