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FAQs NICORETTE® 16-Hour Patch

FAQs NICORETTE® 16-Hour Patch

NicorettePatch

When should I stop using NICORETTE® Patch?

It is recommended that you use the Step 1 (15mg) NICORETTE® Patch for 12 weeks to help you get over your psychological desire to smoke.

After 8 weeks you should gradually reduce the amount of nicotine by changing the strength of the patch you use over the next 4 weeks.

Use the next lower strength Step 2 (10mg) for two weeks, and then the lowest strength Step 3 (5mg) for 2 weeks.

This gradual reduction in the amount of nicotine will help your body get used to going without nicotine.

You should not use NICORETTE® patches if the expiry date printed on the carton has passed or the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If you notice some symptoms you could use a lower strength patch for a little longer. Don't be discouraged by this, it is all part of the smoking cessation process.

When you reach this stage you can call yourself an ex-smoker, but there is still the chance that you may lapse back to your smoking habit. If you feel you need to keep using the patch, use the lowest strength patch to prevent you from having symptoms.

But don't forget, while you are wearing a patch your body may still be dependent on nicotine.

The use of NICORETTE® Patch beyond one year is not recommended.

What happens if I overdose on NICORETTE® patches?

Overdosage can occur if more than one patch is used, or you smoke or chew nicotine containing gum while you are wearing a patch.

There is a small risk that young children may be poisoned with nicotine if they put a patch in their mouth or apply them (especially more than one) to their own skin.

Anyone who swallows a patch needs immediate medical attention.

Signs of overdose or poisoning include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Cold sweats
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Disturbed hearing and vision
  • Mental confusion
  • Weakness, faintness and fatigue
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Weak, rapid or irregular pulse

In the event of yourself or someone else showing symptoms seek medical advice.

Immediately telephone your doctor for advice or go to a A&E at the nearest hospital.

You can also help by doing the following:

  • Remove all the nicotine patches
  • Flush the skin with water and dry it

Do not use soap as this may increase absorption.

 

How should I dispose of a used patch?

After removal fold the used patch in half with the sticky side inward. Place the folded patch inside the opened pouch or wrap it in a piece of aluminium foil. The used patch should then be disposed of carefully where children or animals cannot get hold of it.



Important: Immediately after applying or removing a NICORETTE® patch wash and dry your hands thoroughly so that you cannot get any nicotine into y our eyes or nose. Do not use soap as this may increase absorption.

How should I store NICORETTE® patches?

Do not use a patch if the pouch or patch are damaged.



Keep all the pouches in the box until immediately before use. Store NICORETTE® Patch at temperatures below 25 degrees. Storage in a car in hot weather may cause damage to the patch.