Niquitin Clear 21mg Patches

NiQuitin Patches are 24-hour nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches available in standard and Clear (transparent) versions. They deliver a steady dose of nicotine through the skin over 24 hours. Available in three step-down strengths: 21 mg (Step 1 — for smokers of 10+ cigarettes/day), 14 mg (Step 2), and 7 mg (Step 3). NiQuitin Clear patches are transparent and more discreet. Both standard and Clear patches are clinically identical. Available through the NHS Quit Smoking service.

Apply one patch daily to clean, dry, hairless skin (upper arm, chest, or hip). Press firmly for 10 seconds. Wear for 24 hours, then replace on a different site. Step-down programme: Step 1 (21 mg) for 6 weeks, Step 2 (14 mg) for 2 weeks, Step 3 (7 mg) for 2 weeks — total 10 weeks. If you smoke fewer than 10 cigarettes daily, start at Step 2. Do not cut the patches. If you experience vivid dreams, consider removing the patch at bedtime.

NiQuitin Clear patches are transparent (nearly invisible on the skin), while standard NiQuitin patches are opaque/beige. The nicotine content and step-down strengths (21 mg, 14 mg, 7 mg) are identical. The choice is purely cosmetic — Clear patches are more discreet under clothing or on visible skin areas. Both are available through the NHS Quit Smoking service.

Yes, all NiQuitin Patch variants (standard 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg and Clear 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg) are available through the NHS Quit Smoking service at community pharmacies.

Common side effects include skin irritation at the application site (redness, itching — rotate sites daily), vivid dreams or sleep disturbance (24-hour wear), headache, dizziness, and nausea. If sleep disturbance is bothersome, remove the patch before bed and apply a fresh one in the morning. Significant skin reactions may require switching brands or to a different NRT form.