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Answer:Yes—nicotine patches are medication. They should be used the right way by the right person.

Adolescents, and pregnant and nursing women, are advised to not use the patch. The patch is not approved for use by adolescents and can be used by pregnant and nursing women only if the risk of continued smoking outweighs the risk of using the patch. A doctor's supervision is required in such cases. And, if you have serious cardiovascular disease, the patch should be used with caution and only under the supervision of a doctor.

Directions for use differ among products, so it is important to read the instructions carefully. Also, you should consult with your doctor because the dosing is based on any previous experience with the patch, the number of cigarettes you smoke per day, and how strongly you are addicted to the nicotine in tobacco.

Visit our Smoking Cessation Center for quitting tips and motivation.

View stop-smoking products available on Walgreens.com.

View the Walgreens.com Ask a Pharmacist Archives for a list of all commonly asked questions.

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