Nicorette Microtab 2mg (pack of 105)-Hyperdrug

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 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

<p>Product information leaflet: </p>
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Nicotine ß-cyclodextrin complex 17.4 mg, equivalent to 2 mg nicotine. Sublingual tablet Nicorette Microtab is indicated for the relief of nicotine withdrawal symptoms as an aid to smoking cessation in adults and children over 12 years of age. It is also indicated in pregnant and lactating women (see section 4.6). In smokers currently unable or not ready to stop smoking abruptly, Nicorette Microtab may also be used as part of a programme to reduce smoking prior to stopping completely. If possible, Nicorette Microtab should be used in conjunction with a behavioural support programme.

Behavioural therapy, advice and support will normally improve the success rate. Smoking cessation Adults (over 18 years of age) The patient should make every effort to stop smoking completely during treatment with Nicorette Microtab. The initial dose is based on the individual's nicotine dependence. The tablet is used sublingually with a recommended dose of one tablet per hour or, for heavy smokers (smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day), two tablets per hour. Increasing to two tablets per hour may be considered for patients who fail to stop smoking with the one tablet-per-hour regimen or for those whose nicotine withdrawal symptoms remain so strong as to foresee a relapse. Most smokers require 8 to 12 or 16 to 24 tablets per day, not to exceed 40 tablets. The duration of treatment is individual, but up to three months of treatment is recommended. The nicotine dose should then be gradually reduced, by decreasing the total number of tablets used per day. The treatment should be stopped when the daily consumption is down to one or two tablets. Adults who use NRT beyond 9 months are recommended to seek additional help and advice from a healthcare professional. Adolescents (12 to 18 years) The patient should make every effort to stop smoking completely during treatment with Nicorette Microtab. The initial dose is based on the individual's nicotine dependence. The tablet is used sublingually with a recommended dose of one tablet per hour or, for heavy smokers (smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day), two tablets per hour. Increasing to two tablets per hour may be considered for patients who fail to stop smoking with the one tablet-per-hour regimen or for those whose nicotine withdrawal symptoms remain so strong as to foresee a relapse. Most smokers require 8 to 12 or 16 to 24 tablets per day, not to exceed 40 tablets. Use for up to 8 weeks to break the habit of smoking, then gradually reduce the dose over a 4 week period. The treatment should be stopped when the daily consumption is down to one or two tablets. As data are limited in this age group, the recommended duration of treatment is 12 weeks. If longer treatment is required, advice from a healthcare professional should be sought. Smoking reduction Adults (over 18 years of age) Use Nicorette Microtab between smoking episodes to manage the urge to smoke, to prolong smoke-free intervals and with the intention to reduce smoking as much as possible. If a reduction in number of cigarettes per day has not been achieved after 6 weeks, professional advice should be sought. A quit attempt should be made as soon as the smoker feels ready, but not later than 6 months after start of treatment. If a quit attempt cannot be made within 9 months after starting treatment, professional advice should be sought. When making a quit attempt the smoking cessation instructions above can be followed. Adolescents (12 to 18 years) Where adolescents are motivated to stop smoking abruptly, smoking cessation should be recommended. However, smoking reduction can be considered where adolescents are not ready or able to stop smoking abruptly. As data are limited in this age group, and the recommended duration of NRT is 12 weeks, adolescents should consult a healthcare professional before starting the “smoking reduction prior to stopping” regimen. Use Nicorette Microtab between smoking episodes to manage the urge to smoke, to prolong smoke-free intervals and with the intention to reduce smoking as much as possible. If a reduction in number of cigarettes per day has not been achieved after 6 weeks, professional advice should be sought. A quit attempt should be made as soon as the smoker feels ready, but not later than 6 months after start of treatment. If a quit attempt cannot be made within 9 months after starting treatment, professional advice should be sought. When making a quit attempt the smoking cessation instructions for adolescents (12 to 18 years) given above can be followed.

Any risks that may be associated with NRT are substantially outweighed by the well established dangers of continued smoking. Underlying cardiovascular disease: In stable cardiovascular disease Nicorette Microtab presents a lesser hazard than continuing to smoke. However dependent smokers currently hospitalised as a result of myocardial infarction, severe dysrhythmia or CVA and who are considered to be haemodynamically unstable should be encouraged to stop smoking with non-pharmacological interventions. If this fails, Nicorette Microtab may be considered, but as data on safety in this patient group are limited, initiation should only be under medical supervision. Diabetes mellitus: Patients with diabetes mellitus should be advised to monitor their blood sugar levels more closely than usual when NRT is initiated as catecholamines released by nicotine can affect carbohydrate metabolism. GI disease: Swallowed nicotine may exacerbate symptoms in patients suffering from oesophagitis, gastritis or peptic ulcers and oral NRT preparations should be used with caution in these conditions. Ulcerative stomatitis has been reported. Renal or hepatic impairment: Nicorette Microtab should be used with caution in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment and/or severe renal impairment as the clearance of nicotine or its metabolites may be decreased with the potential for increased adverse effects. Danger in small children: Doses of nicotine tolerated by adult and adolescent smokers can produce severe toxicity in small children that may be fatal. Products containing nicotine should not be left where they may be misused, handled or ingested by children. Phaeochromocytoma and uncontrolled hyperthyroidism: As nicotine causes release of catecholamines, Nicorette Microtab should be used with caution in patients with uncontrolled hyperthyroidism or phaeochromocytoma. Transferred dependence: Transferred dependence is rare and is both less harmful and easier to break than smoking dependence. Stopping smoking: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke induce the metabolism of drugs metabolised by CYP 1A2 (and possibly by CYP 1A1). When a smoker stops smoking, this may result in slower metabolism and a consequent rise in blood levels of such drugs. This is of potential clinical importance for products with a narrow therapeutic window, e.g. theophylline, clozapine and ropinirole.