Nicotine pouches can help against smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the most difficult things you can do. But, at the same time, it is the best thing you can do for your health, your quality of life and for your loved ones.

Everyone who is addicted to nicotine knows how difficult it is to let their last cigarette truly be their last. So, is it possible for you to make the journey more comfortable? Absolutely! With smart strategies for the mental cravings and effective drugs for the physical cravings you can greatly improve your chances.

Here we explain more about nicotine pouches, a modern quit smoking product that is both discrete and flexible, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Everything you need to know

What are nicotine pouches?

The pouches look like traditional snuff portions but differ in several ways. You could actually call them white snuff, because they do not contain tobacco. They are also classed as a drug and not as a “product for enjoyment” like snus is. This is why the pouches must be used according to instructions so that they provide the best effect against tobacco cravings and abstinence.

How do I use the pouches?

You use the drug precisely as you would use snuff, in other words, you place them underneath your lip. The effect is long lasting and can be a good alternative if you are somewhere where you cannot or are not permitted to smoke.

This is how to use it step by step:

• Moisten the pouch with the tongue and place it under your lip
• Keep it there for approximately 30 minutes
• Would you like a stronger nicotine effect? Then move the pouch around from time to time
• Normally, you will use 8-12 pouches per day
• Remember: A daily intake should not exceed 24 pouches

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

One major advantage with our pouches is that they are small and dry, so that you can regulate how much nicotine is released into your mouth. This is done by moving the pouch around in your mouth or moistening it with the tongue. Other advantages are:

• They are discrete
• You can easily regulate the amount of nicotine that is released into the mouth
• The pouches can be used anywhere, such as on flights or other smoke-free environments
• You skip all the dangerous and cancerous substances and heavy metals that are found in tobacco

Naturally, the pouch is completely tobacco-free. Tobacco is actually the biggest problem when it comes to dangerous poisons and cancerous substances. Among the things you will not be ingesting are:

• carbon dioxide
• tar
• lead
• ammonia
• cadmium

…and thousands of other more or less hazardous substances that are all found in cigarette smoke.

Disadvantages:

• Risk for different side effects (see below)
• May seem strong as the entire dose of nicotine is released at one time
• Can feel uncomfortable or sting locally beneath the lip
• You must not eat or drink with the pouch in your mouth
• Does not keep the hands occupied, which can be a major habit for smokers

Just as with all other nicotine drugs it is understandably about what you feel most comfortable with individually. There are other alternatives you can try, such as nicotine chewing gum or nicotine spray.

Does the drug have any side effects?

Even though nicotine in itself is not cancerous it is an active substance. When you add nicotine to the body there are naturally numerous side effects. Too much nicotine can lead to:

• Palpitations
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sweating

Pouches, like snuff, can cause a burning sensation but there is no indication that it affects the gums.

How much nicotine do your pouches contain?

Our pouches are available in two strengths:

• 4 mg nicotine
• 2 mg nicotine

You can choose between 4 mg and 2 mg – one stronger and one weaker, quite simply. Compared with normal tobacco products there is a lower level of nicotine in the pouches. Cigarettes have an average of 12 mg and traditional snuff has approx. 8 mg per portion.

Help! I swallowed a pouch! What happens now?

Stay calm, swallowing a pouch is not dangerous. 😊 However, the body’s ability to absorb nicotine is lesser from the stomach.

I am pregnant/breastfeeding. Can I use nicotine products?

No. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding a child, then you should not use any form of nicotine. Nicotine worsens the blood supply in the placenta and the uterus, which greatly reduces the oxygen supply to the foetus. The nicotine will also be found in the breast milk, so if you use nicotine while you breastfeed, then the child risks ingesting nicotine when it eats. This can lead to severe complications, so ensure that you avoid nicotine and talk with your healthcare staff.

