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Managing your cravings is difficult but NiQuitin can help make it easier - whether you want to quit one day at a time or quit one cigarette at a time.

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Can I use more than one NiQuitin Patch at a time?

You should not use more than one NiQuitin Patch at a time. A single patch of the correct strength provides enough nicotine to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

How should I apply the NiQuitin Patch?

Apply the NiQuitin Patch to a clean, dry, and relatively hairless part of the body, such as the upper arm, back or chest. Do not use oils or talcum powder on the skin before applying, as it may prevent the patch from sticking properly.

Each NiQuitin Patch comes in an individual sachet. Peel off the metallic backing film from the patch and press it firmly on to your skin for 10 seconds.

Only one patch should be applied at a time. Do not cut a patch into half or smaller pieces.

How long should I wear the NiQuitin Patch before changing it?

NiQuitin Patches can be worn continuously for 16 or 24 hours. Wearing the patch for 24 hours provides maximum prevention from morning cravings, but if you prefer you can remove the patch at night and apply a fresh one in the morning.

Change the patch after 24 hours and apply a new one to a different site on your arm, chest or back. Do not wear the same patch for more than 24 hours as it will lose strength and may irritate your skin.

If the patch is stuck so firmly it’s difficult to remove, try working an oil-based product, such as baby oil, into it with your fingers. This should help break up the adhesive.

What strength of NiQuitin Patch should I use and how long should I use them for?

The strength of patch you use will depend on how many cigarettes you smoke. NiQuitin Patches come in three different strengths (or Steps). If you smoke 10 or more cigarettes a day, start on Step 1 with the 21mg patch. Use that for six weeks, before moving to Step 2 with the 14mg patch for two weeks. Then on to Step 3 with the 7mg patch for a further two weeks.

If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day, you should start on Step 2 with a 14mg patch. Use that for six weeks, before moving to Step 3 with a 7mg patch for two weeks.

If you need to use NiQuitin Patches longer than six months seek advice from your GP or pharmacist.

Are there side effects of using the NiQuitin Patch?

At recommended doses, the NiQuitin Patch has not been found to cause any serious adverse effects. Having said that, medicines affect everyone differently and some people may experience side effects, while others may not experience any at all.

Although the therapeutic nicotine your body absorbs through the patch is far less harmful than smoking, there are some side effects associated with nicotine. Many of these are similar to the effects of smoking nicotine in tobacco, or withdrawal symptoms after stopping smoking.

You should always read the information in the pack before you use a product. In the unlikely event that you experience unusual or severe side effects, stop using this product and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Can I use NiQuitin Patches during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy consult your GP before using NiQuitin Patches. Ideally, nicotine should not be used in pregnancy in any form as it can adversely affect the development of your baby. However, as nicotine replacement therapy is likely to provide less nicotine (and none of the other potentially harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke) it is considered less of a risk to your baby than continuing to smoke.

Can I use NiQuitin Patches while breastfeeding?

Consult your doctor before using a nicotine patch while breastfeeding. Because a nicotine patch provides a continuous stream of nicotine, which is passed to your baby through breast milk, your doctor may suggest using an intermittent NRT product such as lozenges or gums.

Using a product like NiQuitin Minis can be more easily adjusted around breastfeeding times to minimise the amount of nicotine your baby is exposed to.

Again, using a NRT product while breastfeeding is considered a safer alternative to smoking – particularly if there’s a danger your baby may be exposed to second-hand smoke.

Can I use more than one NiQuitin Patch at a time?

You should not use more than one NiQuitin Patch at a time. A single patch of the correct strength provides enough nicotine to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking

Can I drink alcohol while using NiQuitin Patches?

You can drink alcohol while following a treatment course of nicotine patches. However, you might want to avoid drinking alcohol (particularly in social situations) if you associate it with smoking. The less temptation you’re exposed to, the easier you may find it to quit.

If I buy NiQuitin Patches but don’t use them for a few months, will they still be effective?

Unopened NiQuitin Patches can be used up to the expiry date shown on the protective wrapper. Once opened, the patch should be applied immediately.

Can I cut up the patch to receive less therapeutic nicotine?

