What is Nicorette InvisiPatch?
Nicorette InvisiPatch is a nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, patch used to help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms when stopping smoking or vaping. It can also be used while cutting down before stopping completely, or during periods when you cannot or do not want to smoke or vape.
Each patch releases nicotine steadily through the skin over 16 hours. It is applied in the morning, worn throughout the day and removed at bedtime.
Nicotine replacement therapy provides nicotine without exposing you to the tar, carbon monoxide and many of the other harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. The eventual aim should be to stop smoking or vaping completely and then gradually stop using nicotine replacement therapy.
How does Nicorette InvisiPatch work?
When you stop or reduce smoking or vaping, the sudden decrease in nicotine can cause withdrawal symptoms. These can include cravings, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite and problems sleeping.
Nicorette InvisiPatch releases a controlled amount of nicotine through the skin during the day. This helps replace some of the nicotine your body is used to receiving, reducing background cravings and making withdrawal symptoms easier to manage.
Unlike fast-acting nicotine products, the patch does not provide an immediate burst of nicotine. Instead, it provides steady support throughout the day.
Which Nicorette InvisiPatch strength should I use?
Nicorette InvisiPatch is available in three strengths. The most appropriate starting strength depends on how much you currently smoke or vape.
- 25 mg – Step 1: normally recommended if you smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day or vape frequently or use a higher-strength nicotine liquid.
- 15 mg – Step 2: normally recommended if you smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes per day or are a light to moderate vaper.
- 10 mg – Step 3: normally used as the final step before stopping the patches completely.
The number of cigarettes smoked is only a general guide. Speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure which strength is appropriate, particularly if you vape or use more than one type of nicotine product.
Nicorette InvisiPatch step-down programme
Nicorette InvisiPatch is normally used as part of a 12-week programme, with the strength gradually reduced as cravings become easier to control.
If you smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day or are a heavier vaper:
- Weeks 1–8: one 25 mg patch daily
- Weeks 9–10: one 15 mg patch daily
- Weeks 11–12: one 10 mg patch daily
If you smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes per day or are a light to moderate vaper:
- Weeks 1–8: one 15 mg patch daily
- Weeks 9–12: one 10 mg patch daily
If you are using the patches while cutting down and started with the 25 mg strength, change to the 15 mg patch once you are regularly smoking fewer than 10 cigarettes per day or your vaping dependency has reduced.
If the 25 mg patch causes troublesome side effects that do not settle within a few days, change to the 15 mg patch. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if the symptoms continue.
How to use Nicorette InvisiPatch
Apply one patch each morning and remove it approximately 16 hours later, usually at bedtime. Do not use more patches than instructed on the packaging.
- Wash and dry your hands before opening the patch.
- Cut open the sachet along the edge using scissors.
- Choose a clean, dry, intact and hairless area of skin on the hip, upper arm or chest.
- Do not apply the patch to skin that is red, irritated, broken, burnt or damaged.
- Peel away part of the backing without touching the sticky surface unnecessarily.
- Place the sticky side onto the skin and remove the remaining backing.
- Press the patch firmly into place, including around the edges.
- Wash your hands after applying the patch.
- Remove the patch at bedtime and apply a new patch the following morning.
Use a different area of skin each day and do not use the same application site on consecutive days. Do not apply oils, creams or talcum powder before applying the patch, as these can prevent it from sticking correctly.
Nicorette InvisiPatch must be removed before an MRI scan because components within the patch may cause burns during the procedure.
Can I smoke or vape while using Nicorette InvisiPatch?
Ideally, you should set a quit date and stop smoking or vaping completely. However, Nicorette InvisiPatch can also be used as part of a gradual reduction plan if you do not feel ready to stop immediately.
While cutting down, use the patch to extend the amount of time between cigarettes or vaping sessions and reduce your nicotine use as much as possible. You should aim to make a complete quit attempt as soon as you feel ready.
Continuing to smoke or vape at your usual level while using a nicotine patch may result in too much nicotine. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, sweating, weakness or palpitations.
If you develop symptoms of excessive nicotine, stop smoking or vaping, remove the patch and speak to a pharmacist or doctor. Seek urgent medical help if symptoms are severe or you experience chest pain, breathing difficulties, fainting or a markedly irregular heartbeat.
Can Nicorette InvisiPatch be used with other nicotine products?
A nicotine patch provides steady background control of cravings. It may also be used with a faster-acting nicotine replacement product, such as nicotine gum, lozenges, an inhalator or a mouth spray, to manage sudden or breakthrough cravings.
