Nicotine

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Nicotine	Nicorette® Invisi Patch 16h	Adult

Nicotine - 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.
Nicorette® Invisi Patch releases nicotine slowly over 16 hours, which is absorbed into your bloodstream. This provides your body with nicotine to control baseline nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Nicotine cause?

● Red and itchy skin
● Headache
● Dizziness
● Nausea and vomiting

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 your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Nicotine , 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 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 breastfeeding.
       ● You recently had a heart attack or stroke.
       ● You have any 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 ?

● 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:
       o Benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam, lorazepam)
       o Insulin
       o Beta-blocker (e.g. bisoprolol, atenolol)
       o 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 - Dosage and How to Use

How should Nicotine be used?

On waking up, 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 adhesion.

Before going to sleep, remove the 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 days, 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 up for the missed dose.