Transdermal Nicotine: Clarifications, Side Effects, and Funding
- J. P. Ottervanger, MD;
- B. H. C. Stricker, PhD
- H. C. Klomps, MD
Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text.
Excerpt
To the Editor. —In a recent article, clinical guidelines for effective use of the nicotine patch in the treatment of tobacco dependence were reviewed.1 It was concluded that nicotine patches are an effective aid to tobacco-dependence treatment, and that use of the patches has achieved great popularity. Furthermore, it was stated that patches produce a more steady serum level of nicotine, compared with nicotine gum, and thus avoid the peaks in nicotine level seen with gum. The side effects seem to be relatively modest. However, we describe the case of a woman who developed atrial fibrillation after use of the nicotine patch.
Report of a Case. —A 55-year-old woman decided to stop smoking. She had been smoking one pack of cigarettes (25 cigarettes) per day for several years, and she had already made several unsuccessful attempts to quit smoking. The medical history revealed no signs of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid
