NiQuitin Clear Step 1 7 days 21MG (Patch)

NiQuitin Clear Patches are used to help people stop smoking. They work by replacing some of the nicotine you get from cigarettes. This type of treatment is called Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

The nicotine in cigarettes makes them addictive, but other substances in cigarette smoke, such as tar, carbon dioxide and other toxins, are more harmful to your health. NRT products like NiQuitin Clear Patches do not have the health dangers of tobacco.

The nicotine from NRT reduces your cravings for cigarettes and helps you resist the urge to smoke. It also relieves some of the unpleasant symptoms (like feeling ill or irritable) that smokers have when they try to give up. The patches provide a steady amount of nicotine to your body, generally at a lower level than from cigarettes.

NiQuitin Clear Patches can be used to help you:

• stop smoking straightaway (a quit attempt)
• cut down on smoking, perhaps before you go on to stop completely (reducing to quit or just reducing)

In addition, NiQuitin Clear Patches may be used when you:

• do not wish to smoke or are unable to smoke, for example in confined spaces (in the car, in the house), where others (such as children) could be harmed by tobacco smoke or in places where smoking is prohibited (temporary abstinence) 
• develop cravings once you have stopped smoking

Reducing the number of cigarettes smoked can increase the chances that you will go on to quit completely.

Some people worry that, when they have stopped smoking, they may become dependent on NRT instead. This is very rare, and if it were to happen it is still safer than continuing to smoke. It is also an easier habit to break.

It is always better to stop smoking completely. Smoking is harmful and has no health benefits. NRT products like NiQuitin Clear Patches can help you stop. Any risks or possible side-effects of nicotine from NRT are much less than the proven dangers of continuing to smoke.

Your chance of stopping smoking will be improved if you also take part in a support programme. These 'Stop Smoking' programmes are known as behavioural support.

Directions for use:

Adults and young people aged 12 years and over:

Instructions for use of NiQuitin Clear Patches depend on whether you are:

• stopping smoking straightaway
• cutting down on smoking before you stop
• cutting down with no immediate plans to stop
• going without cigarettes for a short time

or if you have cravings after you have stopped smoking.

Talk to your pharmacist or consult patient information leaflet for further information.

If you are under 18 years old and not ready to stop smoking straightaway, talk to a healthcare professional for advice.

In all cases:

• Apply the patches as described in the instructions below.
• Do not use more than the recommended dose.

NiQuitin Clear Patches are not suitable for children under 12 years of age or for non-smokers. They may develop signs of nicotine overdose, including headache, sickness, stomach pain and diarrhoea.

Warning:

Do not use NiQuitin Clear Patches:

• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to nicotine or any of the other ingredients (listed below)
• if you are a non-smoker
• if you have never been a regular smoker
• if you are aged under 12. The level of nicotine in NRT is not suitable for children under 12. Children are more susceptible to the effects of nicotine, and it could cause severe toxicity, which can be fatal.

Contains:

The active substance is nicotine. The 21 mg patches contain 114 mg of nicotine and deliver 21 mg over 24 hours. The 14 mg patches contain 78 mg of nicotine and deliver 14 mg over 24 hours. The 7 mg patches contain 36 mg of nicotine and deliver 7 mg over 24 hours.

The other ingredients are ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene film, polyisobutylene and printing ink.