Nicotinell Range
Nicotinell is a range of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) medicines designed to relieve nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing smoking.
Nicotinell provides controlled amounts of nicotine without the tar, carbon monoxide and many other harmful substances produced by smoking tobacco. The range includes 24-hour patches for continuous background craving control, gum and lozenges for flexible craving relief, and a rapid-relief oral spray for sudden cravings.
The ultimate aim of treatment is to stop smoking and gradually become free from nicotine.
Key features:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- Helps relieve nicotine cravings
- Helps reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Supports smoking cessation
- Can support gradual reduction before quitting
- Includes long-acting and fast-acting nicotine products
- 24-hour patches provide continuous background nicotine
- Gum and lozenges provide flexible relief when cravings occur
- Rapid Relief Spray provides fast nicotine delivery for sudden cravings
- Different strengths available according to nicotine dependence
- Selected products may be combined as dual / combination NRT
- Nicotinell Rapid Relief Spray is also licensed for stopping nicotine vaping
- Licensed UK medicines
- Contains nicotine
How Nicotinell works:
Nicotine dependence can cause withdrawal symptoms when smoking is stopped or reduced.
These may include:
- Strong cravings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Restlessness or agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low mood
- Sleep disturbance
- Increased appetite or weight gain
Nicotinell supplies nicotine without tobacco smoke, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while the smoker adjusts to not smoking.
Nicotinell Patches
Nicotinell Patches are 24-hour nicotine patches designed to provide continuous background craving control throughout the day and night.
Available strengths:
- 21mg / 24 hours – Step 1
- 14mg / 24 hours – Step 2
- 7mg / 24 hours – Step 3
For people smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day:
A typical programme is:
- 21mg daily for 3–4 weeks
- Then 14mg daily for 3–4 weeks
- Then 7mg daily for 3–4 weeks
For people smoking fewer than 20 cigarettes per day:
A typical programme starts with:
- 14mg daily for 3–4 weeks
- Then 7mg daily for 3–4 weeks
The strength and duration may be adjusted according to individual response.
How to use:
Apply one new patch every day.
Apply to a clean, dry, relatively hair-free area of intact skin, such as:
- Upper arm
- Upper back
- Hip
Press the patch firmly onto the skin for approximately 10–20 seconds.
Wear for up to 24 hours.
Use a different application site each day and allow approximately 7 days before using the same area again.
Do not cut Nicotinell patches.
The patches contain aluminium and should be removed before MRI scans, defibrillation or cardioversion procedures.
Nicotinell Lozenges
Nicotinell Mint Lozenges release nicotine through the lining of the mouth and provide flexible relief when cravings occur.
Available strengths:
- 1mg Mint
- 2mg Mint
Choosing a strength:
1mg Lozenge
Generally suitable for people with lower nicotine dependence, such as those smoking:
- Fewer than 20 cigarettes per day
1mg or 2mg
May be appropriate for moderate dependence:
- Approximately 20–30 cigarettes per day
2mg Lozenge
Generally suitable for strong dependence:
- More than 30 cigarettes per day
How to use:
- Slowly suck 1 lozenge until the nicotine taste becomes strong.
- Rest the lozenge between the cheek and gum.
- When the taste fades, begin sucking again.
- Continue this process until the lozenge has dissolved, usually around 30 minutes.
Do not:
- Chew the lozenge
- Swallow it whole
- Use more than 1 lozenge per hour
Typical use:
- 8–12 lozenges per day
Maximum:
- 24 lozenges per day
Avoid acidic drinks such as coffee, fruit juice or fizzy drinks for approximately 15 minutes before use, as they may reduce nicotine absorption.
Nicotinell Gum
Nicotinell Medicated Chewing Gum provides flexible nicotine replacement when cravings occur.
Available strengths:
- 2mg
- 4mg
Flavours:
- Mint
- Fruit
Nicotinell Gum is sugar free.
Choosing a strength:
2mg Gum
Usually suitable for lower nicotine dependence:
- Fewer than 20 cigarettes per day
2mg or 4mg Gum
May be suitable for moderate dependence:
- Approximately 20–30 cigarettes per day
4mg Gum
Usually preferred for strong or very strong nicotine dependence:
- More than 30 cigarettes per day
How to use:
Nicotine gum should not be chewed continuously like ordinary chewing gum.
