Niquitin Clear 7 mg/24 h transdermal patches

Patient Information Leaflet

Introduction

Patient Information Leaflet

NiQuitin Clear 7 mg/24 hours Transdermal Patches

Nicotine

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Package leaflet

1. What NiQuitin Clear is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before using NiQuitin Clear
3. How to use NiQuitin Clear
4. Possible side effects
5. How to store NiQuitin Clear
6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What NiQuitin Clear is and what it is used for

NiQuitin Clear are nicotine patches designed to help people stop smoking. This type of treatment is known as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

NiQuitin Clear patches are available in three doses: 21 mg, 14 mg, and 7 mg/24 h. Individuals who wish to stop smoking should start with the highest-dose patch and gradually switch to lower doses (see section 3: How to use NiQuitin Clear). Each dose is supplied in its own packaging.

Nicotine is the substance in cigarettes that causes addiction. NiQuitin Clear helps you quit smoking by replacing some of the nicotine your body receives from cigarettes. Each patch slowly releases nicotine into the body, thereby relieving some of the unpleasant symptoms smokers may experience when trying to quit. It reduces cigarette cravings and helps you resist the urge to smoke.

NiQuitin Clear patches may be used in combination with any NiQuitin oral product (such as nicotine lozenges or chewing gum) if you have relapsed after trying to quit smoking with NRT, if one NiQuitin product alone is not sufficient to control your cravings, or if you are a heavy smoker (for example, if you smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day) (see section 3: How to use NiQuitin Clear).

NRT does not carry the health risks associated with tobacco, as it does not contain tar, carbon monoxide, or other toxins found in cigarette smoke. Some people worry that they might become dependent on the nicotine from NRT. This is very rare, but if it were to occur, it would be less harmful than continuing to smoke. In addition, it is easier to break this habit compared to smoking.

Your chances of success improve if you participate in a support programme. For information about such programmes, please consult a healthcare professional.

Smoking has no health benefits. It is always better to stop smoking. Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), such as NiQuitin Clear, can help. Generally, any side effects associated with NRT are far outweighed by the dangers of smoking.

2. What you need to know before using NiQuitin Clear

Do not use NiQuitin Clear

• If you are allergic to nicotine or any of the other components of this medicine (listed in section 6).
• If you are a non-smoker, an occasional smoker, or under 12 years of age.

Warnings and precautions

Consult your healthcare professional before starting to use NiQuitin Clear:

• if you are in hospital due to a heart attack, serious heart rhythm problems, or stroke. You should try to stop smoking without using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), unless your doctor advises you to use it. Once you leave hospital, you can use NRT normally.

• if you have diabetes. You should monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently than usual when starting NiQuitin Clear. Your insulin or medication requirements may change.

• if you have had allergic reactions involving swelling of the lips, face, and throat, or itchy skin rash. Using NRT may sometimes trigger this type of reaction.

• if you have had allergic eczema or dermatitis. You may experience a reaction to the patches.

• if you have stomach or duodenal ulcers or inflammation of the oesophagus or throat (the passage between the mouth and stomach). NRT may worsen your symptoms.

• if you have a history of epilepsy (seizures).

• if you have a history of cardiovascular disease (such as heart disease, angina, or high blood pressure) and wish to use NiQuitin Clear patches in combination with NiQuitin tablets or gum.

• if you have severe liver or kidney problems. You may be more susceptible to adverse effects.

• if you have uncontrolled overactive thyroid gland or phaeochromocytoma (a tumour of the adrenal gland that can affect blood pressure). Nicotine may worsen your symptoms.

• if you have any concerns about becoming dependent on this product or if you believe you are already dependent on it.

Consult a healthcare professional before using NiQuitin Clear if any of the above apply to you.

Children (under 12 years of age)

Nicotine levels in NRT are not suitable for children under 12 years of age. Nicotine affects children more than adults and could cause severe poisoning, which may be fatal.

Using NiQuitin Clear with other medicines

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking, have recently taken, or might need to take any other medicines.

Stopping smoking may alter the effects of other medicines you are taking. If you have questions or concerns about this, speak with a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy and Breast-feeding

Smoking during pregnancy poses risks to the baby, including low birth weight, premature birth, and miscarriage. Quitting smoking is the best way to improve both your health and your baby's. The earlier you stop smoking, the better.

Ideally, if you are pregnant, you should stop smoking without using NRT. However, if you have tried this and it has not worked, nicotine replacement therapy may be recommended by a healthcare professional, as it is better for your baby than continuing to smoke. You should use NRT as early as possible during pregnancy and ideally only for 2–3 months. Remember, the most important thing is to stop smoking. Oral NRT, such as lozenges, may be preferable to nicotine patches because you do not receive nicotine continuously. However, patches may be better if you experience nausea or vomiting.

If you are breast-feeding, tobacco smoke causes breathing difficulties and other problems in babies and children. You should try to quit without using NRT first. If you need NRT, the amount of nicotine your baby could receive is small but present. It is much less harmful to the baby than exposure to tobacco smoke. Products such as lozenges are better than patches because you do not receive nicotine continuously.

