What are NiQuitin Minis?
NiQuitin Minis are mini mint flavoured lozenges that can help you to stop smoking. Simply suck on a lozenge when you’re craving a cigarette to help to reduce your cravings in just 3 minutes. These lozenges are also ideal for those who need to stop smoking for a short time, for example, when you’re going on an aeroplane, spending time with those who don’t smoke, or are in a hospital.
How will NiQuitin Minis help me to quit smoking?
NiQuitin Minis help you to quit smoking by using a method called Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). This means the nicotine in these lozenges help to replace the nicotine your body would usually get from cigarettes, helping to reduce the cravings you experience when you stop smoking. This can make quitting easier and can increase your chances of stopping smoking for good.
Why are cigarettes so addictive?
Cigarettes are addictive because they contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. When you try to quit smoking, your body craves the nicotine it would usually get from cigarettes, causing unpleasant symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms you may experience when stopping smoking include:
- The strong urge to smoke
- Restlessness or irritability
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Sleep disturbances
- Cough and cold-like symptoms
- Depression, anxiety, etc.
- Increased appetite
Can I take these lozenges if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it is always best to quit smoking without NRT as soon as possible to avoid harm to your baby. However, if you find that you can’t quit by yourself, you can use NiQuitin Minis to help you to quit. If you plan to do this, make sure to speak to your doctor or health visitor first, and only continue using NRT if they give you the go ahead. If you’re breastfeeding while using this product, try to only take a lozenge after breastfeeding, as this will help to reduce the amount of nicotine your baby takes in through your milk.
Can I take this product if I’m taking any other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these lozenges. Stopping smoking may affect the medications you are currently taking, and a medical professional will help you to be sure you’re taking the correct doses for you.
Are these lozenges the right strength for me?
These NiQuitin Minis each contain 4mg in each lozenge. This means that they’re ideal for those who smoke 20 cigarettes a day. If you smoke fewer than 20 cigarettes a day but still want to use lozenges to help you to quit smoking, we would recommend using NiQuitin’s 1.5mg mini lozenges instead.
How to take this product
The amount of Niquitin Minis 4mg you will need to take will differ depending on whether you want to quit smoking straight away, quit gradually, cut down on smoking without stopping, or simply going for a short amount of time without smoking.
For stopping smoking straight away
Begin by taking 8 – 12 lozenges a day, do not take more than 15 lozenges a day. Suck on a lozenge whenever you feel the urge to smoke. Do this for around 6 weeks and then begin to slowly reduce the number of lozenges you are taking every day. Once you are using 1 – 2 lozenges a day, you can try to stop altogether.
For quitting smoking gradually
When you feel the strong urge to smoke a cigarette, have a lozenge instead of smoking to help to manage your symptoms. Over time, try to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke a day before using only lozenges to ease cravings, then follow the instructions for those who wish to quit smoking straight away. Do not take more than 15 lozenges a day.
For cutting down without quitting smoking entirely
It is always best to quit smoking entirely, but if you just want to cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke in a day, you can use these lozenges to help. When you feel the urge to smoke a cigarette, suck on a lozenge instead to help manage your cravings. Cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke a day by as many as possible. If you decide you want to quit entirely, continue as instructed above. Do not take more than 15 lozenges a day.
For going without cigarettes for a short time
If you’re going to be in a situation where you will be unable to smoke, have a lozenge instead of smoking to manage your cravings. Take one lozenge every 1 – 2 hours, but do not take more than 15 lozenges a day.
When should these lozenges not be used?
NiQuitin Minis are not suitable for use in children under the age of 12. If you are younger than 18, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Do not use this product if you are allergic to nicotine or any of the other listed ingredients. These lozenges are not suitable for non-smokers, as they contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking these lozenges if you:
- Are in hospital due to a heart attack, severe heart rhythm disturbances, or a stroke
- Have diabetes, as you may need to take a different dose of this product
- Have serious liver or kidney problems
- Have an uncontrolled overactive thyroid gland or an adrenal gland tumour
- Have stomach or duodenal ulcers, or inflammation of the oesophagus or gullet
- Have had allergic reactions that involve swelling of the lips, face, and throat, or an itchy skin rash
- Have ever experiences seizures (fits)
- Have any concerns about becoming dependent or think you have become dependent on this product
Do NiQuitin Minis have any side effects?
Like all medications, NiQuitin Minis can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These include:
- Irritation of the mouth or tongue
- Sore throat
- Being sick
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Flatulence
- Hiccups
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Palpitations (feeling your heartbeat)
- Increased heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Rash
- Tiredness and feeling generally unwell
- Severe allergic reaction, showing symptoms such as wheeziness, tightness of the chest, rash, feeling faint
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this medication, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 30 degrees C. Store lozenges in original container to protect from light and moisture. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original 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 Chemist4U 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:
