Niquitin Clear (Step 1) - 7 x 21mg Patches

What are Niquitin Clear Step 1 Patches?

Niquitin Clear Step 1 Patches are designed to help you to quit smoking gradually. These patches are perfect for the first weeks of your quitting journey, especially in those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day. Over time, you can move on to Step 2 and Step 3 to reduce your nicotine intake gradually, which will help you to quit for good.

 

What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

Nicotine Replacement Therapy, or NRT, is designed to help you to quit smoking gradually. NRT products contain nicotine, which is the ingredient in cigarettes that make you crave more. NRT helps you to reduce the amount of nicotine your body craves while replacing cigarettes, so you don’t have to worry about the harmful smoke and tar that comes with cigarettes as you quit. There are lots of different types of NRT treatments, including patches, gum, lozenges, and sprays.

 

How will Niquitin Patches help me to quit smoking?

Niquitin Patches use NRT to help you to quit smoking. Each Step 1 Niquitin Clear patch contains 21mg of nicotine, which is perfect for those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day. The nicotine is gradually released into your system over 24 – hours through the patch, helping to keep cravings at bay all day long.

 

Which patches should I be using?

These Niquitin Clear patches are for Step 1 of your journey to quit smoking. They’re ideal for people who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day and are in the first stages of quitting smoking. Begin with Step 1 patches, which contain more nicotine, and as the weeks pass you can switch to Stage 2 and Stage 3 patches which contain less nicotine. If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day and want to quit, you can start your treatment with Stage 2 patches, as you may need less nicotine to manage your withdrawal symptoms.

 

How long should I use these patches for?

If you smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day and are starting your quitting journey with these Step 1 patches, you should follow Niquitin’s step down programme. This will mean that you’ll be using these patches for the following amounts of time before stopping entirely:

• Step 1 – 21mg patches – 6 weeks
• Step 2 – 14mg patches – 2 weeks
• Step 3 – 7mg patches – 2 weeks

 

Can I use these patches if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you’re pregnant then smoking can be very harmful to your baby, so you should try to give up smoking right away without using NRT. However, using NRT is safer for your baby than smoking, so if you’re struggling to give up you should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist for advice before using this product. Smoking around babies and toddlers can also be harmful to them, so if you’re breastfeeding you should try to give up smoking as soon as possible. It is better if you quit without using NRT as small amounts of nicotine can pass into your breastmilk and to your baby. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using this product if you’re breastfeeding and struggling to quit smoking.

 

Can I use this product if I’m taking other medication?

If you’re taking any other medications, including those you obtained without prescription, you should speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before using this product. NRT can affect how some medicines work, but a medical professional can help you to avoid this.

 

Are these patches waterproof?

If you’ve applied your Niquitin Clear patch properly, you’ll be able to use it in water without any problems. You can swim, bathe, or shower for short periods of time without damaging the patch or making it less effective.

 

Will I get any smoking withdrawal symptoms while using these patches?

If you stop smoking too quickly or reduce your nicotine intake too much then you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can be avoided by stopping smoking gradually, but you can still experience these symptoms throughout the quitting process:

• Feeling weak
• Tiredness
• Feeling depressed
• Feeling irritable
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Feeling anxious
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Feeling unable to concentrate
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbance, insomnia, waking up in the night
• Cough
• Flu-like symptoms
• Changes in mood

 

How to use these patches

First, choose where you’re going to put your Niquitin patch, choose an area of skin that is clean, dry, and hairless. Avoid choosing an area that is over a joint or where the skin creases, and do not apply to red, broken or irritated skin. Remove the patch from its protective sachet and remove the protective liner from the sticky side of the patch, being careful not to touch the sticky side. Apply the patch to your skin with the sticky side facing down, press into the skin with the palm of your hand for around 10 seconds to make sure it sticks, especially around the edges. Wash your hands with water right away, avoid touching your eyes or nose until you’ve washed your hands. Leave your patch in place for 24 hours before removing it and applying a new patch to a different area of skin, do this at around the same time every day.

 

When should Niquitin patches not be used?

Niquitin Patches are not suitable for use by children under the age of 12, as the amount of nicotine included in these patches could cause severe toxicity which could be fatal. If you are under the age of 18 and are not ready to quit smoking without help, speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist for advice. Do not use these patches if you are allergic to nicotine or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not use these patches if you:

• Are a non-smoker
• Have never been a regular smoker

Speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before using this product if you:

• Are in hospital because of a heart attack, severe heart rhythm disturbances, or a stroke
• Have diabetes, as you may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more than usual and may need to adjust your medication
• Have serious liver or kidney problems
• Have uncontrolled overactive thyroid gland or an adrenal gland tumour
• Have ever had allergic reactions which showed symptoms including swelling of the lips, face, and throat or itchy skin rash
• Have allergic eczema or dermatitis, you may experience a reaction to the patch
• Have stomach or duodenal ulcers, or an inflamed oesophagus or gullet
• Have ever experienced seizures or fits

 

Does this product have any side effects?

Like all medications, Niquitin Clear patches can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects while using this product, stop use and seek medical help right away:

• Severe reactions at the sticking site
• Severe allergic reactions, showing symptoms such as sudden wheeziness, tightness of the chest, rash, feeling faint

Other side effects include:

• Increased heart rate – If you experience this, remove your patch and reduce the dose
• Abnormal dreams, trembling, palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling sick, vomiting, indigestion, stomach pains, diarrhoea, constipation
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Joint, muscle, chest, and limb pain
• Tiredness, feeling unwell
• Slight redness and itching, burning and tingling of the skin where the patch has been. This will usually stop within a day
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Seizures or fits. If you experience these, stop use right away

If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.

 

How to store these patches

Store in a cool, dry place which is below 30 degrees C. Store in original packaging and do not use if expiry date printed on packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

 

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

 

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

• NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction
• Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support