Oral spray with nicotine curbs tobacco cravings

More and more people are becoming aware of a nicotine drug in the form of an oral spray, also called nicotine spray and it isn’t difficult to understand why. Spray is smart, discrete and effective, at the same time as it has a proven good effect to keep tobacco cravings at bay. It is also super easy to use, no matter where you are and it also tastes like peppermint!

No one says that quitting smoking is easy, on the contrary, it is a tremendous challenge that puts mental and physical pressure on those who take the step. This is why it is important to give yourself the right tools to help make the process easier.

Everything you need to know

Why should I choose oral spray?

Tobacco cravings don’t care about your schedule, if you want a cigarette at work then you must be able to handle the tobacco abstinence there just as easily as you do when you are at home. Once you find an aid that works in all aspects of your daily life it will be much easier for you to quit for good.

The spray suits you if:

• You want to have a fast effect against tobacco cravings
• You do not like nicotine gum or other types of products
• You want to have a drug that tastes like peppermint
• You want to have an affordable aid

The spray bottle is small, discrete and easy to take with you. With one or two quick sprays you will feel better in just one minute. It is also a good alternative if you don’t feel comfortable with other types of nicotine drugs. Perhaps you have sensitive teeth or difficulty chewing? Or perhaps you feel that nicotine patches irritate your skin or their effect on your tobacco cravings is too slow and you cannot impact your dose. Then spray can be a good alternative for you.

How does nicotine spray work?

Using Zonnic spray is super easy. This is how to use it step by step:

• Take out your spray bottle when you have a tobacco craving (remember not to take the spray together with food or drink)
• Unfold the applicator nozzle and place it in the mouth, between the cheek and the teeth
• Spray one to two times (the recommended dose is 1-2 sprays, 1-2 times per hour. Max. 64 sprays per day)
• Alternate between right and left sides. Once you have reached a stable level and have received sufficient help with your tobacco cravings, then it’s time to begin reducing the spray doses
• In one minute you will feel that the tobacco craving decreases

The active substance is nicotine. Depending on the manufacturer, the spray may also contain other substances such as sucralose, mint flavourings, ethanol, glycerol, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium hydroxide and water. See the package leaflet for a complete list of the contents.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

As with all nicotine drugs there are both advantages and disadvantages. What suits you best is very individual, as different people have different preferences.

Advantages:

• Easy to use
• Works wherever you are at
• Fresh Flavour
• Fast acting effect that clearly helps relieve tobacco cravings
• The bottle gives you something to keep your hands busy with, which can feel good to those who are quitting cigarettes.

Disadvantages:

• Risk for different side effects (see below)
• May seem strong as the entire dose of nicotine is released at one time

The bottle with the spray nozzle gives you something to keep your hands busy with, which can feel good to those who are quitting cigarettes.

Can I experience side effects from oral spray?

Nicotine, which is the active substance in the oral spray, can cause discomfort if it is dosed incorrectly, even for those who are regular tobacco users. A dose of nicotine that is much higher than what you are used to can cause:

• Palpitations
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Headache

The spray can specifically cause:

• Hick-ups
• Headache
• Irritated throat
• Affects the perception of taste
• Dry mouth or increased saliva production
• Stomach-ache and other stomach problems
• Tiredness

Always read the package leaflet and be aware of side effects when you use the drug.

If you have children at home, then be sure you keep the spray out of their reach. Nicotine can be very harmful to children, in worst case life-threatening.

The spray ended up in my stomach – What happens now?

If you swallow oral spray with nicotine it can feel uncomfortable, because the nicotine feels strong in the throat. But there are no other associated health risks if you happen to swallow a spray dose because the uptake of nicotine is worse from the stomach.

How much nicotine is found in the spray?

Zonnic’s spray bottles are available in two varieties – 200 sprays and 40 sprays. One spray contains 1 mg of nicotine. Compare with a cigarette, which contains an average of 12 mg and traditional snuff, which contains approximately 8 mg of nicotine per portion of snuff.

How long do I need to use the spray for?