It is also preferable to breast-feed just before using NRT so that your baby receives the smallest possible amount of nicotine.

Do not use NiQuitin patches in combination with NiQuitin tablets or gum if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, unless a healthcare professional considers it necessary. This is because this combination has not been studied in pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Driving and using machines

There are no known effects of NiQuitin Clear on your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, quitting smoking may cause behavioural changes that could affect you in this way.

3. How to use NiQuitin Clear

Follow exactly the administration instructions for this medicine contained in this leaflet or as directed by your healthcare professional. If in doubt, consult your healthcare professional.

As your body adjusts to not smoking, gradually reduce the dose of patches used until you no longer need them. This step-down program allows you to gradually overcome your body's need for nicotine.

To increase your chances of success, it is important to complete the full step-down program.

Use a new patch each day. Each patch should be used only once for 24 hours. Do not use more than the recommended dose.

Patches for adults (18 years and over)

Table 1: Highly dependent smokers (more than 10 cigarettes per day)

Table 2: Lightly dependent smokers (fewer than 10 cigarettes per day)

*The patches may be continued beyond the recommended 8 or 10 weeks if you need them to remain smoke-free. However, if you are still using them after 9 months, consult a healthcare professional.

Talk to a healthcare professional if you:

• are concerned that you might start smoking again
• are finding it difficult to stop using the patches completely.

If you start smoking again, they can advise you on how to get the best results from additional NRT courses.

Use in children and adolescents

Adolescents (12–17 years inclusive) should follow the instructions in Tables 1 and 2, but should only use the patches for a total of 12 weeks. If you feel you need to use Niquitin Clear for longer than 12 weeks, consult a healthcare professional. NiQuitin patches must not be used in combination with NiQuitin tablets or chewing gum. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Children under 12 years of age must not use Niquitin Clear

Combining NiQuitin Clear patches with NiQuitin oral forms (tablets or chewing gum)

NiQuitin Clear patches alone are not always sufficient. Using NiQuitin oral forms at the same time as the patches may help control sudden cravings and increase your chances of quitting smoking compared to using patches alone. NiQuitin oral forms are available as tablets or chewing gum.

Combining patches with oral NiQuitin may help:

• if you have relapsed after trying to quit smoking with NRT
• if one NiQuitin product is not enough to control your cravings
• if you are a heavy smoker (for example, you smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day)
• only if you are 18 years of age or older and any of the above situations apply to you.

Follow the same stepwise process with the patches, but take NiQuitin in oral forms when you experience a sudden craving; around 5–6 tablets or pieces of chewing gum per day are recommended. See Tables 3 and 4 on the reverse of this leaflet for further details.

When using NiQuitin Clear patches and NiQuitin oral forms together:

• do not take more than 15 units of NiQuitin 1.5 mg or 2 mg oral form in 24 hours
• do not take more than 10 units of NiQuitin 4 mg oral form in 24 hours

For more information, read the leaflet supplied with the NiQuitin oral product.

Table 3: Combination therapy for heavily dependent smokers (10 cigarettes or more per day)

Table 4: Combination therapy for low-dependence smokers (fewer than 10 cigarettes per day)

How to apply the patches

Choose a clean, dry, and hair-free area of skin to apply the patch, to ensure it adheres properly. Avoid cracked skin (such as over a joint) or areas that fold when you move. Also avoid red, damaged, or irritated skin.

• Do not remove the patch from its pouch until you are ready to use it. Do not use if the pouch is damaged.

• Cut along the dotted line with scissors, taking care not to damage the patch inside.

• Carefully remove the patch. A transparent protective layer covers the adhesive side of the patch, which is the side placed on the skin.

• Remove the patch from its pouch and peel off the transparent protective layers by folding it, taking care not to touch the adhesive surface.

• With the adhesive side facing you, remove half of the protective layer starting from the middle. Hold the patch by the outer edge (touching the adhesive surface as little as possible), and then remove the other half of the protective layer.

• Immediately apply the adhesive side of the patch to your skin. Press firmly with the palm of your hand for at least 10 seconds. Make sure it adheres well, especially around the edges.

• When applying the patch, avoid touching your eyes or nose. After application, always wash your hands with water only. Do not use soap, as it may increase the absorption of nicotine.

Water will not damage the patch if it has been correctly applied. You may bathe, swim, or shower for short periods while wearing the patch.

NiQuitin Clear generally adheres well to the skin of most people. However, occasionally a patch may come loose. If the patch falls off, apply a new patch, making sure to choose a different area of skin. Then continue changing patches at your usual time.

How to change the patches

A new patch should be applied once daily, at approximately the same time each day, preferably shortly after waking up. Leave the patch in place for 24 hours, and always choose a different area of skin when applying a new patch. Do not reuse the same area of skin for at least 7 days.

