Nicorette Invisi Patch relieves and/or prevents craving and nicotine withdrawal symptoms associated with tobacco dependence. It is indicated to aid smokers wishing to quit or reduce prior to quitting, to assist smokers who are unwilling or unable to smoke, and as a safer alternative to smoking for smokers and those around them.

Nicorette Invisi Patch is indicated in pregnant and lactating women making a quit attempt (see section 4.6).

If possible, Nicorette Invisi Patch should be used in conjunction with a behavioural support programme.

When making a quit attempt behavioural therapy, advice and support will normally improve the success rate.

It is intended that the patch is worn through the waking hours (approximately 16 hours) being applied on waking and removed at bedtime.

Smoking Cessation

Adults (over 18 years of age)

For best results, most smokers are recommended to start on 25 mg / 16 hours patch (Step 1) and use one patch daily for 8 weeks. Gradual weaning from the patch should then be initiated. One 15 mg/16 hours patch (Step 2) should be used daily for 2 weeks followed by one 10 mg/16 hours patch (Step 3) daily for 2 weeks.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Dose

Nicorette invisi 25mg patch

Nicorette invisi 15mg patch

Nicorette invisi 10mg patch

Duration

First 8 weeks

Next 2 weeks

Last 2 weeks

Lighter smokers (i.e. those who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day) are recommended to start at Step 2 (15 mg) for 8 weeks and decrease the dose to 10 mg for the final 4 weeks.

Those who experience excessive side effects with the 25 mg / 16 hours patch (Step 1), which do not resolve within a few days, should change to a 15mg / 16 hours patch (Step 2). This should be continued for the remainder of the 8 week course, before stepping down to the 10 mg / 16 hours patch (Step 3) for 4 weeks. If symptoms persist the advice of a healthcare professional should be sought.

Adolescents (12 to 18 years)

The dose and method of use are as for adults however as data are limited in this age group, the recommended treatment duration is 12 weeks. If longer treatment is required, advice from a healthcare professional should be sought.

Smoking Reduction/Pre-Quit

Smokers are recommended to use the Patch to prolong smoke-free intervals and with the intention to reduce smoking as much as possible.

The starting dose should follow the smoking cessation instructions above i.e. 25mg (Step 1) is suitable for those who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day and for lighter smokers (i.e. those who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day) are recommended to start at Step 2 (15 mg).

Smokers starting on 25mg patch (Step 1) should transfer to 15mg patch (Step 2) as soon as cigarette consumption reduces to less than 10 cigarettes per day.

A quit attempt should be made as soon as the smoker feels ready. When making a quit attempt smokers who have reduced to less than 10 cigarettes per day are recommended to continue at Step 2 (15 mg) for 8 weeks and decrease the dose to 10 mg (Step 3) for the final 4 weeks.

Temporary Abstinence

Use a Nicorette Invisi Patch in those situations when you can't or do not want to smoke for prolonged periods (greater than 16 hours).

For shorter periods then an alternative intermittent dose form would be more suitable (e.g Nicorette inhalator or gum).

Smokers of 10 or more cigarettes per day are recommended to use 25mg patch and lighter smokers (i.e. those who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day) are recommended to use 15mg patch.

How to apply the patches

Nicorette Invisi Patch should be applied to clean, dry intact areas of hairless skin, for example on the hip, upper arm, or chest. These areas should be varied each day and the same site should not be used on consecutive days.

1. Wash your hands before applying the patch.

2. Cut open the pouch with scissors along the side, as indicated. Select a clean, dry, hairless intact area of skin, such as the hip, upper arm or chest.

3. Peel one part of the silvery aluminium backing away. Avoid touching the sticky surface of the patch with your fingers.

4. Apply the sticky part of the patch carefully onto the skin and peel off the remaining half of the silvery aluminum backing.

5. Press the patch firmly onto the skin with your palm or finger-tips.

6. Rub your fingers firmly round the edge to ensure that the patch sticks firmly.

Use of skin oils or talc can prevent proper adhesion of the patch.

After removal, used patches should be disposed of carefully.