McNeil's Nicotrol is first nicotine patch switched by FDA; will be in stores by July 18.

NICOTROL NICOTINE PATCH WILL BE ON SHELVES BY JULY 18, following July 3 approval from FDA for OTC marketing, McNeil Consumer announced. The transdermal patch will be available in a 15 mg strength to be used daily for six weeks. Nicotrol was unanimously recommended as safe and effective for over-the-counter use as a smoking cessation aid by FDA's Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee and members of the Drug Abuse Advisory Committee on April 19 ("The Tan Sheet" April 22, p. 1).