Disposal of patches

When removing a patch, fold it in half with the adhesive side facing inward and place it inside the pouch from which you have just removed your new patch, or wrap it in aluminum foil. Dispose of it carefully, ensuring it is out of reach of children and pets.

If desired, you may remove the patch before going to bed (after approximately 16 hours) and apply a new one in the morning. However, removing it before sleeping may reduce its effectiveness in relieving the urge to smoke in the morning.

If you use more NiQuitin Clear than you should:

If you use too many patches at the same time, you may begin to feel nausea, dizziness, and discomfort. Remove all patches and wash and dry your skin with water only (without soap). In case of overdose or accidental ingestion, contact your doctor, pharmacist, nearest hospital, or call the Toxicology Information Service (telephone 91 562 04 20), indicating the product name and amount used.

These patches are not suitable for children under 12 years of age or for non-smokers. If used by children or non-smokers, symptoms of nicotine overdose may occur, including headache, nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhea.

If a child has applied or swallowed a patch, remove any patch from the skin and wash the area with water only (without soap), then dry the area. Contact your doctor or nearest hospital immediately. If possible, show them the packaging or this leaflet.

If you forget to use NiQuitin Clear:

As soon as you remember, apply a patch immediately. You may continue changing patches at your usual time.

If you stop treatment with NiQuitin Clear

If you stop using this medicine before the recommended time, you may feel the urge to smoke again.

If you have any further questions about the use of this medicine, consult your healthcare professional.

4. Possible adverse effects

Like all medicines, NiQuitin Clear may cause adverse effects, although not everyone experiences them. At the recommended doses, NiQuitin Clear has not been found to cause any serious adverse effects.

The process of quitting smoking itself may produce some symptoms, such as weakness, dizziness, headache, cough, and symptoms similar to those of flu.

Other symptoms that may also be related to withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking include mood changes, insomnia, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, feelings of depression, irritability, anxiety, drowsiness, restlessness, or nervousness.

Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Skin reactions at the site where the patch is applied
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and abnormal dreams
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness

Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Nervousness
• Tremor
• Breathing difficulty
• Sore throat or throat inflammation
• Cough
• Indigestion, stomach pain, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth
• Sweating
• Joint pain, muscle pain, chest pain, limb pain
• Weakness or fatigue

Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Allergic reaction
• Increased heart rate
• Flu-like symptoms

Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people):

• Skin reactions, skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Severe symptoms of allergic reactions, which may include wheezing (whistling sounds) or tightness in the chest, rash, and feeling faint

Unknown frequency (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data):

• Seizures (fits)

You may experience mild redness, itching, burning, or tingling on the skin where the patch has been applied. This usually disappears quickly after removing the patch. Rarely, a more severe reaction may occur at the application site, including redness, swelling, or rash that does not disappear after 4 days, or a generalized skin reaction. This is more likely if you have a history of dermatitis. If this happens, stop using the patch and inform your doctor.

Reporting of adverse effects

If you experience any adverse effect, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly via the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System for Human Medicinal Products: www.notificaram.es.

By reporting adverse effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of NiQuitin Clear

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month indicated.
• Store below 30 °C. Keep all patches in the box, inside their protective pouches until ready to use.
• Do not use NiQuitin Clear patches if the pouch is open or damaged.

Dispose of the container responsibly. Medicines must not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Return unused medicines and their containers to the SIGRE collection point at your pharmacy. If in doubt, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines and containers you no longer need. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and other information

Composition of NiQuitin Clear patches

The active substance is nicotine.

The other ingredients are: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate copolymer, Polyethylene Terephthalate, polyethylene film, polyisobutylene, and printing ink.

Appearance and contents of the NiQuitin Clear pack

NiQuitin Clear are transparent, colourless rectangular patches for skin application.

Each strength (dose) comes in its own packaging, and each pack contains 7, 14, 21, 28, or 42 patches. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

The Marketing Authorisation Holder is:

Perrigo España, S.A.

Pza. Xavier Cugat, 2 - Edif. D, Pl. 1ª

08174 Sant Cugat del Vallès (Barcelona)

Spain

The manufacturer is:

LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG

Lohmannstrasse 2

56626 Andernach

Germany

This medicinal product is authorised in some European Economic Area (EEA) Member States under the following names:

Germany: Niquitin Clear 14mg/24 Stunden transdermales Pflaster
Austria: Niquitin Clear 14mg/24 Stunden transdermales Pflaster
Spain: Niquitin 14 mg/24 h parches transdérmicos
Ireland: Niquitin Clear 14mg/24 hrs Transdermal Patch
Italy: Niquitin 14mg/24 ore cerotti transdermici trasparenti (nicotina)
Portugal: Niquitin Clear 14mg/24 h sistemas Transdermicos
United Kingdom: Nicabate Clear 14mg/24 hrs transdermal patches

Date of the most recent review of this leaflet: May 2021

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios - AEMPS) http://www.aemps.gob.es