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Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Reduces cravings and withdrawal. A patch plus short-acting product can be appropriate.

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Drug information

Uses, directions and safety information for Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

What it is used for

Reduces cravings and withdrawal. A patch plus short-acting product can be appropriate.

How to use it

Strength, maximum use and taper depend on the product and smoking pattern. Obtain a personalised plan.

Before use

Review recent unstable heart disease, allergies and product-specific age limits.

Possible side effects

Patch irritation, vivid dreams, mouth irritation or hiccups.

When to get medical help

Severe palpitations, vomiting or suspected nicotine poisoning requires prompt help.

Medicines and interactions

Stopping smoking changes levels of medicines such as clozapine and theophylline.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individual cessation advice.

Missed doses, storage and accidental exposure

Follow your own product’s missed-dose instructions. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist before taking an extra dose. Contraceptives, injections and modified-release medicines may need a specific plan.

Keep the original packaging and follow its storage, expiry and disposal instructions. Keep medicines away from children and pets. Ask about refrigeration, after-opening limits and safe sharps disposal when relevant.

For suspected overdose or accidental swallowing, contact poison control or urgent medical care promptly. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, collapse or a seizure.

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How Care365 can help

Explore care for your symptoms and prepare for a conversation about treatment. Your healthcare professional will consider your history, current medicines and whether an assessment or referral is appropriate.

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Your next steps

Know what to prepare and what to discuss.

1

Choose your concern

Explore the condition guides and available assessment options.

2

Share your history

Prepare your symptoms, allergies, medication list and treatment questions.

3

Discuss your options

A healthcare professional assesses which care or referral is appropriate.

4

Plan your follow-up

Follow the advice you receive about treatment, monitoring and next steps.

Prescription renewal and medication review

For a review of Nicotine Replacement Therapy, have your current dose, reason for treatment, remaining supply, benefits, side effects and pharmacy details ready. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber whether a renewal assessment is available and appropriate. A prescription or renewal is not guaranteed.

Questions about Nicotine Replacement Therapy

What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy used for?

Reduces cravings and withdrawal. A patch plus short-acting product can be appropriate.

How should I use Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

Strength, maximum use and taper depend on the product and smoking pattern. Obtain a personalised plan.

What side effects can Nicotine Replacement Therapy cause?

Patch irritation, vivid dreams, mouth irritation or hiccups.

When should I get medical help while using Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

Severe palpitations, vomiting or suspected nicotine poisoning requires prompt help.

Can Nicotine Replacement Therapy interact with other medicines?

Stopping smoking changes levels of medicines such as clozapine and theophylline.

What should I know about Nicotine Replacement Therapy during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individual cessation advice.

Sources and product information

Sources checked 2026-09-08. Safety sections are highlights; consult the full product information for complete warnings and instructions.

Check the Canadian Drug Product Database by product name or DIN for current product information.

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