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Nicotine patch rash and cough

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/15/2014 1:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on the nicotine patch (10mg per day) for about 2 months now and I have seen an improvement. It isn't perfect (frequency still around 4 per day, stools 50% yellow) but all stools are formed (unless I've eaten something that doesn't agree with me). I also don't feel like I need to use the bathroom as often as I did previously each time I ate food (which was the symptom that bothered me the most).

However, I get an itchy rash each time I use a nicotine patch. I have also developed a chronic cough that hasn't gone away in over a month. For the first month, I never had a problem with the patch. There was no itchiness or rash, and I didn't cough. All these reactions started a month after continuously using the patch. I am using the Nicorette brand. I found I can only tolerate a maximum of 10mg per day of nicotine. I vommited and felt dizzy using the 14mg patch so had to reduce to 10mg.

Does anyone else have these reactions and know how to solve them? I have found that putting a spray of my steriod inhaler (that I had lying around for my asthma) on the patch before applying helps the itchiness and using mild cortisone cream on the area after removing the patch also mildly helps the rash but they don't completely solve the issue and I'd like the find other ways.

Thanks for any advice.
Posted 11/15/2014 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
It almost sounds like you have developed an allergic reaction to the nicotine patch...coughs are linked to asthma, which you already have, and so if this cough has only developed recently I would be concerned.
Posted 11/15/2014 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
I really hope I am not allergic because nicotine has really helped for the time being. I always thought the rash was just the skin contact of the nicotine but was definitely puzzled about the coughing. However, the coughing did start only after a virus infection though.
Posted 11/15/2014 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
I did exact same thing minus the cough. 1 month using no matter where I put them no problem. Now the only place I have found to not get a reaction is on the bottom of my foot. Put on foot, sock over and go about my day.
Posted 11/15/2014 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
A cough can be a symptom of asthma, true....but it's not linked to asthma.

It makes sense you have a continued cough after a virus since some of the coughs can last for months. You may have a reactive upper airway that's caused by reflux.

Regarding the nicotine patch....it's a poison. I'd consider to nix it altogether since you're having a topical reaction to it.

Ask your doctor to send you to an ent to do a scope to look at the upper airway. There's a pattern of inflammation if it's reflux...if that's what it is, then you'll be treated for it.

If your cough is below that area, you should ask for an inhaler that contains a steroid such as Pulmicort, or a combo such as Symbicort that has a long lasting bronchodilator and steroid. It'll heal the inflammation in your airways and ultimately help the cough.


q
Posted 11/15/2014 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks guys. Dr A, how is the patch going for you? I remember starting it around the same time you did. I might giv the bottom of the foot a try or use the Nicorette inhaler that delivers 2mg per spray.

Q, yer I understand nicotine is a poison and I don't like using it, but it's the only thing that seems to be most effective (although not completely effective) in controlling my IBS. I've been happier whilst on it because I can go out and eat with friends without worrying where the bathroom is (usually). My BMs are also more formed than they were before. I still have to maintain a very strict diet otherwise the symptoms creep back (steamed low FODmap veggies, plain panfried fish/beef/chicken, gluten free cookies, low FODmap fruits, no milk etc.). Even with the diet and nicotine, I have my bad days which include 4-5 bathroom trips (but 2 might be 'dummy' BMs where nothing comes out), my gut will gurgle quite a bit, I'll pass some mucus with the BMs, but overall, the symptoms are much more stabilised as compared to without nicotine (my gut is less jumpy).

I plan on giving home FMTs another shot during my work holidays and I have other things in the pipeline to try relieve my IBS so that I am not dependent on nicotine forever, but at least for the time being, it seems to be relieving my symptoms.
Posted 11/16/2014 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Everything I inject and take is a poison nothing new there.

I don't know. Giving it a fair chance since my colon is pretty screwed up. Midway into the second box of them. The rash provided a big challenge though because I couldn't find anywhere to put it on. Lozenges caused so much gas I wanted to get a tank and store it for heat for the winter. Had good days, and bad days. Alone I don't think it stands a chance. Arch of the foot seems to be best as long as you don't have sweaty feet.
Posted 11/16/2014 1:37 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't tried the lozenges yet (figured that'd be more irritating than the patches). I agree, I don't think the patches alone can fully give remission. I've been on a combination of supplements and probiotics along with the patches and things are 'ok' but not full normality.
Posted 11/16/2014 1:44 AM (GMT 0)
i haven't had a rash yet but the area is usually red after i take it off. maybe try the gum or lozenges?? i didn't have any side effects from the patches but the lozenges did take some getting used to. since you've been on 10 mg already, i don't think you'd have the same side effects as me (dizziness, heart burn). the gurgles and gas were immediately reduced with the lozenges so that's why i kept up with nicotine.

i have a feeling that i could just use nicotine as my medical treatment and be totally fine.
Posted 11/18/2014 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
I too have a rash from the 21 mg WalMart patch (which is same as Walgreens) I have been using this for a few months now and it is working great, I will gladly take the rash over symptoms from other drugs like prednisone! My hemoglobin and hematocrit were the highest they have been in a long time so I think it is really working. (note, never a smoker, still on asacol HD) I am not in pain, have normal Bms, good appetite, feel great.

Note: just met person, 80 years old, smoker for 20years, quit, got UC- did the prednisone, enemas, asacol route etc for years and was not working- is on nicoderm 1/2 patch now for 15+ years and is working great! Few side effects.
I would say most drugs are "poison"- I feel nicotine is safer than prednisone and the biologics. So my HR and BP are a tad higher- they have been incredibly low (genetics!) for all of my life and are still in low/normal range. I eat healthy and am very active (bike commuter all my life and active hiker and backpacker)

After 18+ years of UC I feel this is a good option.....a cure would be best, LOL but not sure when that will happen.
Posted 11/18/2014 5:43 PM (GMT 0)
The rash with patches has been a problem for people since they came out.
Posted 11/18/2014 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
You try the foot yet?
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