It is important to choose a clean, dry and hairless area of skin on which to position the patch, to make sure that it sticks properly.
Avoid areas where the skin creases (such as over a joint) or where the skin folds when you move. Also avoid skin which is red, broken or irritated.
Do not remove the patch from its sealed protective sachet until you are ready to use it.
Cut open the sachet along the dotted line, taking care not to damage the patch inside.
Take out the patch carefully.
A clear, protective liner covers the sticky side of the patch - the side that will be put on your skin.
With the sticky side facing you, pull half the liner away from the patch starting at the middle.
Hold the patch at the outside edge (touch the sticky side as little as possible) and pull off the other half of the protective liner.
Immediately apply the sticky side of the patch to your skin.
Press the patch firmly on to your skin with the palm of your hand for at least 10 seconds.
Make sure it sticks well to the skin, especially round the edges.
When applying the patch, avoid touching the eyes and nose.
When you have finished, always wash your hands with water only.
Do not use soap which may increase Nicotine absorption.
Water will not harm the patch, if it has been applied properly.
You can bathe, swim or shower for short periods while you are wearing the patch.
A new patch should be applied once a day and at about the same time each day, preferably soon after waking.
Leave each patch in place for 24 hours, and always choose a different area of skin on which to place the new patch.
Do not reuse the same skin site for at least seven days.
When you take off a patch, fold it in half with the sticky side inwards and place it in the sachet from which you have just taken your new patch or in a piece of aluminium foil.
Throw the sachet containing the used patch away carefully, making sure it is out of the reach of children or pets.
NiQuitin Clear generally sticks well to most people’s skin.
However, a patch may occasionally come off. If your patch falls off during the day, put on a new patch, making sure you choose a different non- hairy skin site that is clean and dry. Then go on as before.
If you wish, the patch can be removed before you go to bed (after about 16 hours) and a new one put on when you wake up.
However, removing the patch after 16 hours will reduce its effectiveness in relieving the urge to smoke, felt by some smokers, upon waking.
If you use too many patches at once you may start to feel sick, dizzy and unwell.
Remove all patches and wash and dry the skin with water only (no soap).
Get advice straightaway from a doctor or hospital casualty department.
If possible show them the packet or this leaflet.
The patches are not suitable for children under 12 or non-smokers.
If the patches are used by children or non-smokers, they may show signs of Nicotine overdose.
These include headache, sickness, stomach pains and diarrhoea.
If a child has stuck a patch on themselves or eaten one, remove any patches from the skin and wash with water only (no soap) then dry.
Contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department straightaway.
If possible show them the packet or this leaflet.
If you forget to change your patch at the usual time, change it as soon as you remember. Then go on as before.
If you stop using this medicine before the recommended time you may feel the urge to smoke again. If you have any further question on the use of this medicine, ask your healthcare professional.
Do not use NiQuitin Clear if you are allergic to Nicotine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine or if you are a non-smoker, an occasional smoker or under the age of 12 years.