Use the chew-and-rest technique:
- Slowly chew one piece until the nicotine taste becomes strong.
- Rest the gum between the cheek and gum.
- When the taste fades, start chewing again.
- Repeat for approximately 30 minutes.
Do not use more than 1 piece per hour.
Typical use:
- 8–12 pieces daily
Maximum daily dose:
- 2mg Gum – 24 pieces per day
- 4mg Gum – 15 pieces per day
Avoid acidic drinks such as coffee, fruit juice and fizzy drinks for approximately 15 minutes before using the gum.
People with dentures, dental work or jaw problems may find gum unsuitable and may prefer another NRT format.
Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray
Nicotinell Rapid Relief is a 1mg nicotine oromucosal spray designed for rapid relief of sudden nicotine cravings.
It is licensed for the treatment of dependence associated with:
- Tobacco smoking
- Electronic cigarettes / nicotine vaping
Strength:
- 1mg nicotine per spray
Each bottle provides approximately:
- 150 sprays
Available as:
- Single Spray
- Duo Spray
How to use:
Use:
- 1 spray when a craving occurs
If the craving has not settled within a few minutes:
- Use a second spray
Maximum:
- 2 sprays at one time
- 4 sprays per hour
- 64 sprays in any 24-hour period
Spray towards the inside of the cheek.
Avoid the lips.
Do not inhale while spraying.
For best results, avoid swallowing for a few seconds immediately after use.
Most smokers or vapers initially require approximately 1–2 sprays every 30 minutes to 1 hour.
A typical treatment programme gradually reduces the number of sprays over approximately 12 weeks.
Important: Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray is for adults aged 18 years and over only.
It must not be given to anyone under 18.
Combination NRT
Some adults may benefit from combining:
- A Nicotinell Patch for continuous background craving control
with:
- Nicotinell Lozenges
- Nicotinell Gum
- Another appropriate short-acting nicotine product
This is known as combination or dual NRT.
The patch provides steady nicotine throughout the day, while the shorter-acting product can be used when breakthrough cravings occur.
Combination therapy should follow the instructions for the individual products or advice from a pharmacist, GP or stop-smoking professional.
Adolescents aged 12–17 should not use combination NRT unless specifically directed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Children and adolescents
Age restrictions vary by product.
Nicotinell Gum, Lozenges and Patches:
- Not suitable for children under 12 years
- Young people aged 12–17 years should seek healthcare-professional advice
- Prolonged use in adolescents requires professional supervision
Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray:
- Adults aged 18 years and over only
- Must not be used by anyone under 18
Always check the individual product leaflet.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Stopping smoking is particularly important during pregnancy.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should first try to stop smoking without NRT where possible.
If this is unsuccessful, NRT may be considered because continued smoking generally presents a greater risk than appropriately supervised NRT.
Seek advice from a:
- Pharmacist
- GP
- Midwife
- Stop-smoking professional
before starting treatment.
During pregnancy, intermittent NRT products are generally preferred because they provide periods without nicotine exposure.
If a patch is required during pregnancy, it should normally be removed at bedtime.
During breastfeeding, intermittent NRT is generally preferred to patches where clinically appropriate.
Important information:
Nicotinell products contain nicotine, which is addictive.
Do not use Nicotinell if you:
- Are allergic to nicotine or any ingredient in the individual product
- Are a non-smoker / non-nicotine user
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have:
- Recently had a heart attack or stroke
- Unstable or worsening angina
- Serious heart rhythm problems
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Moderate or severe liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
- Diabetes
- An overactive thyroid
- Phaeochromocytoma
- Significant stomach or duodenal ulcer disease
- Oesophagitis
- A history of seizures or take anticonvulsant medicines
Stopping smoking can alter the way some medicines are metabolised.
This is particularly relevant to medicines such as:
- Theophylline
- Clozapine
- Olanzapine
- Ropinirole
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you take regular medication and are stopping smoking.