No. The NiQuitin Patch is designed to gradually release nicotine throughout the day, providing just enough to reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms when quitting smoking.

Clinical testing has established the appropriate amounts of nicotine for each of the three Steps. Cutting patches is therefore not recommended because it may affect delivery of nicotine into the bloodstream.

I smoke roll-ups. Can I still use NiQuitin Patches?

You can use NiQuitin Patches if you smoke roll-ups. The starting strength of a NiQuitin Patch is calculated in the same way as for pre-rolled cigarettes.

How does the therapeutic nicotine from the patch get through the skin?

NiQuitin Patches use SmartControl® Technology to deliver a controlled and continuous stream of nicotine 24 hours a day. The patch delivers a rapid release of therapeutic nicotine as soon as it is applied, and then releases a continuous flow to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms throughout the day.

When worn on the body, the therapeutic nicotine contained in the patch passes through the outer layer of skin to the blood vessels beneath.

Do I need a prescription to use NiQuitin Patches?

You do not need a prescription to use NiQuitin Patches. They are available from the NHS with a prescription but can also be bought from pharmacies and other shops, such as supermarkets, without a prescription.

Speak to a healthcare professional or your pharmacist if you need some advice.

Are nicotine patches addictive?

NiQuitin Patches are designed to give you a temporary source of therapeutic nicotine, which can be reduced gradually over a period of time, to make adjusting to life without cigarettes more bearable. They contain much less nicotine than that found in tobacco and release it into your system much more slowly than smoking, making it easier to gradually cut down and stop at the end of the course when used correctly.

Why were NiQuitin Minis Lozenges introduced?

We know that quitting smoking can be a hard habit to break – that’s why we designed the box for NiQuitin Minis to look and feel like a lighter, providing on-the-go fast craving relief [1] while giving your hands a familiar shape to hold.

What strength of NiQuitin Minis Lozenges should I use?

If you smoke 20 cigarettes or less a day, use the NiQuitin 1.5mg Minis Lozenges. If you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, you should use NiQuitin 4mg Minis Lozenges.

How do I use NiQuitin Minis Lozenges?

To use NiQuitin Minis Lozenges, simply put one in your mouth, periodically moving it from one side of your mouth to the other, until it dissolves completely. This should take around 10 minutes. In order to benefit from the correct dose of therapeutic nicotine contained in NiQuitin Minis, do not chew or swallow them whole.

Can I eat or drink while using NiQuitin Minis Lozenges?

You should not eat or drink while using NiQuitin Minis Lozenges. Food and drink can interfere with the nicotine absorption from the lozenge, so we recommend that you don’t have anything else in your mouth whilst using NiQuitin Minis.

Can I drink alcohol while I’m on a treatment course of NiQuitin Minis Lozenges?

You can drink alcohol while on a treatment course of NiQuitin Minis Lozenges, however, you should not drink anything – alcoholic or otherwise – while you have a lozenge in your mouth. You might want to avoid drinking alcohol (particularly in social situations) if you associate it with smoking.

What should I do if I smoke while following a treatment course of NiQuitin Minis Lozenges?

If you have smoked a cigarette or two while following a treatment course of NiQuitin Minis Lozenge but still want to quit, you can carry on using NiQuitin Minis as normal. If you have gone back to smoking, set a new quit date and try again when you’re ready. Or, if you feel that giving up straightaway is too big a step, you can use the lozenges to help you cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke to aid you to stop completely.

Taking part in a support programme can increase your chance of stopping smoking.

Can I use more than one NiQuitin Minis Lozenge at a time?

No. You should not use more than one NiQuitin Minis Lozenge at a time. Each lozenge is designed to provide exactly the right amount of nicotine to reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. You should never exceed 15 lozenges per day for either the 1.5mg or 4mg strength lozenge.

Do I need a prescription to use NiQuitin Minis Lozenges?

NiQuitin Minis Lozenges are available from the NHS with a prescription but can also be bought from pharmacies and other shops, such as supermarkets, without a prescription.

Speak to a health care professional or your pharmacist if you need some advice.

Are NiQuitin Minis Lozenges addictive?

