Nicorette Patches

Nicorette Transdermal Patches contain a nicotine gel which is slowly absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

Nicorette Patches are a good solution if you smoke at regular intervals during the day and do not need something to deal with the habit. Nicorette Patches provide your body with a constant even supply of nicotine throughout the day.

A Nicorette Patch is a rectangular, beige-coloured skin patch which is worn throughout the waking hours. It is applied to a clean, non-hairy part of the body, usually the torso, hip or upper arm. Over a 16-hour period, the patch will gradually release nicotine which is absorbed through the skin, into the bloodstream. You remove the patch before you go to bed, and this will help the body to rest at night. Nicorette Patches do not need to be worn through the night so it avoids giving your body nicotine while you are asleep. This can be important because using a nicotine patch for 24 hours can cause nightmares and sleep disturbances for some. Nicorette Patches reduce the unpleasant effects of nicotine withdrawal normally experienced when you stop smoking cigarettes. Using a Patch does not give as much satisfaction as a cigarette, so once you have broken the smoking habit, it is usually not difficult to stop using the Patches. Nicorette Patches come in three strengths -- 15 milligrams, 10 milligrams and 5 milligrams of nicotine per patch for slow release into your body over a 16 hour period.

They should be used as follows:

After completing treatment with one 15mg patch each day for 2 to months, you phase out your nicotine dependency in two stages. First, use the smaller 10mg/16 hour patch for 2 weeks, and then the smallest 5mg/16 hour patch for 2 weeks.

How do I apply a Nicorette Patch?

Choose an area of the body with unbroken, clean and dry skin, preferably without hair, such as the torso, hip or upper arm.

Do not the same spot every day; swap between your left and right arms, for instance.

1. Cut open the childproof wrapping and remove the protective film. (Note: do not open the wrapping until you are ready to use the patch, otherwise it will deteriorate in strength.)
2. Press the patch against the skin for about 10 seconds. (Wash your hands afterwards.)
3. Remove the patch before you want to go to bed. Fold the used patch with the skin-coloured side outermost and dispose of it out of the reach of children!
4. Next day take a new patch and repeat the procedure.

How do I phase out my use of Nicorette Patches?

It is very important that you complete the 12 week course even if you feel you have kicked the habit sooner as this will give you the best chance of long term success.

Are there any side effects of using Nicorette Patches?

You may experience reddening and itching of the skin where the patch sits. This is usually slight and readily disappears. Swapping the place where you apply the patch each day is the best way to avoid this.

If reddening persists, contact your doctor.

If you continue to smoke while using your nicotine patches, the level of nicotine may be so high that you feel ill.