The desire to smoke, feelings of abstinence and the total process for becoming smoke-free are highly individual. One person can come out the other side quickly, while another person can have a much more difficult journey.

How long you need to use the spray for is very individual, but the normal treatment period with oral spray is usually a minimum of three months. Then you can gradually decrease your use. If you get down to one or two doses per day, then it might be time to end your treatment.

It is a good idea to also have the spray available once you are smoke-free, as you will then be able to fight any sudden tobacco cravings you might have. Tobacco cravings are often stimulated by different triggers in everyday life, such as if something reminds you about cigarettes and smoking or the brain plays a trick on you and starts up with the desire to smoke, even though from a physical perspective you body is no longer dependent.

Remember to quit smoking on your own terms and set goals that are reasonable to you! You are a hero every time you refrain from smoking.

Can you use oral spray when you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, then you should completely avoid tobacco and nicotine. Today there is clear research that shows the foetus can be harmed if the mother uses tobacco during pregnancy. The nicotine causes the blood supply to the placenta and uterus to be impaired, which in turn inhibits the child’s growth.

You should avoid tobacco and nicotine drugs if you breastfeed your child. The nicotine follows along in the breastmilk and further to your child when it eats.

If you are uncertain about what you should do with your tobacco use or nicotine treatment when you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then you should consult your doctor or midwife to see what types of help and treatment might suit your needs.

Is oral spray dangerous?

If you use the spray correctly, in other words, to wean yourself off of smoking and to combat abstinence, then it is a very good aid.

If you experience any problems, then you should consult your doctor. Getting rid of an addiction is difficult enough as it is and you should not have to fight with medications that do not work for you. There are now many alternatives available and finding one that specifically suits you is not difficult.

Safe and secure use of Zonnic nicotine spray

In order for your treatment to be as effective and safe as possible, you should always begin by reading the package leaflet. Above all, it is important that you dose the spray according to the recommendations. Both doses that are too low and too high can worsen the chances of a successful treatment.

The spray is harmful to children, so you must ensure that you keep it out of the reach of children.

Nicotine drugs

A support. An aid. A friend you can trust when things are difficult. This is how you can describe a nicotine drug. Everyone who is considering quitting smoking stands at a threshold. Taking the first step forward means that you embark on a tough journey, the journey towards being smoke-free. The goal of the journey is a healthier and, most likely, longer life.

Most people who have tried to quit smoking or using snuff know that the journey is marked by challenges. Abstinence, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating, just to name a few. These obstacles are difficult to overcome, no matter how strong you are. 🏋️‍♂️

This is why it can be helpful to know that there are smart and effective aids available to help you quit smoking. Nicotine drugs are your best companions on the journey towards your last puff. They help you handle the worst problems. They are also available in many different types, such as chewing gum, nicotine pouches, patches, spray and lozenges, which means that you can easily find a drug that suits you.

Everything you need to know about nicotine drugs

What is a nicotine drug?
What nicotine drugs are available?
Which nicotine drug is best?
How do nicotine drugs work?
Dependency on nicotine drugs?
Quit smoking with nicotine pouches
Quit smoking with nicotine chewing gum
Quit smoking with nicotine spray
Nicotine patches – a safe aid for quitting smoking
Quit smoking with nicotine lozenges
Nicotine drugs and children, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What are Champix and Zyban – drugs without nicotine
Dependency expert Karl Olof Fagerström talks about abstinence
How can you handle tobacco abstinence
How to gradually cut down your smoking
This is when it is most difficult to be without cigarettes

Zonnic Products

Which nicotine drug is best?

How should you actually think? There is such a large selection and many different types of nicotine drugs to choose from. It isn’t that easy to know which suits your body in your specific battle against tobacco cravings. Quite simply, this depends on how you are as an individual.