Possible side effects:
Possible effects of nicotine replacement therapy include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hiccups
- Indigestion
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Increased saliva
- Cough
- Sleep disturbance
- Palpitations
- Skin irritation with patches
Some symptoms experienced during treatment may actually be caused by nicotine withdrawal rather than Nicotinell itself.
Nicotine overdose:
Using too much nicotine can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased saliva
- Sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
Severe nicotine poisoning can be dangerous.
Nicotine is particularly hazardous to young children.
Keep all Nicotinell products, including used patches, out of the sight and reach of children.
Used patches still contain significant amounts of nicotine.
After removal:
- Fold the patch in half with the adhesive surfaces together
- Dispose of it safely
- Wash your hands
Storage:
Storage requirements vary slightly between products.
Generally:
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
- Store in the original packaging
- Do not use after the expiry date
- Nicotinell Gum should be stored below 25°C
- Keep patches in their individual protective sachets until use
- Dispose of used nicotine products safely
Product type: Nicotine Replacement Therapy / Stop-Smoking Medicines
Active ingredient: Nicotine
Current UK product formats:
- Nicotinell Patch – 21mg / 24 hours
- Nicotinell Patch – 14mg / 24 hours
- Nicotinell Patch – 7mg / 24 hours
- Nicotinell Mint Lozenge – 1mg
- Nicotinell Mint Lozenge – 2mg
- Nicotinell Mint Gum – 2mg
- Nicotinell Mint Gum – 4mg
- Nicotinell Fruit Gum – 2mg
- Nicotinell Fruit Gum – 4mg
- Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray – 1mg per spray
- Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray Duo – 1mg per spray
Minimum age:
- Gum, Lozenges and Patches – 12 years, with additional advice requirements for adolescents
- Rapid Relief Oral Spray – 18 years
Brand: Nicotinell
UK Marketing Authorisation Holder: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (UK) Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Nicotinell should be used as part of a genuine attempt to stop or reduce smoking, with the eventual aim of stopping tobacco and nicotine use. Always follow the patient information leaflet supplied with the individual product.
Nicotinell is a range of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) medicines designed to relieve nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing smoking.
Nicotinell provides controlled amounts of nicotine without the tar, carbon monoxide and many other harmful substances produced by smoking tobacco. The range includes 24-hour patches for continuous background craving control, gum and lozenges for flexible craving relief, and a rapid-relief oral spray for sudden cravings.
The ultimate aim of treatment is to stop smoking and gradually become free from nicotine.
Key features:
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
- Helps relieve nicotine cravings
- Helps reduce withdrawal symptoms
- Supports smoking cessation
- Can support gradual reduction before quitting
- Includes long-acting and fast-acting nicotine products
- 24-hour patches provide continuous background nicotine
- Gum and lozenges provide flexible relief when cravings occur
- Rapid Relief Spray provides fast nicotine delivery for sudden cravings
- Different strengths available according to nicotine dependence
- Selected products may be combined as dual / combination NRT
- Nicotinell Rapid Relief Spray is also licensed for stopping nicotine vaping
- Licensed UK medicines
- Contains nicotine
How Nicotinell works:
Nicotine dependence can cause withdrawal symptoms when smoking is stopped or reduced.
These may include:
- Strong cravings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Restlessness or agitation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low mood
- Sleep disturbance
- Increased appetite or weight gain
Nicotinell supplies nicotine without tobacco smoke, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while the smoker adjusts to not smoking.
Nicotinell Patches
Nicotinell Patches are 24-hour nicotine patches designed to provide continuous background craving control throughout the day and night.
Available strengths:
- 21mg / 24 hours – Step 1
- 14mg / 24 hours – Step 2
- 7mg / 24 hours – Step 3
For people smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day:
A typical programme is:
- 21mg daily for 3–4 weeks
- Then 14mg daily for 3–4 weeks
- Then 7mg daily for 3–4 weeks
For people smoking fewer than 20 cigarettes per day:
A typical programme starts with:
- 14mg daily for 3–4 weeks
- Then 7mg daily for 3–4 weeks
The strength and duration may be adjusted according to individual response.
How to use:
Apply one new patch every day.
