Although logic and wisdom dictate that using the patch while smoking is not the wisest thing to do, and I certainly wouldn't recommend it - apparently the FDA (for what that's worth) says it's ok to do so.
"Many smokers need to experiment with different NRT options before finding one that works for their individual needs. NRTs are considered safe enough that multiple methods9—for instance the patch and the gum—can be used at the same time, and you may start using NRT prior to quitting cigarettes.10 " Quitting Smoking: Closer with Every Attempt
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Another article on the subject from 2013 in the LA Times:
"Millions have worn the nicotine patch, chewed the gum or sucked on the lozenge as a way to wean themselves off cigarettes. But millions more have ripped off the patch or spit out the gum or lozenges because they slipped and smoked a cigarette, and believed the warning labels that suggested the combination was dangerous.
Don't worry, the Food & Drug Administration said Monday. Keep using the patch, gum or lozenges and keep trying to quit, even if you're still smoking: there's no danger to using both, at least for a short period.
The new directions to quitters amend warning labels that nicotine-replacement therapies have carried on their labels since they were first introduced to the U.S. market almost three decades ago. Those labels cautioned consumers not to use nicotine-replacement products if they continued to smoke or chew tobacco, and urged them to stop smoking or chewing tobacco completely once they began to use the nicotine replacement product.
Those warnings, the FDA said Monday, aren't necessary anymore in light of new data on nicotine-replacement therapy's safety. Smokers who slip up and smoke while wearing the patch or chewing the gum shouldn't discontinue their use of nicotine-replacement therapy -- a move that could derail their efforts to quit, said the FDA. They should continue to use them and keep trying to quit."
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If you read the instructions on Nicoderm CQ, for example, it says:
"The whole reason to use NicoDerm CQ is to quit smoking. Once you’ve made the decision to quit, you should choose a date to stop smoking and start using NicoDerm CQ that day. It is okay if you slip-up and have a cigarette. You can still continue your quit attempt and keep using NicoDerm CQ as directed. Just throw away your cigarettes and get back to your quit plan. The FDA has determined that there are no significant concerns with using NRT products like NicoDerm CQ at the same time as another nicotine-containing product like a cigarette. Frequently Asked Questions | Nicoderm CQ (emphasis mine)
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There are a lot of very wise quitters on here. Most suggest it's not a good idea to smoke while on the patch. Just because you CAN, doesn't mean you should. I would encourage you to pay attention to them.
