Nicotrol has been approved for marketing as the first nicotine patch available for sale directly to consumers without a prescription. Nicotrol will be available in a single 15 mg strength, and should be used daily for six weeks.

Side effects from the patch are usually mild, with the most common being skin rash where the patch is applied; such reactions usually can be controlled by changing the site of application each day.

Nicotrol is not recommended for everyone. Pregnant and nursing women, individuals with heart disease, those with high blood pressure, or those who have suffered a recent heart attack should check with their doctors before using this product.

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 46 million adults continue to smoke despite the health risks associated with it. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of heart disease, lung cancer, and emphysema, as well as other diseases. Annual smoking-related deaths are estimated to be 419,000 in the United States, with three million deaths occurring worldwide.