Difficult to choose? Begin by asking yourself several questions, such as:

• How strong are my nicotine cravings when I don’t smoke?
• Which way would be most comfortable for me to get nicotine into the body?
• Do I have sensitive skin?
• Do I have difficulty chewing?
• Do I prefer a neutral or a strong flavour?
• Would I like a discrete product that is not visible?
• Do I like a fast or long-lasting effect?

By figuring out what suits and doesn’t suit you, it can be much easier to figure out what method feels most comfortable to you.

You don’t like nicotine pouches? Then perhaps oral spray is a better choice for you.

Does it feel important to have something in your mouth? Then perhaps nicotine pouches, lozenges or nicotine chewing gum would suit you best.

Please note that you must be at least 18 years of age to be able to buy nicotine drugs.

How do nicotine drugs work?

The simple answer is that nicotine drugs contain nicotine, in other words, the substance in cigarettes and snuff that cause you to become dependent. By taking a drug the nicotine craving is dealt with and you won’t have to ingest the thousands of other harmful substances that you would otherwise receive when smoking.

The receptors in the brain that react to nicotine, which are the same receptors as those that make you crave a cigarette, are stimulated in a way that is not as hazardous to your health.

When your nicotine craving is curbed you also take of the difficult problems that occur:

• You feel less anxiety
• It is easier for you to concentrate
• You sleep more calmly
• Your mood is more even
• You have a better appetite

Dependency on nicotine drugs?

The body absorbs nicotine in the nicotine drug more slowly than through smoking cigarettes, but because nicotine is addictive there is a risk that you can also become dependent on the drug. This is not optimal and of course a person doesn’t want to replace one addiction with another, but being dependent on nicotine patches or chewing gum is much better than smoking, because you won’t ingest the thousands of other harmful substances that are found in cigarettes. 👍

Nicotine pouches

You place the nicotine pouches under the lip and are thus given a long-lasting effect and fewer tobacco cravings. The pouch is discrete and easy to use, a perfect alternative if you are in a situation where you don’t want to, cannot or are not permitted to smoke.

Nicotine pouches are available in two different strengths, 2 or 4 mg and can be purchased at the pharmacy and in grocery stores.

Nicotine gum

You regulate the amount of nicotine released by chewing and can thus adapt the effect based on your own needs. Chewing gum is discrete and easy to take along in a pocket or handbag, always available when you feel the urge to smoke is beginning to disrupt your life.

In different strengths and flavours, you can easily find a nicotine chewing gum that suits you on your journey towards becoming smoke-free. You will find nicotine chewing gum at the pharmacy and in grocery stores.

Nicotine spray

Curb the urge to smoke with just a couple easy button presses. This is how you can describe nicotine spray. Place the smart nozzle in the mouth, aim it towards the inside of the cheek and spray one to two times. In one minute you will feel the effect in the form of a dampened urge to smoke and fewer problems.

Spray is a modern and effective nicotine drug that is easy to use, simple to take along with you and that provides relief in one minute. An extra plus is the good, fresh taste that gives a refreshing feeling. You can buy nicotine spray at the pharmacy or in grocery stores.

Nicotine patches

Nicotine patches are one of the most well-tested nicotine drugs. By placing the patch on the skin you will receive effective help against smoke cravings when a balanced amount of nicotine is absorbed in the body. Your tobacco cravings are kept in check and you will be free to focus on other, more important things.

The patches are available with different effects, nicotine quantities and sizes.

Nicotine lozenges

With a box of nicotine lozenges in your pocket you are ready when a tobacco craving occurs. You use them in the same way as a traditional throat lozenge and you will feel the effects quickly, within a few minutes the worst abstinence will be replaced by a lovely flavour and you are once again ready to focus on your daily tasks.

The lozenges are available in different strengths for different needs and you will find them at the pharmacy or in the grocery store. They are an alternative for those who do not like chewing on chewing gum, but who appreciate the fresh mint flavour.

