Combining NRTs is more effective than using either alone. Participating in behavioral counseling while using this medication will increase your likelihood of staying tobacco-free.
- Nicotine Patch
DOSAGE 21mg, 14mg, 7mg
What Does This Medication Do?
The patch will release small but continuous amounts of nicotine into the body through the skin to help decrease withdrawal symptoms.
How Do I Use It?
- Begin using the patch on your quit date.
- Each day, apply one new patch when you wake up. Make sure the old patch is removed before applying a new patch.
- Peel the back off the patch and put it on clean, dry, hair-free skin on your upper arm, chest, or back.
- Press patch firmly in place for 10 seconds so it will stick well to your skin.
- You can bathe, shower, and swim while wearing the patch.
- Avoid wearing the patch on the same area more than once a week.
- Fold the used patch in half with the sticky sides together and throw it in the regular trash, away from children or pets.
- Based on your nicotine dependence level, you will typically start with 21mg or 14mg patches and may use the same strength for 1-2 months before stepping down to a lower dose.
What Are The Possible Side Effects?
- May cause minor burning, itching or redness of skin. To reduce the risk of this problem, avoid using the patch on the same area within one week.
- If you have skin irritation for more than four days or if you have severe burning or hives, remove the patch and stop using it. Contact your healthcare provider right away.*
- Sleep problems or vivid dreams may occur. If so, remove the patch before going to sleep.
* Some people may be allergic to the adhesive material used in the patch.
If you are in crisis, call: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK and press 1 to talk to someone now.
- Tobacco Cessation Counseling
Tobacco Cessation Counseling
What Does Counseling Do?
Behavioral counseling is when you talk with a health care provider about your tobacco or nicotine use and make a plan to get tobacco out of your life. This type of counseling helps you change your behaviors and routines to avoid using tobacco. It also can help you think differently about tobacco and your triggers.
How Do I Use It?
An important part of counseling is figuring out what triggers your tobacco or nicotine use. Some of these triggers probably sound familiar:
- Talking on the phone
- Drinking a cup of coffee
- Drinking alcohol
- Feeling bored
- Needing a break
- Facing stress
- Having insomnia
Counseling will help you to figure out how you can avoid or cope with your triggers, so you don’t start using tobacco again after you stop. For example, if you smoke with your morning coffee, your counselor may suggest that you have your coffee in a tobacco-free environment (such as a restaurant or a work kitchen) or switch to tea instead.
How Do I Get VA Counseling?
- Contact your VA health care provider. Tell them you are interested in working on changing your tobacco use. They can give you brief counseling as well as provide you with tobacco cessation medication. Your provider can also refer you to local tobacco use treatment clinics for individual and group counseling sessions.
- Call the VA Quitline. Speak with a Quit VET coach Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern. Dial 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838). Are you ready to stop for good? Quit VET coaches can provide you with weekly check-in calls to troubleshoot difficulties and keep you on track.
- Sign up for SmokefreeVET Text. Get encouraging and informative messages with quick tips and advice via text. Text VET to 47848 or go to Smokefree.gov/vet.
- Download the Stay Quit Coach Mobile Application. Set goals to reduce or stop your tobacco use and track your progress with this smartphone app. To install, go to mobile.va.gov/app/stay-quit-coach.
If you are in crisis, dial 988 and press 1 to talk to someone now or text 838255.
Use These Tools For Additional Support
If you use tobacco occasionally while taking the medicine, don’t give up. Continue to take the medicine and try not to use tobacco.
Sign Up For SmokefreeVET Text
Call the Quitline to Speak with a Quit VET coach Monday - Friday
Using medication together with behavioral counseling gives you the best chance of stopping tobacco use.
Talk with your health care provider about the best medication for you.
What NRT Can You Combine?
Nicotine Patch, Lozenge, and Counseling
The patch and lozenge release nicotine to help decrease withdrawal symptoms and control cravings. Use with counseling for your best chance of quitting tobacco.
Nicotine Patch, Gum, and Counseling
The patch and gum release nicotine to help decrease withdrawal symptoms and control cravings. Combine with counseling for your best chance of quitting tobacco.