This is sometimes called combination NRT or dual support. Follow the instructions and maximum dose for each product and speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure how to combine nicotine replacement treatments safely.
Who can use Nicorette InvisiPatch?
Nicorette InvisiPatch can be used by adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over who are dependent on nicotine.
Adolescents aged 12 to 18 years should not normally use the patches for longer than 12 weeks without advice from a healthcare professional.
Do not use Nicorette InvisiPatch if:
- You are allergic to nicotine or any of the patch ingredients
- You have a widespread or long-term skin condition such as generalised psoriasis, chronic dermatitis or urticaria that would make patch application unsuitable
Who should seek advice before using Nicorette InvisiPatch?
Speak to a pharmacist, doctor or stop-smoking adviser before using the patches if you:
- Have recently had a heart attack or stroke, unstable or worsening angina, a serious abnormal heart rhythm or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Have diabetes, as your blood glucose levels may need closer monitoring
- Have moderate to severe liver problems or severe kidney problems
- Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
- Have an overactive thyroid that is not adequately controlled
- Have phaeochromocytoma, a rare tumour of the adrenal gland
- Have inflammation of the oesophagus or a stomach or peptic ulcer
- Are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding
For most smokers, the health risks associated with continuing to smoke are substantially greater than the risks associated with correctly used nicotine replacement therapy.
Nicorette InvisiPatch and other medicines
Nicotine replacement therapy does not have many established direct interactions. However, stopping smoking itself can change how your body processes certain medicines.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are stopping smoking if you take regular prescribed medicines, particularly:
- Clozapine
- Theophylline
- Ropinirole
Your prescriber may need to monitor you more closely or adjust your medicine after you stop smoking.
Nicorette InvisiPatch side effects
Like all medicines, Nicorette InvisiPatch can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Side effects are often more noticeable when first starting treatment and may be related to the dose of nicotine.
Possible side effects include:
- Itching, redness or irritation where the patch has been applied
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Skin rash or hives
- Palpitations or a faster heartbeat
- Increased sweating
Mild redness or irritation at the application site can occur, particularly during the first few weeks. Stop using the patches and speak to a healthcare professional if the reaction is severe, persistent, blistering or begins to affect areas away from the patch.
Stop using the patch and seek urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or another sign of a serious allergic reaction.
Some symptoms experienced after starting treatment, including irritability, anxiety, restlessness, increased appetite, sleep disturbance and difficulty concentrating, may be caused by nicotine withdrawal rather than the patch itself.
Nicorette InvisiPatch during pregnancy
Stopping smoking completely without nicotine replacement therapy is preferable during pregnancy. However, if you cannot stop without additional support, nicotine replacement therapy is considered less harmful than continuing to smoke.
Speak to a doctor, pharmacist, midwife or stop-smoking adviser before using Nicorette InvisiPatch during pregnancy. Faster-acting nicotine products are generally preferred because they allow periods without nicotine, but a patch may be considered where other products are unsuitable, particularly if you experience significant nausea or vomiting.
When a nicotine patch is used during pregnancy, it should be removed at bedtime.
Nicorette InvisiPatch while breastfeeding
Speak to a doctor, pharmacist, midwife or health visitor before using nicotine replacement therapy while breastfeeding.
Nicotine can pass into breast milk. Faster-acting nicotine products are generally preferred during breastfeeding because their use can be timed immediately after a feed, reducing the amount of nicotine present by the next feed.
However, nicotine replacement therapy exposes a baby to less nicotine and fewer harmful substances than continued smoking and exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke.
How to store and dispose of Nicorette InvisiPatch
- Store below 25°C.
- Keep the patches in their individual sachets until needed.
- Keep all unused and used patches out of the sight and reach of children and pets.
- Do not use a patch after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
Used patches still contain nicotine and can be dangerous to children and animals. After removing a patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together, place it back into the empty sachet or wrap it in foil, and dispose of it carefully in household waste.
If a child or animal touches, chews or swallows a patch, seek emergency medical or veterinary help immediately.
Support when stopping smoking
Nicotine replacement therapy is usually more effective when it is used alongside practical advice and behavioural support. Your local NHS stop-smoking service, pharmacist or GP can help you create a quit plan, identify triggers and manage difficult cravings.
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with the patches before starting treatment.
More Nicorette InvisiPatch information
You can read the official Nicorette InvisiPatch patient information leaflet for complete instructions, precautions and side-effect information.