Nicotine drugs and children, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Smoking or using snuff during pregnancy can be harmful, also to the unborn child. The nicotine and chemicals in the tobacco can have a very bad effect on the foetus and also increase the risk of a miscarriage. This is also why you should not use nicotine drugs when you are expecting a child. 🤰

Nicotine is also found in the breast milk if the mother smokes, uses snuff or takes nicotine drugs. This means that the breastfeeding child will receive nicotine via the milk.

Speak with your doctor about what nicotine-free methods for quitting smoking might work when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Please note that you must be at least 18 years of age to be able to buy nicotine drugs.

What are Champix and Zyban – drugs without nicotine

Champix

There are prescription drugs that do not contain nicotine but that can still be helpful when you quit smoking. Champix is one example. Champix contains a substance called Varenicline, which gives a nicotine-like stimulance although with a weaker effect. Varenicline also has another effect, it blocks any nicotine you try to introduce to your body. So smoking becomes meaningless because you don’t get a nicotine rush.

Zyban

The prescription drug Zyban contains a substance called Bupropion. It helps lessen the urge to smoke, while at the same time inhibiting other problems. This medication is taken together with motivational support and can sometimes be used together with nicotine drugs.

Nicotine chewing gum

You want to quit smoking but you don’t quite know how to do it. Do you recognise yourself in this description? Then you are not alone! There are many reasons to quit, not least because smoking is both dangerous and expensive.

But, quitting can be difficult. To succeed requires motivation, perseverance and good aids. With a nicotine drug you increase your chances of completing the process and succeeding. It is completely possible. The world is full of former smokers.

With a large dose of motivation and the right help along the way, you can also become one of them. 💪

Everything about nicotine chewing gum

What is nicotine chewing gum?

Nicotine chewing gum is precisely what it sounds like – chewing gum that contains nicotine. You use the chewing gum to dampen cigarette cravings and combat abstinence related problems. There are two different strengths and many different flavours, which makes it easy to find a type that suits you.

How does nicotine chewing gum work?

When you chew the chewing gum nicotine is released. The nicotine is absorbed in the mucous membranes in your mouth and reaches your blood, thus causing the abstinence problems and the cigarette cravings to subside.

This is what to do:

• Begin chewing – the flavour will soon be intense
• Stop chewing and keep the chewing gum still in the side of the mouth. The flavour becomes less intense and the nicotine is absorbed via the mucous membrane in the mouth
• Begin chewing again and repeat the process for about 30 minutes

You control the nicotine uptake through your chewing. If you chew a lot, then more nicotine will be released. You then risk swallowing the nicotine instead of the body absorbing it via the mucous membranes in the mouth. This is not dangerous, but it may cause the nicotine to feel strong in the throat and you will not get the effect you need to dampen the cigarette craving. Always ensure that you use the chewing gum as per the steps above.

Where can I buy nicotine chewing gum?

The nicotine chewing gum is an over-the-counter drug and can be purchased at the pharmacy, in grocery stores and via the internet. Remember that nicotine drugs have an age limit of 18 years.

What advantages and disadvantages are there with nicotine chewing gum?

For some, nicotine chewing gum can be a perfect method for keeping cigarette cravings in check. Some have been help from other types of nicotine drugs.

Some advantages with nicotine chewing gum can include:

• Fresh taste in many different varieties
• Easy to use
• The possibility to self-regulate the release of nicotine through chewing
• Stimulates your mouth

Some disadvantages with nicotine chewing gum can include:

• Uncomfortable if you have problems with your teeth
• Some side effects, such as irritated throat and heartburn
• A residual product you must throw away
• Can have a laxative effect

Are you unsure whether nicotine chewing gum suits you? Buy a smaller package and try it. If it feels uncomfortable or if it does not give you the desired results, then you should remember that there are many other nicotine drugs, such as nicotine spray and nicotine pouches. The chances are good that you will find something that suits your specific needs.

What does nicotine chewing gum contain?

