Most of these side effects go away if the gum is used correctly. The gum is available without a doctor's prescription. However, you may want to use 4-mg gum if you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, have tried and failed to quit on a lower dose, and have severe withdrawal symptoms when you don't smoke. The nicotine patch first become available as a prescription medication. It became available in 1996 without a prescription, and studies have shown it to be safe and effective.
Patches come in different strengths.
At the start of each day, a new patch is placed on a part of the body between the neck and waist. Each day, the patch is moved to a new spot to lessen skin irritation. The patch is usually used for up to 8 weeks. Some people develop a rash on their body where the patch is placed. Skin rashes are usually mild and easily treated.