A continuous stream of therapeutic nicotine
Whether you're a heavy or light smoker,
NiQuitin Patches can help you stop smoking for good.
They use unique
SmartControl® Technology to deliver a controlled and continuous stream of
therapeutic nicotine around the clock. This will help protect you from cravings
whenever they strike.
Clear and Discreet
Choose from the clear or opaque NiQuitin Patch. The clear patch is almost
invisible and very discreet. You can apply it to your arm, back or chest. Just
choose a clean, dry and hairless part of your skin to make sure it sticks and
get 24 hour protection from cravings.
The right strength for you
Our patches come in three different strengths (or Steps), which means they
deliver different levels of therapeutic nicotine to your body. Following the
step down program allows you to wean yourself off nicotine.
24 hour protection
Even from tough morning cravings
For many of us morning cravings can be the worst. That's because the level
of nicotine in our body has dropped right down. NiQuitin Patches offer a
continuous stream of therapeutic nicotine throughout the day thereby protecting
you against those tough morning cravings.
We recommend 24 hour use for maximum protection from morning cravings, but
if you prefer you can remove your patch at night.
NiQuitin Patches contain SmartControl® Technology.
Use the NiQuitin 3-Step Plan to help you stop
smoking
- For 6 weeks, start with the
Step 1 (21mg) NiQuitin Patch if you smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day. (Go
straight to Step 2 (14mg) if you smoke less).
- For a further 2 weeks,
change to the Step 2 (14mg) NiQuitin Patch. (Alternatively start with
Step 2 (14mg) for 6 weeks if you are a light smoker).
- Finally, move onto the Step
3 (7mg) NiQuitin Patch for 2 weeks.
Following
the step-down programme will let you gradually wean yourself off nicotine so
you can quit for good.
For extra
support talk to your GP or pharmacist.
Double your chances of stopping smoking
It's
clinically proven that using NiQuitin Patches can double your chances of
stopping smoking - compared with using willpower alone. So what are you waiting
for? Start your journey to stop smoking today.
For the
best results follow our full 3 step plan.
KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.
PLEASE READ ALL PRODUCT PACKAGING AND LABELS PRIOR TO USE.
How to use NiQuitine CQ Clear Patches
NiQuitin
Clear patches should be applied once a day, at the same time each day and
preferably soon after waking, to a non-hairy, clean, dry skin site and worn
continuously for 24 hours. The NiQuitin Clear patch should be applied promptly
on removal from its protective sachet.
Avoid
applying to any skin which is broken, red or irritated. After 24 hours the used
patch should be removed and a new patch applied to a fresh skin site. The patch
should not be left on for longer than 24 hours. Skin sites should not be reused
for at least seven days. Only one patch should be worn at a time.
Patches
may be removed before going to bed if desired. However use for 24 hours is
recommended to optimise the effect against morning cravings.
NiQuitin
Clear therapy should usually begin with NiQuitin Clear 21 mg and be reduced
according to the following dosing schedule:-
Dose Duration
Step 1 - NiQuitin
Clear 21 mg First 6
weeks
Step 2 - NiQuitin
Clear 14 mg Next 2
weeks
Step 3 - NiQuitin
Clear 7 mg Last 2
weeks
Light
smokers (e.g. those who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day) are recommended
to start at Step 2 (14 mg) for 6 weeks and decrease the dose to NiQuitin Clear
7 mg for the final 2 weeks.
Patients
on NiQuitin Clear 21 mg who experience excessive side-effects (please refer to
precautions), which do not resolve within a few days, should change to NiQuitin
Clear 14mg. This strength should then be continued for the remainder of the 6
week course before stepping down to NiQuitin Clear 7mg for two weeks. If the
symptoms persist the patient should be advised to seek the advice of a
healthcare professional.
For
optimum results, the 10 week treatment course (8 weeks for light smokers or
patients who have reduced strength as above), should be completed in full.
Treatment with NiQuitin Clear patch may be continued beyond 10 weeks if you
need it to stay cigarette free, however those who use the patches beyond 9
months are recommended to seek additional help and advice from a healthcare
professional.
Further
courses may be used at a later time, for NiQuitin Clear patch users who
continue or resume smoking.
Adolescents
and children
Adolescents
(12 to 17 years) should follow the schedule of treatment for adults presented
above for steps 1, 2 and 3, but as data are limited, duration of NRT in this
age group is restricted to 12 weeks. If longer treatment is required advice
from a healthcare professional should be sought.
NiQuitin Clear is not recommended for use in
children under 12 years of age.
KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.
PLEASE READ ALL PRODUCT PACKAGING AND LABELS PRIOR TO USE.
What strength of NiQuitin (nicotine) Patch should I use and how
long should I use them for?
The strength depends on how many cigarettes you smoke a day. If you smoke 10
or more, you should start on Step 1 with a 21mg patch. Use that for six weeks,
before moving to Step 2 with a 14mg patch for two weeks. Then on to Step 3 with
a 7mg patch for a further two weeks.