NiQuitin Minis are designed to provide a temporary source of therapeutic nicotine, which can be reduced gradually over a period of time, to make adjusting to life without cigarettes more bearable. They contain much less nicotine than that found in tobacco, and release it into your system differently to smoking, making it easier to gradually cut down and stop at the end of the course, when used correctly.

What are the side effects of using NiQuitin Minis?

At recommended doses, NiQuitin Minis Lozenges have not been found to cause any serious adverse effects. Having said that, medicines affect everyone differently and some people may experience side effects, while others may not experience any at all.

The therapeutic nicotine your body absorbs from the lozenge is far less harmful than smoking as it doesn’t contain any of the 4,000-plus potentially deadly chemicals found in cigarette smoke. However, there are some side effects associated with therapeutic nicotine – many of which are similar to the effects of smoking nicotine in tobacco, or withdrawal symptoms after stopping smoking.

You should always read the information in the pack before you use a product. In the unlikely event that you experience unusual or severe side effects, stop using this product and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

What happens if a child ingests NiQuitin Minis Lozenges?

If a child has eaten a NiQuitin Minis lozenge, contact your doctor or nearest hospital casualty department immediately. If possible show them the NiQuitin Minis packet or the leaflet within it.

Be sure to keep NiQuitin Minis Lozenges and any other quit smoking aids safely out of the reach and sight of children.

What strength NiQuitin Lozenge should I use?

If you smoke your first cigarette of the day within 30 minutes of waking up, you should use the 4mg Lozenge. If you smoke your first cigarette after you’ve been awake for 30 minutes or more, use NiQuitin 2mg Lozenges.

How many NiQuitin Lozenges should I use each day?

You should have a NiQuitin Lozenge every 1 to 2 hours to begin with (Step 1). Use at least 9, but up to a maximum of 15 lozenges a day. Then, after six weeks, move on to Step 2, and have a lozenge every 2 to 4 hours. After nine weeks, you should be down to 1 NiQuitin Lozenge every 4 to 8 hours. Stop using NiQuitin Minis when you are using 1 or 2 a day.

How do I use NiQuitin Lozenges?

Simply put one NiQuitin Lozenge in your mouth and allow it to dissolve fully. Periodically, move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other until it is dissolved completely. This should take around 20 to 30 minutes. In order to get the correct dose of therapeutic nicotine from the lozenge, you should not chew or swallow them whole.

Can I eat or drink while using a NiQuitin Lozenge?

No, you should not eat or drink while chewing NiQuitin Lozenges. Food and drink can interfere with the nicotine absorption from the lozenge, so we recommend that you don’t have anything else in your mouth whilst using them.

Can I drink alcohol while I’m on a treatment course of NiQuitin Lozenges?

Yes, you can drink alcohol while on a treatment course of NiQuitin Lozenges. However, you should not drink alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks whilst actually chewing.

What should I do if I smoke whilst on a treatment course of NiQuitin Lozenges?

If you have smoked a cigarette or two but want to quit, then you can carry on using NiQuitin Lozenges. If you have gone back to smoking, it’s better to set a new quit date and try again when you’re ready. Or, if you feel that giving up straightaway is too big a step, you can use the lozenges to aid you to stop completely.

Can I use more than one NiQuitin Lozenge at a time?

No, you should not use more than one NiQuitin Lozenge at a time. Each lozenge is designed to provide exactly the right amount of nicotine to reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

What is nicotine replacement therapy?

Nicotine replacement therapy products, such as patches, lozenges and gum, contain carefully controlled amounts of therapeutic nicotine to help ease nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it easier to quit smoking.

Do I need a prescription from a healthcare professional for therapeutic nicotine products, such as patches, lozenges and gum?

You do not need a prescription to use NiQuitin products such as patches, lozenges and gum. NiQuitin products are available from the NHS with a prescription but can also be bought from pharmacies and other shops, such as supermarkets, without a prescription.

Speak to a healthcare professional or your pharmacist if you need some advice.

Will I gain weight when I stop smoking?

Many people (but not everyone) will gain a few pounds after they stop smoking – but it’s a small price to pay for the enormous gains to your health and appearance. Research suggests that nicotine increases the metabolism and acts as an appetite suppressant, which can lead to weight gain when smokers quit.