The active substance in nicotine chewing gum is, of course, nicotine. The nicotine is released when you chew and absorbed by your mucous membranes. Sometimes, the chewing gum can also contain sorbitol. This is a type of sugar found in nature, such as in apples and other fruits and berries. Sorbitol is used as a sweetener and contributes to the flavour of the chewing gum, but sorbitol can have a laxative effect if you ingest too much of it.

Does nicotine chewing gum have any side effects?

We are all different and different people can react to different things. Nicotine chewing gum has a number of known side effects that can occur. If the chewing gum gives you more problems than help, then you can test other types of nicotine drugs.

Examples of common side effects with nicotine chewing gum:

• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Diarrhoea
• Cough
• Hick-ups
• Oral problems
• Belching
• Tiredness
• Headache

Is nicotine chewing gum bad for the teeth?

Teeth can become irritated by chewing nicotine chewing gum. But, compared to the effects of cigarettes on discolouration and tooth loss, chewing gum is a much better alternative.

How much nicotine does nicotine chewing gum contain?

Nicotine chewing gum is available in different strengths, which means that you can find a dose that works for you.

Common strengths are:

• 2 mg
• 4 mg

Because there are both stronger and weaker variants, you have the opportunity to remain at a reasonable level in order to handle your abstinence problems. The larger your daily tobacco intake is, the stronger the chewing gum you should begin with.

If you smoke less or are on the way to decreasing the amount you smoke, then 2 mg chewing gum should be enough to keep the cigarette cravings in check. But if you are a heavy smoker then you will benefit more from a stronger chewing gum.

How long should I use nicotine chewing gum?

The period you use nicotine chewing gum is different for everyone, because everyone’s tobacco dependency is different. Some can come out the other side and be nicotine-free quite quickly, while others have a much tougher process. The recommended treatment period is approx. 3 months.

Normally 8 to 12 pieces of chewing gum per day is a good dose, regardless of the nicotine content in the chewing gum. The upper limit is approximately a maximum of 24 pieces of chewing gum per day. When you cut down, you can e.g., switch to the weaker chewing gum so that in time you can completely wean yourself off chewing gum.

Try to quit smoking gradually. Long-term use of nicotine chewing gum, for over one year, is not recommended.

How do I know whether nicotine chewing gum suits me?

If you regularly use chewing gum, then nicotine chewing gum can be easy for you to get used to. In that case, it won’t feel foreign or strange to chew chewing gum. It also suits those who think it is difficult to break the habit of having something in their mouth. Many smokers think that the mental, habitual aspects of smoking are just as difficult to bread as the physical nicotine cravings.

The chewing method also makes it possible to self-regulate the amount of nicotine released, which is not possible to do with e.g., nicotine patches.

The chewing gum is also easy to use. It is easy to take along in a handbag or pocket. It is secure for you to know that you have the chewing gum to hands when tobacco cravings start bothering you.

The only wat to know whether nicotine chewing gum is a good alternative for you is to try it.

• You don’t receive the desired effect?
• You think it doesn’t taste good?
• Chewing it is difficult?

Well, there are many other aids available. Ask your doctor or at the pharmacy, it doesn’t need to be more difficult to quit smoking than it already is.

I swallowed my nicotine chewing gum! Is this dangerous?

No, swallowing a piece of nicotine chewing gum doesn’t entail any specific health risks. 😊 The chewing gum is designed to be used in the mouth and is adapted so that the mucous membranes in your mouth absorb the nicotine. If the chewing gum ends up in your stomach, the nicotine remains in the chewing gum, but you will not get much help with the abstinence problems.

Can I use nicotine chewing gum when I am pregnant?

Nicotine is harmful to the foetus. If you are pregnant, then you should choose other non-nicotine based methods to become smoke-free. The nicotine in the mother’s blood is transferred to the foetus and can also affect the blood supply to the placenta and uterus, which in itself can very negatively impact the foetus’ growth or contribute to a premature birth.

Nicotine also ends up in the breast milk, you should completely avoid nicotine and tobacco when you breastfeed.

