Nicopatch®
The Nicopatch® transdermal patch is worn directly on the skin and releases a steady dose of nicotine into your body over a 24 hour period, helping to protect you from cravings first thing in the morning and throughout the day.
Nicopatch® is available in three different strengths:
- 21mg/24 hours
- 14mg/24 hours
- 7mg/24 hours
Nicotine patches are designed to reduce the withdrawal symptoms caused by stopping smoking – you must use the right strength to ensure that they are effective. Take the Nicotine Dependency Test (Fagerström Test) to check which strength is right for you, or ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
As a general rule:
If you smoke 20 or more cigarettes a day or scored 5 or more on the Fagerström test, start with the 21mg patch for 3-4 weeks. Then move on to the 14mg patch for 3-4 weeks and finally onto the 7mg patch for 3-4 weeks, depending on your progress and symptoms.
If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day or scored less than 5 on the Fagerström test, start with the 14mg patch for 3-4 weeks and then move onto the 7mg patch for 3-4 weeks, depending on your progress and symptoms. You can continue to use the 7mg patch for a further 3-4 weeks if necessary.
You should stop smoking completely during Nicopatch® treatment, which should not be used at the same time as other nicotine replacement therapy, such as gum or lozenges. Nicopatch® treatment should not be used for more than 6 months. It is not suitable for children or adolescents.
You should apply one patch at roughly the same time each day, usually in the morning, after showering or bathing, to smooth, dry, hairless skin - usually the chest, upper arm, back or hip.
Occasionally you may experience redness or irritation at the site where you place your patch. This can be minimised by placing your patch on different areas of the body every day. In the case of a persistent or excessive skin reaction, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Remember: as soon as you start to use nicotine patches, you must stop smoking to increase your chances of success.
Always read the information leaflet!
