Quit smoking and overcome tough withdrawal symptoms with the Equate Nicotine Transdermal System. Equate Nicotine Patch Step 1 is designed for people who smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day, while Step 2 is for people who smoke 10 cigarettes per day or less. If you smoke 10 or less cigarettes per day, do not use Step 1 (21mg). Start with Step 2 (14mg) for 6 weeks, then Step 3 (7mg) for 2 weeks and then stop. Step 2 and 3 allow you to gradually reduce your level of nicotine.