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A nicotine patch is a form of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) - a small adhesive patch worn on your skin that delivers a measured, steady dose of nicotine through your skin and into your bloodstream throughout the day. This is called transdermal nicotine delivery. The patch keeps your blood nicotine levels stable across 24 hours, preventing the sharp drops that trigger intense cravings when you don’t smoke. Instead of getting nicotine from a cigarette (with 7,000 other chemicals, 70 of which are carcinogenic), your body receives only clean, controlled nicotine - enough to prevent withdrawal, but delivered in a way that doesn’t reinforce the smoking behaviour. Over time, through step-down dosing, even this nicotine is phased out.
Yes. NRT has been extensively studied and is endorsed by the WHO and major health authorities worldwide. The nicotine in the patch is the same molecule as in cigarettes, but delivered without the thousands of toxic combustion byproducts. NRT significantly improves quit success rates and is safe for most adults. Those with cardiovascular conditions, skin sensitivities, or who are pregnant should consult a doctor before starting.
Apply the patch to clean, dry, hairless skin on the upper arm, chest, or back each morning. Press firmly for 10 seconds. Rotate application sites daily to prevent skin irritation. Leave it on for 24 hours, then replace it with a fresh patch on a new site. Do not cut the patch. Wash hands after handling. Store unused patches at room temperature away from heat and direct sunlight.
The standard Nitof programme runs 12 weeks following the step-down protocol: 21 mg for Weeks 1–4, 14 mg for Weeks 5–8, and 7 mg for Weeks 9–12. The total duration is designed to give your body enough time to adapt to progressively lower nicotine levels, reducing the risk of relapse at each transition. Your doctor may adjust the plan based on your individual dependency level.
Yes, this is normal. The patch manages physical withdrawal, but cravings are often triggered by habits, emotions, or environmental cues that are separate from nicotine dependence. This is why the Nitof programme includes counselling and behavioural support. Cravings typically peak at around 3 minutes and pass. Having a plan (deep breathing, a short walk, a distraction task) significantly improves your ability to get through them.
A slip is not a failure - it’s a signal. Most people who successfully quit long-term do so after multiple attempts. If you smoke while on the patch, remove the patch, wait for it to pass, then reapply. Do not smoke while wearing the patch as this significantly increases your nicotine intake. Reach out to our support team after a slip - getting back on track quickly is far more important than self-criticism.
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