What are Niquitin 7mg 24 Hour (Step 3) Patches?

Niquitin 7mg Patches are a smoking cessation product that are designed to help you quit smoking. They can be used as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) by helping to relieve nicotine cravings to help ease the temptation to smoke. Niquitin Patches work by slowly releasing nicotine into the body throughout the day. These patches are intended for use in Step 3 of the Niquitin smoking cessation process and it is recommended that you have completed both Step one and Step 2 before using this product. 

What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

Nicotine Replacement Therapy helps you to quit smoking for good by replacing the way you receive your intake of nicotine. Through using patches you avoid the harmful chemicals you inhale from smoking, such as carbon monoxide, as well as being able to gradually reduce your intake of nicotine whilst satisfying your cravings. Over time NRT helps to reduce the amount of nicotine your body craves over time, which can help you to kick the habit for good. Patches are just one example of NRT. Other kinds of NRT treatments include gum, lozenges and sprays. 

How can Niquitin Patches help you to quit smoking?

Niquitin Patches replace the nicotine found in cigarettes, to satisfy cravings and prevent you from smoking cigarettes. Each Step 3 patch contains 36mg of nicotine which is released in 7mg doses over 24 hours. The patch is simply applied to the skin in order for it to release nicotine into the body. Niquitin can also help to relieve the unpleasant symptoms caused by nicotine withdrawal, such as feeling ill or irritable. 

Which Niquitin Patches are right for me?

There are 3 different steps involved with Niquitin NRT process and the patches for each step have a corresponding nicotine strength. Step 1 patches have the highest strength of Nicotine, so if you are a moderate to heavy smoker, this is the best set of patches to start off with. As weeks pass you can move on to Step 2 which contain less nicotine or if you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day you can skip Step 1 and start at Step 3. Step 3 contains the least amount of nicotine, but it is recommended that you start with at least Step 2 before using this product, in order to reduce the chance of withdrawal symptoms, even if you are a light smoker. This product is suitable for use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. 

How long should I use these patches for?

It is recommended to follow the Niquitin step programme to reduce your nicotine intake gradually and avoid the temptation to smoke. Follow the following timings to improve your chances of quitting for good.

Step 1: 21mg patches - 6 weeks

Step 2: 14mg patches - 2 weeks

Step 3: 7mg patches - 2 weeks

How to use this product

Niquitin Patches can be used in a variety of ways to help you quit or cut down smoking. You can use them as part of the step programme which helps you to stop smoking completely or you can use them to cut down on the amount of cigarettes you smoke daily before potentially stopping altogether. You can also use Niquitin patches if you:

• Are in an environment where you cannot or do not wish to smoke, e.g. confined spaces, around children or in places where smoking is prohibited
• Develop cravings whilst quitting smoking

Your use of Niquitin Patches depend on the following quitting goals:

• Looking to quit smoking straight away
• Cutting down on smoking before you stop
• Cutting down on smoking with no immediate plans to stop
• Going without cigarettes for a short time 
• Relieving cravings after you have stopped smoking

Check the patient information leaflet for the different ways you can use the Niquitin step programme to help you achieve your smoking cessation goals. 

How to apply a nicotine patch

Choose a clean, dry and hairless area of the skin to place the patch and ensure that it sticks to your skin properly. Avoid areas where the skin creases, such as over a joint, or where the skin folds when you move. 

• Do NOT remove the patch from its protective sachet until you are ready to use it
• Cut open the sachet along the dotted line, ensuring you do NOT damage the patch inside. 
• Remove the patch from the sachet 
• With the sticky side of the patch facing you, carefully peel away half of the protective liner away from the patch, starting from the middle
• Holding the patch from the outside edge, peel the other half of the protective liner
• Immediately apply the sticky side of the patch to your skin and press firmly onto your skin with the palm of your hand for at least 10 seconds, ensuring that it sticks well to the skin, especially around the edges
• Wash your hands with WATER ONLY after using the patch 
• Water will not harm the patch, so you can bathe, swim or shower for short periods whilst wearing the patch

How to change your Niquitin Patch

Apply a new patch once a day at around the same time each day, ideally soon after waking. Leave each patch in place for 24 hours, unless you are pregnant, in which case you should remove the patch before bedtime. Always place the patch on a different area of skin and avoid reusing the same skin site for at least 7 days. When you remove a patch, fold it in half with the sticky side inwards and place it in the sachet from which you have just taken your new patch or in a piece of aluminium foil. Dispose of the sachet containing the patch and ensure it is out of the reach of children or pets. 

Can Niquitin cause side effects?

Like all medicines, the nicotine in this product can cause side effects, but they are similar to those you may experience from nicotine in cigarettes and are more like to be experienced with the more nicotine you take. However not everyone will experience them and the recommended dose of Niquitin Patches have not been found to cause any serious side-effects. Quitting smoking itself can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as:

• Feeling weak, tired, depressed and/or irritable
• Nervousness, restlessness and anxiety
• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness
• Inability to concentrate
• Headache 
• Sleep disturbance
• Cough 
• Flu-like symptoms
• Mood changes

Discontinue use and seek medical advice if if you experience any of the following:

• Increased heart rate
• Severe skin reactions where you have placed the patch
• Severe allergic reaction symptoms including, sudden wheeziness, tightness in the chest, rash and feeling faint
• Seizures

Remove the patch and reduce the dose if you experience any of the following:

• Abnormal dreams, trembling or palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion
• Stomach pain 
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Sweating 
• Dry mouth
• Joint, muscle, chest and limb pains
• Tiredness and feeling unwell
• Slight redness and itching, burning and tingling of the skin where a patch has been
• Sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

Important Information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or 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