Nicotinell 21 mg, 14 Transdermal Patches

Nicotinell is a medicine in the form of transdermal patches similar to a plaster that contains nicotine in the part that sticks to the skin. Its use is indicated for the relief of the symptoms ofnicotine withdrawal syndrome , which appear when you stop smoking.

It comes in a pack of 14 patches.

Smokers under 18 years of age should not use Nicotinell without the explicit recommendation of a healthcare professional.

The usual treatment consists of 3 phases:

- Initial phase: this will help you to stop smoking.

- Follow-up treatment: this phase consolidates smoking cessation and starts nicotine withdrawal.

-Withdrawal treatment: this phase helps you to finish treatment.

Treatment should normally be continued for 3 months, although the length of treatment depends on the individual.

Do not use Nicotinell for more than 6 months.

The recommended dosage and format will depend on the degree of dependence of each patient.

Open the sachet using scissors and remove the transdermal patch. Do not cut the Nicotinelltransdermal patch .

Remove the pre-cutdisposable protective sheet on the side of the transdermal patch. This is the side that contains the medicine and should be in contact with the skin.

3. Immediately after removing the protective sheet, place the Nicotinelltransdermal patch on an area of dry, uninjured skin (cuts, scratches or bruises) and with little hair: shoulder, waist, upper outer arm, etc. Avoid mobile areas of the body such as joints subject to friction with clothing. Apply the patch in its entirety and without cutting into the skin.

4. To ensure perfect adhesion, press firmly on the entire outer surface of the patch with the palm of the hand for at least 10-20 seconds.

5. Keep the patch on for 24 hours. If you have difficulty sleeping, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Change the Nicotinelltransdermal patch every 24 hours .Use a different area of skin to apply the patch and allow several days to pass before using the same area again.

When you remove the patch from your skin, you should fold it in half with the side in contact with the skin on the inside before disposing of it in a safe place and keep it out of sight and reach of children.

Use one patch every 24 hours, not to exceed this dose. The duration of treatment is restricted to 6 months.

As with all medicines,Nicotinell patches may cause side effects, although not everybody will experience them. Be awarethatsome of these effects can be serious, including the following:allergic reactions such as swelling of the skin, swelling of the face and mouth, low blood pressure and difficulty breathing.If you experience any of these, remove the patch and inform your doctor immediately.

Other side effects that have been observed:

• Very common:application site reactions such as itching, redness, oedema (swelling) and burning sensation (on the area of skin on your bodywhereNicotinell transdermal patchhas been placed ). If you have a severe skin reaction that does not go away, you should stop treatment and consult your doctor or pharmacist to find another nicotine replacement treatment to help you stop smoking. These effects are often caused by not changing the application site of the patch every day. Changing the application site will allow the irritation to go away naturally causing mild discomfort.Sleep disturbances may also occurincluding sleeplessness and abnormal dreams. Headache, nausea, dizziness, feeling sick, vomiting.

• Frequent: palpitations (feeling the heart beat), shortness of breath, nervousness, trembling, feeling sick, stomach pain, diarrhoea, sore or swollen throat, cough, dry mouth, tiredness or weakness, constipation,joint and muscle pain. These effects are often mild and will disappear naturally and quickly once the patch is removed.

If you are recovering immediately after a heart attack or stroke, or if you have severe heart rhythm disturbances or uncontrolled high blood pressure, you should consult your doctor before starting treatment with Nicotinell.