NiQuitin Patches

Adults aged 18 years and over :

If you smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day, start with Step 1:

• Weeks 1–6: NiQuitin 21mg Patch

• Weeks 7–8: NiQuitin 14mg Patch

• Weeks 9–10: NiQuitin 7mg Patch

If you smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes a day, start with Step 2:

• Weeks 1–6: NiQuitin 14mg Patch

• Weeks 7–8: NiQuitin 7mg Patch

Completing the step-down programme can help you gradually overcome your body's need for nicotine. To improve your chances of successfully quitting, it is recommended that you also follow a stop-smoking behavioural support programme.

How to apply NiQuitin Patches

1. Choose a clean, dry and hairless area of skin. Avoid areas where the skin creases or folds, and do not apply the patch to red, broken or irritated skin.

2. Open the protective sachet only when you are ready to use the patch.

3. Carefully remove the patch from the sachet without damaging it.

4. Remove the protective liner from the sticky side of the patch.

5. Apply the sticky side directly to your skin and press firmly with the palm of your hand for at least 10 seconds, paying particular attention to the edges.

6. Wash your hands with water only after applying the patch.

Avoid touching your eyes and nose while applying the patch. When correctly applied, the patch can generally remain in place during short periods of bathing, swimming or showering.

Changing your patch

• Apply a new patch once a day, preferably soon after waking. Each patch should normally be worn for 24 hours.

• Choose a different area of skin each time and do not reuse the same application site for at least 7 days.

• When removing a used patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together and place it in the sachet from the new patch. Dispose of it carefully and keep used patches away from children and pets.

• If a patch comes off during the day, apply a new patch to a different clean, dry and non-hairy area of skin and continue your treatment as normal.

Removing the patch at bedtime

If preferred, the patch may be removed before going to bed after approximately 16 hours and replaced with a new patch when you wake. However, removing it after 16 hours may reduce its effectiveness in controlling cravings experienced upon waking.

Active Ingredient: Nicotine

Other Ingredients: Ethylene/Vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene/aluminium/polyethylene terephthalate layer, polyethylene film, polyisobutylene and printing ink.

Do not use NiQuitin Patches:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to nicotine or any of the other ingredients in the patches.

• If you are a non-smoker or only an occasional smoker.

Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using NiQuitin Patches if:

• You are in hospital because you have recently had a heart attack, severe heart rhythm disturbances or a stroke. You should generally try to stop smoking without NRT while in hospital unless your doctor advises otherwise. Once discharged, NRT may be used as directed.

• You have diabetes. Monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently when starting NiQuitin Patches, as stopping smoking may affect your medication requirements.

• You have serious liver or kidney problems, as you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects.

• You have an uncontrolled overactive thyroid gland or a tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma), as nicotine may make your symptoms worse.

• You have previously experienced allergic reactions involving swelling of the lips, face or throat (angioedema) or an itchy skin rash (urticaria), as NRT may occasionally trigger these reactions.

• You have allergic eczema or dermatitis, as you may experience a reaction to the patch.

• Stopping smoking may change the effects of medicines you are taking. Speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about interactions with your medication.

• Your are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the ‘EXP’ date shown on the pack.

Store below 25ºC. Protect from sunlight.