INDICATIONS
This drug is indicated for the treatment of tobacco dependence to relieve nicotine withdrawal symptoms in patients who wish to stop smoking. Permanent cessation of tobacco consumption is the ultimate goal of treatment. The success rate of smoking cessation is generally improved when accompanied by counselling and support.
FORMS AND PRESENTATIONS
7 mg/24 hr (10 cm2, translucent matrix, square with rounded corners), 14 mg/24 hr (20 cm2, translucent matrix, square with rounded corners) and 21 mg/24 hr (30 cm2, translucent matrix, square with rounded corners) transdermal devices: Boxes of 7 and 28. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION For use in adults and adolescents over 15 years of age. NICOPATCHLIB should not be used in smokers under 18 years of age without the advice of a health professional. This medicine may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other forms of nicotine replacement therapy. In case of combination, patients are advised to seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
Dosage
NICOPATCHLIB transdermal device is available in 3 dosages: 7 mg/24 h, 14 mg/24 h, 21 mg/24 h.
Monotherapy
The dosage should be chosen according to the degree of nicotine dependence assessed by the number of cigarettes consumed per day, or by the Fagerström test (test available in the package insert). Initial treatment: Treatment should start with NICOPATCHLIB, which should be applied daily to the skin in the morning and removed and replaced the following morning, combined if necessary with an oral form of nicotine replacement (with a nicotine content of 2 mg or less). Use an oral form of nicotine replacement therapy whenever the urge to smoke arises. Generally, 5-6 units per dose will provide adequate effect. Do not use more than 24 oral forms containing 2 mg (or less) of nicotine per day. This regimen should be used for 6 to 12 weeks, after which a gradual withdrawal from substitutes should be initiated. This should be done as follows: use the lower dose patches, i.e. 14 mg/24 h for 3-6 weeks, then 7 mg/24 h for 3-6 weeks while continuing to use the same number of oral forms of nicotine replacement products as at the start of treatment. Thereafter, reduce the number of oral forms used per day, up to a maximum without exceeding a total treatment duration of 12 months. How to administer The patch should be applied to a healthy area of skin once a day, at the same time each day, usually in the morning shortly after waking. 1. Wash your hands before applying the patch. 2. Open the pouch with scissors as indicated by the dotted line. Select an area of dry, lesion-free skin where there is little hair growth (such as the upper arm, shoulder blade, chest or hip). 3. Remove a first part of the protective film, avoiding touching the sticky surface of the patch with your fingers. 4. Apply the sticky part to the skin and remove the remaining part of the protective film. 5. Press the patch firmly onto the skin for about 10 seconds with the palm or fingers to ensure optimal adhesion. During handling, avoid contact with the eyes, nose and wash hands after application. A new patch should be applied every 24 hours to a different application site. The patch should be folded in half with the sticky side inwards before disposal.