NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
WHAT IS NICOTINE REPLACEMENT THERAPY (NRT)
NRT is the use of various products to provide nicotine to the body to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings while trying to quit smoking. Patches provide a continuous blood level of nicotine, to give you time to overcome the physical and psychological urges to smoke. Gums and lozenges provide a short term boost for sudden smoking urges, and can be safely used in addition to patches.
WHAT DOES THE GOVERNMENT SUBSIDISE
Full strength patches can be obtained on an Authority Prescription after consultation with the doctor, and with appropriate support and counselling, such as provided by the GP, or by Quitline.
The patches come in 2 forms:
16 hour patches, applied from waking to retiring each day - Nicorette.
24 hour patches - removed and replaced daily - Nicabate P, Nicotinell Step 1. These may be better for people who need to smoke first thing in the morning.
The prescription gives you enough for 1 month (at the cost of a normal prescription), and 2 repeats.
You are only allowed one prescription for patches per year.
They are available without prescription, so you are welcome to use them at other times without government subsidy.
HOW TO USE NRT PATCHES
Apply patches to a non-hairy, clean dry place on the upper body or outer part of the upper arm, rotating the site every day. Wait a few days before using the same area again.
16 hour patches (Nicorette) should be applied on waking and removed at bedtime.
24 hour patches (Nicabate P, Nicotinell Step 1) should be removed and replaced once every 24 hours.
Continue treatment for 12 weeks (aim for at least 8 weeks for best results).
Keep used and unused patches out of reach of children and pets as they can be harmful if applied or swallowed.
It is OK to use the patches for up to 2 weeks before your 'Quit Date', allowing you to cut down as much as possible before stopping.
Studies have shown that using a 12 week course of full strength patches is quite successful, and there is no need to taper down to the lower dose patches. Some people may prefer to use the lower dose patches if they have side effects, but these are not subsidised by the government.
SIDE EFFECTS
Most side effects are minor and short lived.
Patches commonly cause skin irritation, and are best avoided if you have serious skin problems.
Nightmares can occur on the 24 hour patches, so 16 hour patches should be used if this is an issue.
All forms of nicotine replacement can cause nausea, hiccoughs and muscle soreness. Occasionally, elevation of blood pressure and heart rate can occur.
Some symptoms may be a result of stopping smoking, such as weight gain, sleep disturbance, headache and dizziness.
PRECAUTIONS
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING - NRT may be considered during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as smoking is more likely to cause harm than NRT. Patches are best avoided, but using the short term NRTs such as lozenges and gum cand be very effective (especially immediately after breastfeeding to increase time for the nicotine to dissipate before the next feed).
PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS
Patches are preferable to tablets (CHAMPIX) for people with a history of mental illness, as they are not associated with worsening of the illness.
Information sheet written 3/11.
Main source of information NPS.