Nicorette - the quit smoking aid that effectively relieves nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms

Medicine Classification:
Pharmacy Only Medicine

Ingredients:
Each sublingual tablet contains nicotine-beta-cyclodextrin complex corresponding to nicotine 2mg

General:
What is in the medicine?
This product is called Nicorette microtab. It is a sublingual tablet which means it is absorbed under the tongue. Each Microtab contains 2 mg of nicotine, which is the active ingredient

A dispenser is provided to assist you in removing the tablets from the blister

What is Nicorette microtab for?
This product is one of a group of medicines called 'nicotine replacement therapy'. It is used to relieve the withdrawal symptoms and reduce the cravings for nicotine that people get when they try to stop smoking

What does Nicorette microtab do?
When you stop smoking your body misses the nicotine, which it has been absorbing from the tobacco smoke. You may experience unpleasant feelings and a desire to smoke ('craving'). This shows that you were dependent on nicotine

When you use the Microtabs (make sure you do so correctly — see How to use this medicine.) nicotine is released and absorbed into your body through the lining of your mouth. This nicotine is sufficient to relieve the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, headaches, inability to concentrate, light-headedness or dizziness. It will also help to calm the cravings and urges to smoke but will not give you the 'buzz' you get from a cigarette

Remember, the Microtab only contains nicotine, it does not contain the dangerous tar, carbon monoxide and irritants you get from tobacco smoke. Your chances of successfully quitting are greatly improved if you get encouragement from family, friends, your doctor or pharmacist

Nicorette microtab must not be used:
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, except where giving up smoking can only be achieved by using Microtabs. (A breast- feeding infant may be affected by even the small amounts of nicotine from Microtabs which pass over in the milk)
If you are below eighteen years of age
If you continue to smoke or use other products containing nicotine

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Nicorette Microtab if: You have stomach ulcers, persistent indigestion or pains in the chest
You have had, or still have, angina or any other heart disease
You have raised blood pressure, or blood vessel disease
You are diabetic or have an overactive thyroid
You are taking any other medicines such as:
paracetamol, caffein, insulin, imipramine, oxazepam, pentazocine, propranolol, theophylline, warfarin, oestrogens, lignocaine, phenacetin
Adrenergic antagonists (e.g. prazosin and labetalol)
Adrenergic agonists (e.g. isoprenaline and phenylephrine)
then stopping smoking may require the dose to be adjusted
You have liver or kidney disease
You are allergic to any of the ingredients listed above (What is in the medicine?)
You have been diagnosed as having a tumour of the adrenal glands (phaeochromocytoma)

How to take your medicine
Place one Microtab under your tongue and allow it to slowly dissolve. This will release the nicotine which you absorb through the lining of your mouth
Do not exceed the stated dose. Microtab should NOT be chewed or swallowed
Do not smoke, or use any other product containing nicotine, at the same time

How many Microtabs may I use, and for how long?
The number of Microtabs you use each day will depend on how many cigarettes you smoked and how strong they were. If you smoke less than 20 cigarettes per day, you should use one Microtab every hour, although you may want to increase to two Microtabs every hour if one is not relieving your cravings. If you smoke 20 or more cigarettes per day you should use two Microtabs every hour. You must not use more than 40 Microtabs a day. It is recommended that you should use the product for at least 12 weeks. After 12 weeks you should aim to gradually reduce the number of Microtabs used each day. When you are only using one or two Microtabs per day you should think of finishing the course. Use beyond six months is not generally recommended

How quickly will my craving for nicotine go? Nicotine from the Microtab gets into the blood within a few minutes of starting it, the levels building up as it dissolves, so relieving your craving. You should use the Microtab until your cravings have gone away. However, craving for nicotine may never completely go and some people who have given up for several years may suddenly feel like a cigarette. Fortunately the feeling usually passes quickly, but be on your guard! Keep any unused tablets handy in case the urge to smoke suddenly returns. What if I overdose?
If you have used too many Microtabs, or a child has swallowed some, tell your doctor immediately or contact your nearest hospital casualty department. Have this leaflet and this pack of Microtab with you. You (or the child) may experience dizziness or nausea

Does Nicorette microtab have side effects?
Some effects you may notice in the first few days include an unpleasant taste, mouth irritation, hiccups, dizziness, feeling sick, feeling thirsty, breathlessness, a sensation of having a lump in the throat, headache and heartburn. These are rarely serious and maybe due to using too many Microtabs in relation to the amount you used to smoke or through swallowing too much nicotine. They may also be withdrawal symptoms associated with giving up smoking

Smoking while using Nicorette Microtabs could lead to nausea and dizziness because of nicotine overdose. Mouth ulcers are also known in people who give up smoking. Palpitations have also been reported during use of Microtabs. If any of these cause you distress, stop using the tablets and contact your doctor or pharmacist

Warning:
Do not chew or swallow these tablets
These tablets must be dissolved under the tongue to be effective
Read the package insert for detailed directions for use
Do not use more than 40 tablets a day
Keep out of the reach of children
Store below 30°C
Foil sealed for your protection

Dosage:
Weeks 1-12: Use 1 tablet when there is an urge to smoke or every 1-2 hours. Heavily dependent smokers should use 2 tablets.
After 12 weeks: Gradually reduce to 1-2 tablets a day and then stop use