Nicorette Nicotine Patches Medium Strength

...two main makers of patches: Nicorette and Nicotinel, then there are companies own brands but as there are a few to list I've left them out.

Nicorette range from 15mg (the highest they make) to 5mg (the lowest). 10mg is the other strength patch they make.

----Appearance----

Well the higher the strength the larger the patch. The 10mg patch is 5 1/2 cm in length x 4 1/2 cm in height. The patch is contained ...
...confidential helpline service.
Nicorette coin - a useful reminder to 'Think cash, not ash'.
'Relax with Dr. Chris Steele' Audio Tape - relaxation techniques from a renowned smoking cessation expert.
Regular mailings - tips and advice on health, financial and lifestyle benefits to encourage you to stay stopped.

I did send off for this kit before I started using the patches, but unfortunately never received it ... more

Seems as I'm wearing one of these and have been for the past 6 weeks, (only 2 weeks at this lower strength) I thought I'd give my thoughts in this review. I have successfully been a non-smoker for 7 weeks tomorrow.... god I'm proud of that!!

*****Quitting with Patches...the idea*****

Well what I would say is to get the most out of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) go to your local stop smoking centre or boots walk in clinic (I don't know if this applies to other countries but under the NHS support is provided free, as well as NRT under certain conditions). The reason I say this is because on your first appointment you will be asked to blow into a tube connected to a small hand held device. This device measures the levels of carbon monoxide in your blood and lungs displaying the results on screen. From this reading the clinic can decide which is the most suitable strength patches for you. Obviously if you get patches not strong enough for your cravings you quit smoking attempt may be unsuccessful, plus the added support of seeing your results improve and having someone say well done definitely isn't a down side.

*****What is Carbon Monoxide*****

Just so you are aware, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a substance produced when smoking a cigarette. It is poisonous to the body and as you may have heard, when gas fires leak this it can be lethal....

Now smoking a 'fag' isn't going to kill you CO wise, but what it does is bond with a substance in your red blood cells called Haemoglobin, when these to substances combine it means oxygen can then not bind with that red blood cell. This is what causes shortness of breath in smokers as the amount of air that can be taken round the body is decreased.

So there you go...quick overview of that...

*****The Patch*****

This method may not be suitable for everyone...it's the same with many things, but I would suggest to give it a go. This particular patch is 10mg in strength and is designed to last 16 hours. It is meant to be put on first thing in the morning and taken off before you go to sleep.

There are two main makers of patches: Nicorette and Nicotinel, then there are companies own brands but as there are a few to list I've left them out.

Nicorette range from 15mg (the highest they make) to 5mg (the lowest). 10mg is the other strength patch they make.

----Appearance----

Well the higher the strength the larger the patch. The 10mg patch is 5 1/2 cm in length x 4 1/2 cm in height. The patch is contained inside a white foil wrapping which can only be opened by scissors which is a problem if you can't find any...I have tried with both my teeth and nails and failed to get into one of these babies....they are affectively Lizzy proof to say the least lol.

On the wrapping details of the batch and expiry date are available, as well as the patch strength and the keep out of reach of children warning.

The patch itself has to cellophane pieces attached to the back to keep the sticky and are peeled off when you want to apply the patch to the skin. Now I do have a problem with the look of the patch itself, its skin colour, but it's still apparent you're wearing it, unlike some of the clear patches that are available. Just to add to the advertising it is emblazoned with Nicorette, so it's clear you're an ex-smoker, this can be good and bad depending on whom you are around at the time, I have been given some agro over it but some well dones too. Personally I'd rather it wasn't obvious that I'm an addict, but hey....

*****The Packaging*****

Ok so we don't buy them for the box...but its part of the product so here it goes.....

It is mainly white with red designs on the box. It Contains seven patches (1 for each day of the week) and has step 2 written on it. The idea is you go through the patches in stages until you are nicotine free....

On the bottom of the box both the batch number and expiry date can be found.

On the back it tells you the product information. This strength patch is designed for those who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day. The patch size, and strength.

The ingredients: Medium Molecular weight polyisobutylene, low molecular weight polyisobutylene, non-woven polyester, backing film, siliconised polyester release liner...oh yes and nicotine.

*****Directions*****

Apply the patch to a clean, dry area of skin in the morning and remove the patch 16 hours later.

Ask your doctor for advice if:

• You suffer from stomach problems, including ulcers.
• You have had or still have angina pectoris or any other problem with your heart or blood vessels.
• You suffer from psoriasis or any other chronic skin condition.
• You are allergic to nicotine or adhesive plasters.

Warning: Do not continue to smoke while using nicotine patches. (Reason being is it will make you light headed as your body will be receiving too much nicotine).

You should not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding unless recommended by a doctor, or if you are under the age of 18 unless recommended by a doctor.

Do not store above 30 degrees C.

*****The Leaflet*****

Inside the box is a 28 page leaflet. One half is a guide for uses with tips and information about the product. The other side is information about the quit smoking fresh start helpline, the number is 0800 2 4483 8.

It also says there is a fresh start support pack that you can send off for which includes:
Personal progress handbook - full of information, practical help and encouragement.
Daily Progress Monitor - tips and advise to help you take it one week at a time.
Helpline card - access to a confidential helpline service.
Nicorette coin - a useful reminder to 'Think cash, not ash'.
'Relax with Dr. Chris Steele' Audio Tape - relaxation techniques from a renowned smoking cessation expert.
Regular mailings - tips and advice on health, financial and lifestyle benefits to encourage you to stay stopped.

I did send off for this kit before I started using the patches, but unfortunately never received it which I was disappointed at.

*****Price*****

If you don't get these on prescription it may get a bit costly, however if you think that your not spending this money on cigarettes you'll find that you are not short of pocket either.

At boots these patches are £15.99 for 7, but they also have an offer of buy one get one half price at the moment. They are available from most supermarkets and health shops.

*****Company Information*****

Nicorette is made by Pharmacia AB of Helsinborg, Sweden.

Marketing authorisation held by:
Pharmacia Limited
Davy Avenue
Milton Keynes
MK5 8PH
UK

*****My Input*****

The patches are helpful; I haven't smoked since I have been using this method of NRT. I would recommend it to potential buyers.

The patch stays on when you have a shower, which is superb. However doesn't stick as well when you get sweaty for instance when you've been to the gym, I have had to tape it down sometimes as there too expensive to waste. They do leave a dark patch where it has been like when you sue plasters which is hard to get off and for the first five minutes or so I did find they made me incredibly itchy.

The only other downfall would be that they have Nicorette written on them so they are clearly visible but if you were a sleeved top your fine...seems as it's been a bit nippy that hasn't been a problem.

The best benefit of all is that you're still getting your nicotine, just not the nasty side effects; you'll soon be motivated when you can breathe easier and your chest is nice and clear.

Hope you enjoyed this review
 

...less