Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
- What is it for
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) delivers nicotine without the other harmful chemicals present in cigarette smoke. It reduces the withdrawal symptoms experienced when you are trying to quit smoking, allowing you to focus on the other aspects in your effort to quit smoking.
Nicotinell Patch releases nicotine slowly over 24 hours, which is absorbed into your bloodstream. This provides your body with nicotine to control baseline nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
- Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications
What side effects can
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
cause?
Common side effects:
- Red and itchy skin
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
Rare but serious side effects:
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/ tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over you whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
Before taking
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
, what precautions must I follow?
You should stop smoking once you start to use NRT. Smoking and using NRT at the same time may increase the risk of adverse side effects from the additive effects of nicotine in your body.
If you continue to feel the urge to smoke or experience severe nicotine withdrawal symptoms even after using the NRT patch, please inform your healthcare professional as you may need other types of NRT.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast feeding
- You recently had a heart attack or stroke.
- You have generalised skin conditions
- You have any other medical conditions
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
- You are less than 18 years old.
What food or medicine must I avoid when I take
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
?
- Avoid coffee, tea, juices, acidic and frizzy drinks 15 minutes before and during use of nicotine gum as this may reduce nicotine absorption
- Nicotine may reduce the effect of certain medications. When NRT dose is reduced or stopped, adjustments to these medications may be necessary.
These medications include:
- Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, lorazepam)
- Insulin
- Beta - blocker (e.g bisoprolol, atenolol)
- Opioid painkillers (e.g. codeine)
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about other medications - including over-the counter medications, supplements, and traditional / herbal remedies - that you are currently taking as they may affect the way you benefit from NRT
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
- Dosage and How to Use
How should
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
be used?
Apply a new patch at the same time every day. Remove the backing of the patch and apply onto any hairless, clean and dry area of your chest, back, upper arm, thigh or hip. Hold down for 10 seconds and run your finger around the edges of the patch to ensure proper adheison.
Remove the previous patch before applying a new patch, fold the used patch into half with the sticky sides together and throw it away.
Apply the patch to a different site each day to reduce skin irritation. After 2 to 3 day, you may apply to a previous spot if there is no sign of irritation. Do not apply patch onto broken skin, red or irritated areas.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and apply the patch at your usual time. Do not apply two patches to make to make up for the missed dose.
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
- Storage
How should I store
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
?
- Keep away from children
- Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight
How should I dispose of
Nicotine Patch (Nicotinell Patch 24h)
safely?
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.