If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day, you should start on Step 2 with a
14mg patch. Use that for six weeks, before moving to Step 3 with a 7mg patch
for two weeks.
If you need to use NiQuitin (nicotine) Patches
for longer than 9 months (3 months for 12-17 year olds) seek advice from a
healthcare professional.
How soon after my last cigarette can I begin using the patch?
Wait at least half an hour after your last cigarette
before applying the NiQuitin (nicotine) Patch.
How does the therapeutic nicotine from the patch get through the skin?
It passes through the outer layer of skin to
the blood vessels beneath. The NiQuitin Clear and Classic Patch contain a special
membrane that controls the release of nicotine for reliable, steady dosing
regardless of skin type.
Can I use more than one NiQuitin (nicotine) Patch at a time?
No. A single patch of the correct strength
provides enough nicotine to help reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Can I drink alcohol while using nicotine patches?
Yes - but try to avoid doing so if you usually
associate it with smoking.
If I buy NiQuitin Clear or Classic (nicotine) Patches but don't use them
for a few months, will it still be effective?
Unopened NiQuitin (nicotine) Patches can be
used up to the expiry date shown on the protective pouch. Once the pouch is
opened, the patch should be applied immediately since it loses nicotine on
exposure to the air.
Can I cut up the patch to receive less therapeutic nicotine?
The NiQuitin (nicotine) Patch is designed to
gradually release therapeutic nicotine throughout the day, providing just
enough to reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you quit smoking.
Extensive clinical testing has established the appropriate amounts of
therapeutic nicotine for each of the three Steps. Cutting patches is therefore
not recommended because it may affect delivery of therapeutic nicotine into the
blood.
I smoke roll-ups - can I still use NiQuitin (nicotine) Patches?
Yes. The starting strength of a NiQuitin
(nicotine) Patch is calculated in the same way as for pre-rolled cigarettes.
How much therapeutic nicotine would be absorbed if I left the patch on for only
16 hours instead of the recommended 24 hours?
You would only have received about two-thirds
of the dose.
The patch is stuck so firmly it's difficult to remove - what should I do?
When removing the patch, work an oil-based
product, like baby oil, into it with your fingers. This should help break up
the adhesive.
What do I do if the patch keeps falling off?
First, make sure you've removed the clear
protective liner from it. Some people find it doesn't stick when the weather is
hot. A similar problem has been known to occur if a patch is applied directly
after a bath or shower. Recent use of soap, creams and lotions may also prevent
a patch from sticking.
It's important that the patch is applied to a dry, clean, hairless site on the
skin. If you have followed these instructions and it still won't stick, try
placing medical tape round the edges to hold it in place.
What happens if the patch gets wet?
Because of its backing material, water won't
harm it. So you can bathe, swim or shower for short periods while wearing a
correctly-applied patch.
Is it OK to shave the application site before I stick on the NiQuitin
(nicotine) Patch?
It's better not to, as skin is often slightly
irritated after shaving. If you must shave a site, try waiting 24 hours before
applying the patch there.
Can I apply the patch over a tattoo?
We don't recommend it. Ideally, put it somewhere else instead.
Can I wear NiQuitin (nicotine) Patches on the soles of my feet or palms of my
hands?
No, because therapeutic nicotine may not be absorbed as readily there as
from more suitable sites such as arms, back or chest. Applying the patch to
hands or feet may also interfere with daily activities, and cause nicotine to
be inadvertently transferred to your eyes or nose, which should be avoided.
What will happen to a child if they apply or swallow the patch?
The amounts of therapeutic nicotine in the
patch are tolerated by smokers aged 12 years old or above, but can produce
symptoms of poisoning in a child that could prove fatal. Even a used NiQuitin
(nicotine) Patch could be harmful, so used and unused patches should be kept
and disposed of out of the reach and sight of children.
If a child has stuck a patch on themselves or eaten one, remove any patches
from the skin and wash and dry with water only (no soap). Contact your doctor
or nearest hospital casualty department immediately and if possible show them
the NiQuitin packet.
Can I use the patch in a sun tanning bed or sauna?
Yes, the patch can be used in a sauna or whilst using a sunbed.
I have very sensitive skin - is it safe for me to use NiQuitin (nicotine)
Patches?
If you have a skin disease, rash or an allergy
to adhesives, you should check with a healthcare professional before
using them. Equally, if you develop a rash or if the skin under the patch
becomes swollen or very red, stop using the patches and consult a healthcare
professional.
Why can't I use the same application site for seven days?
It's the best way to minimise potential skin
irritation.
KEEP ALL MEDICINES OUT OF REACH AND SIGHT OF CHILDREN.
PLEASE READ ALL PRODUCT PACKAGING AND LABELS PRIOR TO USE.
