Nicotine Patches

Nicotine patches are a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medication to help you quit. Learn more and find out if they're right for you.

What nicotine patches are

The nicotine patch is a kind of nicotine replacement therapy. Nicotine patches are small, flat, flexible pieces of material that have an adhesive on one side like a sticker. You can get them at the pharmacy and don’t need a prescription.

How nicotine patches work

When you put them on your skin, they release a constant amount of nicotine into your body that helps reduce cravings all day long.
Nicotine patches come in three doses: 21, 14, and 7 mg/day.
Nicotine patches need to be replaced every day, and can be used in combination with nicotine gum or lozenges to manage especially strong cravings.

Where to get nicotine patches

If you are 18 years or older, you can get nicotine patches without a prescription. If you are under 18, talk to your healthcare provider about medication to help you quit.
Many states make quitting medications available through a state quitline. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW to find out what is available in your state.
Nicotine patches are available for sale without a prescription at any pharmacy, as well as other stores.
Generic brands are available for a much lower price than brand-name options.
If you have insurance, most health plans offer quitting medication with no or very low cost to members. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to check on your benefits. Some insurance plans require a prescription from your health care provider to cover the cost of the medication.

How to use nicotine patches

Follow the instructions that come in the box. Nicotine patches are a medicine and must be used as directed to get the best results. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using nicotine patches if you have any questions.

Put on a new patch each day. Remove the old patch.
Place the patch on your upper body. Non-hairy sites not rubbed by clothing are best. Do not apply the patch to an area that has recently been shaved. Don't use lotion or soap with moisturizers on the patch site area before you put the patch on.
Change the patch location each time a new patch is put on. See the image below for examples of different patch sites.
If the patch comes off, apply a new patch. If you have problems keeping the patch attached, use surgical tape in a crisscrossed pattern over the patch.
Follow the instructions in the box to taper off the nicotine patches over the weeks directed.

Diagram of 14 locations for nicotine patches across the front and sides of the torso and on the upper arms

For cigarette smokers

If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day, start with the 21 mg patch (often labeled as step 1). Follow the package instructions to taper off of patches over the weeks directed.
If you smoke 10 or fewer cigarettes a day, start with the 14 mg patch (often labeled as step 2). Follow the package instructions to taper off of patches over the weeks directed.

For e-cigarette/vape users

If you vape within 30 minutes of waking up, start with the 21 mg patch (often labeled as step 1). Follow the package instructions to taper off of patches over the weeks directed.
If you first vape between 30 and 60 minutes after you wake up, start with the 14 mg patch (often labeled as step 2). Follow the package instructions to taper off of patches over the weeks directed.
If you first vape more than 60 minutes after you wake up, start with the 7 mg patch (often labeled as step 3). Follow the package instructions to taper off of patches over the weeks directed.

For smokeless tobacco users

If you use 2 or more tins or cans of tobacco per week, start with the 21 mg patch (often labeled as step 1). Follow the package instructions to taper off of patches over the weeks directed.
If you use less than 2 tins or cans of tobacco per week, start with the 14 mg patch (often labeled as step 2). Follow the package instructions to taper off of patches over the weeks directed.

Pros and cons of nicotine patches

Pros

No prescription needed, available over the counter
Easy to use, apply just once a day
Gives you a continuous flow of nicotine all day long
It is okay to keep the nicotine patch on through the night. In fact, most people sleep better because the patch relieves nicotine withdrawal symptoms which can disturb sleep.
Can be used with the gum or lozenges for more support
Few side effects

Cons

Patches have less flexible dosing than nicotine gum or lozenges
It takes longer for the nicotine to get into your system using the patch than with nicotine gum or lozenges
Nicotine patches may cause some mild skin rashes or irritation

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, take it off at bedtime.

Reviewed by Amanda Graham, PhD

Chief Health Officer, Truth Initiative

Updated February 19, 2026

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