Using NiQuitin 4mg Lozenges (if you smoke within 30 minutes of waking) may help you to reduce the risk of weight gain associated with stopping smoking. Because you keep each lozenge in your mouth for up to 30 minutes and it is recommended to suck at least 9 lozenges a day to begin with, you’re less likely to snack. By helping you to control your weight whilst you quit, NiQuitin Lozenges can help you stay strong, in control and feeling good about yourself.

What are the effects of passive smoking?

Breathing in someone else’s cigarette smoke (passive smoking or second-hand smoking) can cause a headache, cough, sore throat, dizziness, nausea and other symptoms. Frequent exposure to someone else’s smoke increases your risk of lung cancer, coronary heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

Smoking is particularly harmful in pregnancy as it increases the risk of low birth weight, cot death and asthma in young children.

Are nicotine replacement products addictive?

NiQuitin products are designed to provide a temporary source of therapeutic nicotine, which can be reduced gradually over a period of time, to make adjusting to life without cigarettes more bearable. Used correctly, you should be nicotine-free by the end of the course.

Are nicotine replacement products bad for my health?

Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals including cyanide, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and carcinogens, and it’s these substances that make smoking deadly. As NRT products contain only nicotine, they’re considered a much safer option to smoking.

Can people who smoke roll-ups use NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum?

You can use NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum if you want to cut down or quit smoking roll-ups. If you have your first roll-up within 30 minutes of waking, use NiQuitin Fresh Mint 4mg Gum. If you start smoking more than 30 minutes after waking up, opt for NiQuitin Fresh Mint 2mg Gum. Chew 1 piece of NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum when you have the urge to smoke, sufficient gums should be used each day, usually 8-12, up to a maximum of 15. Gradually reduce your use to just 1 or 2 pieces a day until you are nicotine free.

What happens if a child ingests NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum?

If a child has used or eaten NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum, contact your doctor or hospital emergency department immediately. If possible, show them the NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum packet or this leaflet. Symptoms of nicotine overdose in children include headache, sickness, stomach pain and diarrhoea.  Be sure to keep NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum and any other quit smoking aids safely out of the reach and sight of children.

What if I use too much NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum?

If you take too much gum, you may start to feel sick, dizzy and unwell. Stop using the gum and contact your doctor or hospital emergency department immediately.

Can I chew more than one piece of NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum at any one time?

You should not chew more than one piece of NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum at a time. Each piece of gum is designed to provide exactly the right amount of nicotine to reduce your cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Chew 8-12 pieces a day, up to a maximum of 15. Gradually reduce the number of pieces you use per day. When daily use is 1-2 gums, use should be stopped.

What should I do if I smoke whilst on a treatment course of NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum?

If you have smoked a cigarette or two but want to quit, then you can carry on using NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum. If you have gone back to smoking, it’s better to set a new quit date and try again when you’re ready. Or, if you feel that giving up straightaway is too big a step, you can use the gum to help you cut down the number of cigarettes you smoke as a first step to aid you to stop completely. Taking part in a support programme can increase your chance of stopping smoking.

Can I drink alcohol while I'm on a treatment course of NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum?

You can drink alcohol while on a treatment course of NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum. However, you shouldn’t drink alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks whilst actually chewing. You might want to avoid drinking alcohol (particularly in social situations) if you associate it with smoking.

Can I eat or drink while chewing NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum?

You should not eat or drink while chewing NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum. Food and drink can interfere with the nicotine absorption from the gum, so we recommend that you don’t have anything else in your mouth whilst chewing it.

How often should I use NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum?

Chew one piece of NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum when you have the urge to smoke. It’s recommended to chew between 8-12 pieces a day, but do not use more than 15 a day. Gradually reduce your use of the gum to just 1 or 2 pieces a day to help you become nicotine free.

What strength of NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint Gum should I use?

If you usually have your first cigarette within 30 minutes of waking, use NiQuitin Extra Fresh Mint 4 mg Gum. If you start smoking more than 30 minutes after waking up, choose NiQuitin Exra Fresh Mint 2 mg Gum.

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