Speak with healthcare staff if you are pregnant and need to stop smoking.

Nicotine gum and children

Children should not ingest nicotine, it is a poison and children are extremely sensitive. Nicotine chewing gum must always be stored out of the reach of children, not least, because it tastes good.

Curb your tobacco cravings with a nicotine patch

Can a small patch on the arm actually help a person who wants to cut down on their smoking? Both research and experience say yes! Nicotine patches are one of the most well-tested methods for quitting smoking. They are an established and successful method that has helped many people.

A lot has happened since nicotine patches were launched at the start of the 90’s. Techniques and products have been developed and become more effective. Today there are several different types of patches to choose from. Here we will go over all you need to know about the well-tested nicotine drug.

Everything about nicotine patches

What are nicotine patches?

Nicotine patches are one of the most well-known drugs for overcoming an addition to tobacco. For roughly 30 years they have been available as a well-tested and effective aid for people who are struggling to quit smoking. Many clinical studies have shown they have a good effect and result.

Simply put, the patch contains nicotine that is absorbed via the skin and reaches the bloodstream, thus curbing the tobacco cravings and problems with abstinence.

Nicotine patches are classified as a drug and are available for purchase at the pharmacy and in grocery stores.

How do they work?

Actually, it’s the same principle as a normal plaster. You apply it to the skin
and it quickly adheres to the skin. Naturally, the difference is that normal plasters are used for wounds, while nicotine patches are used to wean people off nicotine.

The patch is placed on the skin and releases a small amount of nicotine into the body. Through a controlled dose of nicotine that is absorbed via the skin you are given an even, balanced nicotine treatment throughout the day.

There are many different types of nicotine patches. You can certainly find a type that suits you and your needs.

Examples of different types are:

• Patches with different durations of action (e.g., 16 or 24 hours)
• Patches with different nicotine content and strength
• Different sizes
• Different colours

The patch is worn on the skin, often on the upper arm, but in principle you can place it anywhere on the upper body, perhaps you would like to hide it underneath your clothes or you have certain parts of the skin that are more or less sensitive.

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to nicotine drugs. What works well for one person might be completely wrong for someone else. Just like all other drugs, nicotine patches have different advantages and disadvantages.

With an overall picture of what can happen when you use the drug it will become easier for you to find an aid that suits you and your needs.

Advantages:

• With a continuous release of nicotine throughout the day you will have an even level of nicotine in your blood and will therefore have a lower risk of a sudden tobacco craving
• The patch lasts a long time, one day or a 24 hour period
• The patch is discrete and can easily be applied to the skin

Disadvantages:

• The biggest disadvantage with patches is that they provide a very slow effect, so if you use a patch when you have a tobacco craving then you will not experience any effect until hours later
• They are often expensive
• It is not possible to self-dose the amount of nicotine you intake
• Can irritate the skin
• Provide no oral stimulus, which can be a difficult habit for smokers to break

What do nicotine patches contain?

Naturally, the active substance is nicotine. The patch is available in many different strengths, which means that you can find a dose that suits you and that provides you with sufficient help against abstinence.

The most common strengths are:

• 7 mg
• 10 mg
• 14 mg
• 15 mg
• 21 mg
• 25 mg

The varying nicotine content in different patches means that you can gradually scale back during your treatment.

Do nicotine patches have any side effects?

There are a number of risks associated with adding nicotine to the body. With a nicotine patch, you may also experience skin problems in addition to nicotine related effects.

Common side effects are:

• Skin problems
• Itching
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Stomach-ache
• Sleep disturbance
• Palpitations

In many cases these problems will pass and can ease once you have become accustomed to the treatment. The problems can also be due to abstinence because you have quit smoking.

How many nicotine patches should I use?

There are 24 hour patches and day patches that work for 16 hours. These are also available in different strengths.

The recommended use is to apply a 24 hour patch each day, usually in the morning and allow it to work for 24 hours. Then you change to a new patch. The 24 hour patch is for those who have a tobacco craving when they wake up and want to have a supply of nicotine when they sleep.

