I bought nicoterm patch step one when I really should only use the step 2 patch. Is it safe to cut the patch in half?
Is it safe to cut a Nicoderm patch in half?
Question posted by barbour1217 on 13 March 2011
Last updated on 7 September 2022 by Alfini2AJ
7 Answers
Alfini2AJ
8 Sep 2022
I'm not a pro but from experience I suggest not cutting the patch. It could make you miserable!
I cut my patches in half for several few days because I only wanted to wear a half of one while I slept. So each morning I'd cut one patch in half and put both on my arm directly next to each other. At bedtime I removed one of them. It worked fine for the first few days but on my tenth day I suddenly became very ill.
Early on I was having unusual nicotine fits and it lasted several hours. I assumed it was stress or something. After about 9 hours I started to get a bad taste in my mouth (not from food), became quite nauseated, and got a headache. I suspected the patch for some reason (probably because I was looking for an excuse to smoke, lol). My arm was more red than usual so I removed it. After an hour or so I added a different, un-cut patch and began feeling better (I also drank some water and took Tylenol).
I concluded the patch must have caused my "discomfort". Perhaps I got a rush of nicotine all at once after not getting any for a while. Either way, I survived but at least I didn't smoke.
djkevy
26 July 2019
Yes you can cut them in half. I've only tried it with Nicoderm and the generic Up & Up brand (which look exactly Nicoderm) with no bad effects. From what I understand is the patches are cut from a large sheet when they are made, so if someone says cutting in half will cause all the nicotine to leak out doesn't make sense, all the patches cut for sale from the factory would leak out. I started with a patch and a half since I was a very heavy smoker. This worked for me with no bad effects, plus saved me money when I got to the lower doses. Like I said this worked for me but as always try at your own risk. The worst that could happen if they hypothetically leaked all at once would be 21mg of nicotine right away, and even that is way below what even comes close to an overdose.
Mckaing1027
27 Jan 2019
clearly the patch is a homogeneous mixture so it makes no difference if you cut it in half. less surface area means lower amounts of nicotine absorbed- plain and simple. I'm sure the op can read the directions on the box hence them asking this question in the first place and as we all know it is in nicoderm's best interest to advise against cutting them in half. (they wanna make as much money as they can by selling the complete 21mg, 14mg, 7mg system) Think a little before answering these types of questions guys.
Inactive
14 March 2011
Well, here go the thumbs down! When I quit smoking 6 years ago, I bought the step 1 patches also. They literally made me sick to my stomach. I asked the pharmatist about cutting them in half & using half of one one day & the other half the next. He told it it wouldn't really matter that much, as long as I put a small piece of tape along the cut side against my skin. Also to tape the other half back into the package to seal it until I was ready to use it. I only used about 10 patches & had it licked! Good luck with your endeavor. I tried to quit for a long time before I finally did. Thank goodness I finally did. Can't stand to even smell it anymore. Makes me nauseus! Glad to hear there's another "quitter" out there!
caringsonbj
14 March 2011
when any thing has a system in it for releasing itself into your system once you cut that then you interfere with the amount of the ingredients to go into your system so No don't cut or otherwise change this in any way
Inactive
14 March 2011
That's what I have read and heard. It warns you to dispose of them in a closed box to make sure pets or children don't consume them. It actually mentioned that it could be fatal to pets and children. I guess it is concentrated some how.
Inactive
14 March 2011
I didn't say you shouldn't dispose of them properly, just commented on what I was told..Mary
barbour1217
14 March 2011
Thanks for all your comments. The reason I asked and thought it a possible option was because I use a harmone patch, and when I had issues, the doctor thought I should cut down the dosage, so suggested trying that first by cutting the patches I had in half.
Inactive
14 March 2011
I also am on a hormone patch that is the lowest dose and is too strong for me, but have to have it right now. I am suppose to change it twice a week, but instead use 1 patch for a full week. I checked with my doctor & he told me it was perfectly ok to do this to cut down on the side effects. That's why I checked with the phamatist about the nicotine patch of cutting it in two & was told it was ok. If your doctor thinks it's ok to cut a hormone patch in two, why not a nicotine patch? We're not dealing with a dangerous drug here, & if the step 1 is too strong you have a choice of using less of it or spending another what; $45 for another box! Know what I'd do, but the choice is ultimately yours. Check with your doctor nurse over the phone if you're really in doubt.
Mckaing1027
27 Jan 2019
how did you get on the topic of "disposing them safely?" Nicotine is a very potent drug and is easy to overdose on. that is why these patches are dangerous. If you EAT them they could be fatal.
caringsonbj
14 March 2011
it's kind of like comparing a pill that is extended release you never bother the mechanisim of delivery if this happens then you cannot be certain what kind of dose you are getting, like extended release medicine it needs to be left intact in order to dispense the proper amount of medication
Mckaing1027
27 Jan 2019
I disagree. In order to make a patch absorbed more quickly you would have to increase the surface area. not decrease it.
Inactive
13 March 2011
NO, NO don't do it, do not break, cut or use damaged patches of any type. Always dispose of these patches safely, they are harmful to humans and pets especially small children.
suzanne66
13 March 2011
No, this is not recommended. If the rate controlling membrane that delivers nicotine is altered in any way, the nicotine delivery will be very unpredictable.
Mckaing1027
27 Jan 2019
there is not a "rate controlling membrane" cite your sources please.
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Further information
- Nicoderm CQ uses and safety info
- Nicoderm CQ prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Nicoderm CQ (detailed)
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