Apply to a clean, dry, relatively hair-free area of intact skin, such as:
- Upper arm
- Upper back
- Hip
Press the patch firmly onto the skin for approximately 10–20 seconds.
Wear for up to 24 hours.
Use a different application site each day and allow approximately 7 days before using the same area again.
Do not cut Nicotinell patches.
The patches contain aluminium and should be removed before MRI scans, defibrillation or cardioversion procedures.
Nicotinell Lozenges
Nicotinell Mint Lozenges release nicotine through the lining of the mouth and provide flexible relief when cravings occur.
Available strengths:
- 1mg Mint
- 2mg Mint
Choosing a strength:
1mg Lozenge
Generally suitable for people with lower nicotine dependence, such as those smoking:
- Fewer than 20 cigarettes per day
1mg or 2mg
May be appropriate for moderate dependence:
- Approximately 20–30 cigarettes per day
2mg Lozenge
Generally suitable for strong dependence:
- More than 30 cigarettes per day
How to use:
- Slowly suck 1 lozenge until the nicotine taste becomes strong.
- Rest the lozenge between the cheek and gum.
- When the taste fades, begin sucking again.
- Continue this process until the lozenge has dissolved, usually around 30 minutes.
Do not:
- Chew the lozenge
- Swallow it whole
- Use more than 1 lozenge per hour
Typical use:
- 8–12 lozenges per day
Maximum:
- 24 lozenges per day
Avoid acidic drinks such as coffee, fruit juice or fizzy drinks for approximately 15 minutes before use, as they may reduce nicotine absorption.
Nicotinell Gum
Nicotinell Medicated Chewing Gum provides flexible nicotine replacement when cravings occur.
Available strengths:
- 2mg
- 4mg
Flavours:
- Mint
- Fruit
Nicotinell Gum is sugar free.
Choosing a strength:
2mg Gum
Usually suitable for lower nicotine dependence:
- Fewer than 20 cigarettes per day
2mg or 4mg Gum
May be suitable for moderate dependence:
- Approximately 20–30 cigarettes per day
4mg Gum
Usually preferred for strong or very strong nicotine dependence:
- More than 30 cigarettes per day
How to use:
Nicotine gum should not be chewed continuously like ordinary chewing gum.
Use the chew-and-rest technique:
- Slowly chew one piece until the nicotine taste becomes strong.
- Rest the gum between the cheek and gum.
- When the taste fades, start chewing again.
- Repeat for approximately 30 minutes.
Do not use more than 1 piece per hour.
Typical use:
- 8–12 pieces daily
Maximum daily dose:
- 2mg Gum – 24 pieces per day
- 4mg Gum – 15 pieces per day
Avoid acidic drinks such as coffee, fruit juice and fizzy drinks for approximately 15 minutes before using the gum.
People with dentures, dental work or jaw problems may find gum unsuitable and may prefer another NRT format.
Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray
Nicotinell Rapid Relief is a 1mg nicotine oromucosal spray designed for rapid relief of sudden nicotine cravings.
It is licensed for the treatment of dependence associated with:
- Tobacco smoking
- Electronic cigarettes / nicotine vaping
Strength:
- 1mg nicotine per spray
Each bottle provides approximately:
- 150 sprays
Available as:
- Single Spray
- Duo Spray
How to use:
Use:
- 1 spray when a craving occurs
If the craving has not settled within a few minutes:
- Use a second spray
Maximum:
- 2 sprays at one time
- 4 sprays per hour
- 64 sprays in any 24-hour period
Spray towards the inside of the cheek.
Avoid the lips.
Do not inhale while spraying.
For best results, avoid swallowing for a few seconds immediately after use.
Most smokers or vapers initially require approximately 1–2 sprays every 30 minutes to 1 hour.
A typical treatment programme gradually reduces the number of sprays over approximately 12 weeks.
Important: Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray is for adults aged 18 years and over only.
It must not be given to anyone under 18.
Combination NRT
Some adults may benefit from combining:
- A Nicotinell Patch for continuous background craving control
with:
- Nicotinell Lozenges
- Nicotinell Gum
- Another appropriate short-acting nicotine product
This is known as combination or dual NRT.