Many people find that using a 16 hour patch is sufficient and they only receive a supply of nicotine during the hours of the day when they are awake.

It is most common to begin treatment with a patch that has a high nicotine strength, then decrease with weaker patches after approximately one to two months.

Keep in mind that you should always read and follow the instructions found in the package leaflet.

How much does it cost?

Different strengths, number of patches in the package and the supplier you choose are all different factors that impact the price. Packages of 14 patches usually cost around SEK 300.

I am pregnant Can I use nicotine patches?

No. It is not good to use nicotine and tobacco while you are pregnant. There is plenty of scientific research that shows how harmful nicotine is to the foetus. The nicotine that enters the mother’s body primarily causes the blood supply in the placenta and the uterus to be greatly reduced. This results in the baby’s growth being impaired.

Breastfeeding and nicotine are also a bad combination. The nicotine in the mother’s blood follows along with the breast milk and goes further to the child, thus representing a risk to the child’s health.

If you are pregnant, it is best to try to quit smoking without nicotine drugs, quite simply to minimise the risks to the baby and for yourself. Consult your doctor or midwife if you need more support, advice and assistance with respect to nicotine treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Nicotine patches and children

Nicotine is an active substance and is particularly harmful to small children. Children who have ingested nicotine can have clear symptoms, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness

Although the nicotine in the patch is released quite slowly it can still be very harmful. Always store your nicotine patches away from children. Also be careful that used patches do not end up where curious children can get hold of them. One good tip is to fold the used patch together with the sticky side inwards. This minimises the risk of it being harmful.

If you child happens to swallow a nicotine patch you should contact poison control immediately and follow the recommendations you are given.

Where do I buy nicotine patches?

Nicotine patches are an over-the-counter medicine. You can find the patches at the pharmacy, among the other products available for people to quit smoking. They are also sold in grocery stores and in webshops.

You must be at least 18 years of age to be able to buy nicotine patches.

Read the package insert before you use a patch. To get the best effect and so that you feel as best as possible during your treatment, it is important that you follow the recommended dose and do not take a dose that is either too high or too low.

Where on the body should I place the patch?

In principle, the patch works on most areas of skin. However, you will receive the best effect if it is an area of the skin that does not have wounds, is dry, clean and does not have any hair.

The most common and well-tested areas are:

• Back
• Upper arm
• Hip
• Chest

So that the patch sits as effectively as possible, you should press it on with the palm of your hand so that it adheres properly.

In some cases, nicotine patches can irritate the skin. Therefore, it is best to change the location between applications. Let a week pass before you reuse a location on the skin in order to avoid problems with the skin or itching.

If wearing the patch feels uncomfortable or strange then simply cover the patch with your clothing. Choose a location where it cannot be seen. Quitting smoking and facing problems with abstinence is tough enough to deal with. You should not feel any shame or discomfort because you are using a nicotine drug to get help.

What happens if I smoke at the same time as I use a patch?

Tobacco cravings are a strong force and even those who wear nicotine patches can feel the desire to smoke a cigarette despite wearing the patch. But what happens if you smoke at the same time as you wear a patch?

Naturally, the effect depends on how sensitive to or how accustomed a person is to high doses of nicotine, but we do not recommend using a nicotine patch and continuing to smoke as usual. Even those who are accustomed and who have been using tobacco for many years can suffer from nicotine poisoning and feel extremely ill.

What happens if I ingest too much nicotine?

You may feel:

• pulse
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If you already have cardiovascular disease you should speak with your doctor as nicotine poisoning can be extremely dangerous. The general idea for using nicotine patches is to help you break free from your dependency in the end. Not to simply replace one nicotine source with another. Use the patch as directed and you will have a greater chance of reaching your goal and beginning your new smoking and nicotine-free life.

Do you need some inspiration to get started? Read more about advantages of quitting smoking.