Properties
When a patient stops smoking and the body is no longer regularly supplied with nicotine, various withdrawal symptoms occur, including irritability, restlessness, mood swings, dizziness and headaches, as well as sleep disturbances.
With Nicorette Invisipatch patches, these symptoms can be prevented or alleviated by supplying the body with the right dose of nicotine. The nicotine contained in Nicorette Invisipatch patches is administered in pure form. Unlike cigarettes, Nicorette Invisipatch patches do not release harmful tar substances or carbon dioxide, which are produced during combustion. The nicotine is slowly released from the Nicorette Invisipatch patch and absorbed through the skin at a constant rate. The constant release of nicotine is made possible by its even distribution in the patch.
Nicorette patches are intended for use during daytime activity, i.e. for about 16 hours, as they are designed to mimic the nicotine delivery of smoking. The maximum concentration is reached in the afternoon/evening, when the risk of relapse is greatest.
Indications
The medicine is indicated for the treatment of dependence on tobacco products in people who are determined to quit smoking, by relieving cravings for nicotine and withdrawal symptoms after quitting smoking.
Dosage
Children and adolescents – without medical advice, Nicorette Invisipatch should not be used in persons under 18 years of age. Data on the treatment of persons in this age group with Nicorette Invisipatch are limited.
Adults and elderly people – The patch should be applied in the morning after waking up to an uninjured area of skin and removed before going to bed. Treatment with patches (transdermal system) mimics the fluctuations in nicotine concentration in smokers during the day and without nicotine intake during sleep. Use of the patch during the day does not cause sleep disturbances, as observed with the use of nicotine during sleep.
For people with strong dependence, it is recommended to start treatment with step 1, i.e. with a 25 mg/16 h patch, applied once daily for eight weeks. Then, gradual discontinuation of the patches (transdermal system) should begin. A 15 mg/16 h patch should be applied once daily for two weeks, followed by a 10 mg/16 h patch once daily for another two weeks. For people with low addiction potential, it is recommended to start treatment with step 2, i.e. with a 15 mg/16 h patch, applied once daily for eight weeks, and then continue treatment with a 10 mg/16 h patch (step 3) for a further four weeks.
Precautions
It is not recommended to use the patches for longer than 6 months. However, some former smokers may require a longer treatment period to avoid relapse. The patches can be used alone or in combination with nicotine-containing chewing gum. The use of more than one form of nicotine replacement therapy is beneficial for smokers who have relapsed despite previous monotherapy with NRT.
