Why Nicotine Patches Should Be Stocked Before the New Year
The turn of the year brings more than resolutions—it brings opportunity. If your pharmacy hasn’t reviewed your year-end product strategy, you’re likely letting money slip through. Among your strongest stocking moves? Nicotine patches—high-demand during January quit season and perfectly timed to promote as HSA/FSA dollars expire.
Why patches deserve the spotlight
Nicotine patches are an FDA-recognized quit aid and eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement, giving patients a clinically backed option that fits their year-end spend-down needs.
At the same time, nicotine pouches continue to rise in popularity—but they’re not FDA-approved for quitting and carry higher addiction risks. Positioning Patches Not Pouches means you’re steering patients toward the option that’s safer, evidence-supported, and financially smart.
How to position this on the front end
Your team should make the value clear and the decision easy:
“Use your HSA/FSA before December 31—nicotine patches are eligible.”
“Patches, not pouches—this is the clinically backed quit aid your plan reimburses.”
“We can help you build a quit plan and pair it with free resources.” (www.quitassist.com)
Support that with visible displays, counter signage, and strategic placement next to other seasonal OTC needs.
Equip your staff with confident language
A simple, consistent script goes a long way:
Ask: “Are you thinking about quitting this year?”
Position: “This patch is HSA/FSA eligible and clinically supported.”
Contrast: “Pouches are everywhere, but they’re not approved for quitting.”
Support: “We can help you use it correctly and tap into quit resources.”
Why this move works for your business
Year-end urgency drives HSA/FSA spending on eligible OTCs.
High-margin products like F&T patches increase both value and basket size.
Clear guidance builds trust, positioning your pharmacy as the partner in quitting— not just another place to buy nicotine products.
The takeaway
This holiday-through-New-Year window is the moment to champion Patches Not Pouches. Masters has great pricing on high-quality, high-margin Foster & Thrive nicotine patches that deliver real value for patients—and real return for your pharmacy. Stock up now, equip your team, and use this printable in-store flyer to drive awareness at the counter and front end:
