Niquitin Clear Patch (Step 1) – 7 x 21mg Patches

Description

Niquitin Clear Patch (Step 1) – 7 x 21mg Patches

Niquitin Clear Patch Step 1 is a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patch designed to help you stop smoking. It is suitable for people who smoke more than 10 cigarettes a day and forms the first stage of a three-step programme to gradually reduce your nicotine dependence.

⸻

How It Works

Each patch delivers a steady dose of 21mg of nicotine through your skin over 24 hours, helping to reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that make quitting smoking so difficult. By replacing the nicotine your body is used to getting from cigarettes — without the harmful tar, carbon monoxide, and other toxic chemicals found in smoke — the patch makes it easier to break the smoking habit. After completing Step 1 (weeks 1–6), you move to Step 2 (14mg) and then Step 3 (7mg) patches to gradually wean your body off nicotine altogether.

⸻

Directions for Use

Apply one patch every 24 hours to a clean, dry, hairless area of skin — such as the upper arm, chest, or back. Press firmly in place for at least 10 seconds and change the site each day to avoid skin irritation. Remove the old patch before applying a new one. Use Step 1 for weeks 1–6, Step 2 for weeks 7–8, and Step 3 for weeks 9–10 as part of the full programme. This product is intended for adults aged 18 and over. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

⸻

Active Ingredients

• Nicotine 21mg per patch (delivering approximately 21mg over 24 hours)

⸻

Possible Side Effects

• Skin reactions at the application site (redness, itching, or burning)
• Headache or dizziness
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Sleep disturbances or vivid dreams (especially if worn overnight)
• Muscle aches or joint pain
• Heart palpitations
• Increased sweating

If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

⸻

Who Should Not Take This Medicine

• People who are non-smokers or occasional smokers
• Those with a known allergy to nicotine or any other ingredient in the patch
• Children under 18 years of age
• People who have recently had a heart attack, stroke, or serious heart rhythm disorder (seek medical advice before use)
• Those with severe or worsening chest pain (unstable angina)
• People with a generalised skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema affecting the application sites (seek advice before use)

⸻

Interactions

Stopping smoking — with or without NRT — can alter the way your body processes certain medicines, including theophylline, clozapine, ropinirole, and warfarin, meaning doses of these medicines may need to be reviewed by your doctor. Nicotine itself has limited direct interactions with other medicines, but the act of quitting smoking can affect drug metabolism significantly. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

⸻

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Stopping smoking is the single most important thing you can do for your health during pregnancy, and NRT is generally considered preferable to continuing to smoke. However, nicotine does pass into breast milk and across the placenta, so NRT should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding under medical supervision. Intermittent NRT products (such as gum or lozenges) are usually preferred over patches during pregnancy, as patches deliver nicotine continuously. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

⸻

Alcohol

There is no known direct interaction between Niquitin Clear Patches and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol may reduce your motivation to quit smoking, so it is worth being mindful of situations where you associate alcohol with smoking. If you have any concerns, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

⸻

Driving and Operating Machinery

Niquitin Clear Patches are not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. However, dizziness or headaches — which can occur as side effects or as symptoms of nicotine withdrawal — may occasionally affect concentration. If you feel dizzy or unwell, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel better.

⸻

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct heat and sunlight. Keep the patches in their original sealed pouches until ready to use. Used patches should be folded in half (sticky sides together) and disposed of safely, out of reach of children and pets, as they still contain residual nicotine. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

⸻

Important Information

• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.

⸻

Patient Information Leaflet

For the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for this medicine, visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). For further information about this medicine, visit NHS.uk.

⸻

This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: February 2026.

Brand	NIQUITIN