The patch provides steady nicotine throughout the day, while the shorter-acting product can be used when breakthrough cravings occur.
Combination therapy should follow the instructions for the individual products or advice from a pharmacist, GP or stop-smoking professional.
Adolescents aged 12–17 should not use combination NRT unless specifically directed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Children and adolescents
Age restrictions vary by product.
Nicotinell Gum, Lozenges and Patches:
- Not suitable for children under 12 years
- Young people aged 12–17 years should seek healthcare-professional advice
- Prolonged use in adolescents requires professional supervision
Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray:
- Adults aged 18 years and over only
- Must not be used by anyone under 18
Always check the individual product leaflet.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Stopping smoking is particularly important during pregnancy.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should first try to stop smoking without NRT where possible.
If this is unsuccessful, NRT may be considered because continued smoking generally presents a greater risk than appropriately supervised NRT.
Seek advice from a:
- Pharmacist
- GP
- Midwife
- Stop-smoking professional
before starting treatment.
During pregnancy, intermittent NRT products are generally preferred because they provide periods without nicotine exposure.
If a patch is required during pregnancy, it should normally be removed at bedtime.
During breastfeeding, intermittent NRT is generally preferred to patches where clinically appropriate.
Important information:
Nicotinell products contain nicotine, which is addictive.
Do not use Nicotinell if you:
- Are allergic to nicotine or any ingredient in the individual product
- Are a non-smoker / non-nicotine user
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have:
- Recently had a heart attack or stroke
- Unstable or worsening angina
- Serious heart rhythm problems
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Moderate or severe liver disease
- Severe kidney disease
- Diabetes
- An overactive thyroid
- Phaeochromocytoma
- Significant stomach or duodenal ulcer disease
- Oesophagitis
- A history of seizures or take anticonvulsant medicines
Stopping smoking can alter the way some medicines are metabolised.
This is particularly relevant to medicines such as:
- Theophylline
- Clozapine
- Olanzapine
- Ropinirole
Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you take regular medication and are stopping smoking.
Possible side effects:
Possible effects of nicotine replacement therapy include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Hiccups
- Indigestion
- Mouth or throat irritation
- Increased saliva
- Cough
- Sleep disturbance
- Palpitations
- Skin irritation with patches
Some symptoms experienced during treatment may actually be caused by nicotine withdrawal rather than Nicotinell itself.
Nicotine overdose:
Using too much nicotine can cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased saliva
- Sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
Severe nicotine poisoning can be dangerous.
Nicotine is particularly hazardous to young children.
Keep all Nicotinell products, including used patches, out of the sight and reach of children.
Used patches still contain significant amounts of nicotine.
After removal:
- Fold the patch in half with the adhesive surfaces together
- Dispose of it safely
- Wash your hands
Storage:
Storage requirements vary slightly between products.
Generally:
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children
- Store in the original packaging
- Do not use after the expiry date
- Nicotinell Gum should be stored below 25°C
- Keep patches in their individual protective sachets until use
- Dispose of used nicotine products safely
Product type: Nicotine Replacement Therapy / Stop-Smoking Medicines
Active ingredient: Nicotine
Current UK product formats:
- Nicotinell Patch – 21mg / 24 hours
- Nicotinell Patch – 14mg / 24 hours
- Nicotinell Patch – 7mg / 24 hours
- Nicotinell Mint Lozenge – 1mg
- Nicotinell Mint Lozenge – 2mg
- Nicotinell Mint Gum – 2mg
- Nicotinell Mint Gum – 4mg
- Nicotinell Fruit Gum – 2mg
- Nicotinell Fruit Gum – 4mg
- Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray – 1mg per spray
- Nicotinell Rapid Relief Oral Spray Duo – 1mg per spray
Minimum age:
- Gum, Lozenges and Patches – 12 years, with additional advice requirements for adolescents
- Rapid Relief Oral Spray – 18 years
Brand: Nicotinell
UK Marketing Authorisation Holder: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (UK) Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Nicotinell should be used as part of a genuine attempt to stop or reduce smoking, with the eventual aim of stopping tobacco and nicotine use. Always follow the patient information leaflet supplied with the individual product.
