When is NICOPATCHLIB prescribed?

This medicine helps smokers to detoxify from tobacco. The transdermal device (patch) contains nicotine, the main active substance in tobacco, which passes through the skin into the bloodstream and acts on the nervous system, allowing the smoker to avoid the symptoms of quitting smoking.

It is used exclusively in nicotine-dependent smokers, i.e. those who swallow the smoke and cannot stop smoking for more than a few hours.

You can consult the following article(s):

• Quitting smoking

Composition of the drug NICOPATCHLIB

Active substance: Nicotine

Excipients: Acrylate vinyl acetate copolymer, Methyl methacrylate ethylene glycol dimethacrylate copolymer, Polyethylene polyester film, Silicone polyester film

Contraindications of the drug NICOPATCHLIB

This medicine should not be used in the following cases:

• non-smokers or occasional smokers,
• extensive skin disease that does not allow the patch to be applied.

Warning

In the perspective of a definitive detoxification, stopping smoking is a necessary condition for the success of the treatment.

Do not use other nicotine-containing medicines, especially chewing gums, without medical advice.

Precautions are necessary in case of stomach or duodenumulcer,renal or hepaticinsufficiency. In these situations, a prior medical consultation is essential before using this drug and a stop of smoking without substitution treatment may be necessary.

Nicotine is a toxic substance. Do not leave the new or used patch within the reach of children: an untimely application can cause serious accidents. Fold the patch before throwing it away.

Interactions of NICOPATCHLIB with other substances

The products contained in tobacco smoke can accelerate the rate of elimination of certain drugs, especially theophylline. When you stop smoking, the effect of these medicines may be strengthened and signs of overdose may appear. Contact your doctor if you have any doubts.

Fertility, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy:

Smoking in pregnant women can cause fetal growth retardation. It is therefore always advisable to stop smoking. In women who are strongly addicted to nicotine, the use of this drug can be helpful, but the effects of nicotine alone on the fetus are not well known. This medication has the advantage of not exposing the fetus to the other toxins present in tobacco smoke. In summary: if the ideal is not to smoke and not to expose the fetus to nicotine inputs, the use of this medicine is a lesser evil compared to tobacco.

Breastfeeding:

Nicotine passes into breast milk, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Instructions for use and dosage of NICOPATCHLIB

There are 3 dosages corresponding to 3 different patch surfaces: the quantity of nicotine that passes into the bloodstream is proportional to the surface of the transdermal device.

The strongest dosage is intended for heavy smokers or smokers of nicotine-rich cigarettes; a strong dependence on nicotine may also lead moderate smokers to prefer the strong dosage.

In practice, it is useful to know the signs of under or overdose to adapt the choice of dosage after 1 or 2 days of treatment:

• overdose leads to the state of a smoker who has smoked too much and is mainly expressed by a nauseous state and headaches. Visual or hearing disorders, tremor, dizziness are also possible;
• underdosing causes withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nervousness, stomach cramps (a kind of painful hunger), difficulty concentrating.

Once withdrawal has been achieved, it is advisable to switch to a lower dosage patch after a period of 3 to 4 weeks, and then to stop after using the lowest dosage.

Apply the patch to a dry, hairless area free of skin lesions. Release the adhesive surface and carefully apply the patch by applying pressure to the entire surface. Change the location of the patch every day.

Usual dosage:

• Adult: the patch is applied in the morning after washing. It should normally be kept on until the next day.

It is recommended not to exceed 6 months of continuous treatment.

Advice

The nicotine taken by cutaneous way in replacement of the cigarette presents the same cardiovascular harmfulness as that which is contained in the tobacco. Only the risk of lung cancer disappears. When smoking cessation is motivated by urgent medical reasons: recent infarction, arteritis, gastritis or ulcer, it is preferable to stop taking nicotine in all its forms.

Like all anti-smoking methods used to help smokers, this medication can only be effective when the desire to stop smoking is personal and accompanied by a strong motivation. It is this motivation that will allow you to fight against the desire to smoke, without being forced to constantly call upon your willpower, which becomes blunted over time. A smoker who wants to stop smoking for good must consider tobacco as a poison, an unacceptable addiction. They must come to terms with the fact that they will never smoke again, right from the start of the withdrawal process. Each day without tobacco should be experienced as a liberation, not as an ordeal. The smoker who is in this frame of mind is a good candidate for permanent cessation.

Stopping smoking, which is a real drug, leads to many problems: weight gain is frequent, concentration problems can last several weeks. A slight depressive state is possible. Weight gain must be combated by a diet, and if possible by a sports programme which has the advantage of reconciling the smoker with his body. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor in case of difficulty; his advice and experience will be precious in the fight against relapse.

Keeping the patch on at night helps to combat withdrawal symptoms when you get up. However, wearing the patch at night can cause sleep disorders. In this case, it may be better to remove the patch at bedtime.

Remember to wash your hands after application and avoid contact with your eyes or nose.

Possible side effects of NICOPATCHLIB

Local reactions: redness and itching at the application site, which may require discontinuation of treatment in case of severe reaction.

Also: palpitations, headaches, insomnia, dizziness, dream disturbances, nausea, vomiting.