Nicorette 10mg Patches

Nicorette 10mg Patches


Nicorette 10mg Patches

1 pack of Nicorette Patches contains 7 patches, or one week's supply.

Why Use Nicorette 10mg Patches?

The Nicorette patches slowly release a controlled level of nicotine transdermally into the body over a period of 16 hours. This slow-release method ensures that you will receive the correct nicotine dosage.

You can use the patches without having to worry about damaging your dentures or dental bridgework.

You do not have to abstain from drinking acidic beverages at certain times of the day as you do with the gum and the inhaler.

Nicorette patches will not provide instant relief from nicotine cravings like NRT gum or inhalers, BUT because they provide a constant level of nicotine throughout the day, some people find it easier to prevent relapse.

Recommended Dosage

This is the easy part. Just apply one new Nicorette Patch to the skin in the morning and remove it before you go to bed at night. Each patch provides 16 hours of nicotine replacement therapy. The patches come in three different strengths, each identifiable by its size. The 15 milligram patch is the largest and strongest, followed by the 10 mg, and 5mg patches. Each pack contains 7 individual patches. We recommend three different dosage schedules, depending on how much you smoke, and which one you feel most comfortable using. Each schedule gradually reduces the amount of nicotine your body receives, enabling you to eventually stop using the patches altogether. It is recommended that you do not use the patch for more than 6 months, or that you consult your doctor or pharmacist about extended use.

Schedule 1 - Smoking MORE than 20 to 25 cigarettes a day

Weeks 1 to 8: One 15mg patch per day
Weeks 9-10: One 10mg patch per day
Weeks 11-12: One 5mg patch per day

Schedule 2 - Smoking MORE than 20-25 cigarettes a day

Weeks 1-4: One 15mg patch per day
Weeks 5-8: One 10mg patch per day
Weeks 9-12: One 5mg patch per day

Schedule 3 - Smoking LESS than 20 to 25 cigarettes a day:

Weeks 1-8: One 10mg patch per day
Weeks 9-12: One 5mg patch per day

How to Use the Patch

Apply the patch to a dry, clean, and hairless area of the body. The upper arm is the most popular place for the patch, but other possible sites include above the waist, below the neck, the hip, the pack, the upper thigh, and the front or side of the chest. The patch is intended for external use only. Do not put the patch on an area where the skin is broken, fragile, or inflamed. To prevent skin irritation, rotate where you place the patch every two days. Use one patch per day. Do not cut a patch in half to reduce its strength. To apply, simply press onto skin until secure. The patches should not fall off, even while swimming or showering. If a patch does fall off, just throw it away and apply a new patch. You should always wash your hands with water after applying the patch in order to prevent the transfer of residual nicotine to your eyes or nose. Do not use soap to wash your hands as it may increase nicotine absorption.

Warnings and Cautions

Nicorette Patches should not be used by children, persons under 18 years of age, or by non-smokers. Because nicotine can be harmful during pregnancy Nicorette Patches should not be used by those who are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. The patches should not be used if you are breast-feeding as nicotine can pass into the breast milk. The patches are not suitable for use by people who have recently suffered a heart attack or a stroke, or who suffer from any of the following:

  • Diabetes.
  • High blood pressure (hypertension).
  • History of angina.
  • History of peptic ulcers.
  • Hyperthyroidism.
  • Narrowing of blood vessels in the extremities (peripheral vascular disease).
  • People who have recently had a heart attack.
  • People who have recently had a stroke.
  • Severe disturbance to the normal rhythm of the heart (severe arrhythmias).
  • Tumor of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma).
  • Allergic, itchy skin rash (urticaria).
  • Chronic skin disorders such as dermatitis.
  • Psoriasis

If you suffer from any of the above, or want to know how Nicorette Patches affect the body when taken in conjunction with other medications, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

You should not smoke while using Nicorette Patches, and because nicotine continues to enter the bloodstream several hours after removing the patch you should not smoke within 12 hours of removing the patch. Exercising while wearing a patch may increase the amount of nicotine absorbed into the body.

Nicorette Patches are manufactured by Pharmacia AB, Sweden and distributed by Pharmacia, Auckland, NZ.