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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Quit Smoking Inspite Of Having Allergic Reaction To Nicotine Patch?

I tried the nicotine patch. Immediately upon placing the patch on my skin, it started itching. I tried placing the patch on different areas of my body for 24 hours each ( the recommended time on the package) and every spot reacted the same way, i.e., itchy, red and dry for about a week. Is it possible that I am allergic to the patch? I am trying desperately to quit smoking and the patch aside from the side effects di curb the cravings. What else can I safely try?
Mon, 29 Dec 2014
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Generally the allergy is to the patch component (adhesive) and not to the nicotine. This is pretty common. There are many other ways of taking nicotine that are not in a patch (lozenge, e-cigarette, prescribed nicotine inhaler system). Also, chantix is a pill that has some chemical similarity to nicotine BUT !) mostly blocks the effect of nicotine and 2) isn't that close to nicotine chemically and would really not be expected to cross react with a nicotine patch.
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How To Quit Smoking Inspite Of Having Allergic Reaction To Nicotine Patch?

Generally the allergy is to the patch component (adhesive) and not to the nicotine. This is pretty common. There are many other ways of taking nicotine that are not in a patch (lozenge, e-cigarette, prescribed nicotine inhaler system). Also, chantix is a pill that has some chemical similarity to nicotine BUT !) mostly blocks the effect of nicotine and 2) isn t that close to nicotine chemically and would really not be expected to cross react with a nicotine patch.