Smoking during pregnancy poses serious risks to the health of both the mother and the baby, including complications like poor fetal growth, premature birth, or even stillbirth. Therefore, quitting smoking is crucial for improving the well-being of both. While it’s best to quit without the aid of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during pregnancy, if attempts to quit without NRT have been unsuccessful, healthcare professionals may recommend its use due to its potential benefits outweighing the risks of continued smoking. However, it’s important to use NRT as early as possible in pregnancy and ideally for a limited duration of 2-3 months. Oral NRT options like lozenges may be preferred over patches as they don’t provide a continuous nicotine supply, which could be advantageous, especially if experiencing nausea or sickness.

For breastfeeding mothers, quitting smoking without nicotine replacement therapy is recommended first. However, if NRT is needed to quit, the amount of nicotine transferred to the baby is minimal compared to the harm caused by second-hand smoke. Again, lozenges may be a better option than patches as they offer nicotine intermittently. Breastfeeding just before taking NRT further minimizes nicotine exposure to the baby. It’s crucial not to combine NiQuitin patches with lozenges, mini lozenges, or gums during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless deemed necessary by a healthcare professional, as the safety of this combination hasn’t been adequately studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Always follow the instructions provided in the leaflet or as directed by your healthcare professional when using this medication. If unsure, consult your healthcare provider for guidance. To aid in quitting smoking, gradually decrease the strength of patches as your body adjusts to not smoking, completing the step-down program as prescribed to overcome nicotine dependency. Apply a new patch daily, wearing each one for up to 24 hours only and never exceeding the recommended dosage. Adhering to these guidelines diligently increases the likelihood of successfully quitting smoking. For further information please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet, where it will include information about nicotine patch step 1, Nicotine patch step 2 and NiQuitin patches step 3.

When applying the patch, select clean, dry, hairless skin ensuring it adheres properly, avoiding areas with skin creases, folds, redness, or irritation. Keep the patch in its sachet until ready for use and do not use if the seal is broken. Carefully open the sachet along the dotted line, being cautious not to damage the patch. Remove the patch, noting the clear protective liner covering the sticky side. With the sticky side facing you, peel off half of the liner from the middle outward, minimizing contact with the adhesive. Then, press the patch firmly onto the skin, ensuring it sticks well, especially around the edges, and hold for at least 10 seconds. Avoid touching the eyes and nose during application, and after finishing, wash hands only with water to prevent increased nicotine absorption from soap. The patch is water-resistant, allowing for bathing, swimming, or showering for short periods while wearing it. While NiQuitin Clear typically adheres securely, if a patch does come off, promptly replace it with a new one making sure you choose a different skin site. For full details please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.

Proper disposal of used patches is essential for safety. After removing a patch, fold it in half with the sticky side facing inward and place it in the sachet from which you retrieved your new patch, or in a piece of aluminium foil. Dispose of it carefully to ensure it is out of reach of children or pets. While it’s an option to remove the patch before bedtime (after approximately 16 hours) and replace it in the morning, doing so may reduce its effectiveness in curbing the urge to smoke upon waking.

Alternatives

For alternatives to NiQuitin patches and other Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products, explore our smoking cessation homepage where a variety of options are available to support your journey to quit smoking, such as Nicorette Icy White Gum . Our comprehensive selection includes various NRT products tailored to different preferences and needs, ensuring you find the most suitable aid for your quit-smoking efforts.