Nicorette 10mg/16h Transdermal Patch (Step 3)

Nicorette 10mg/16h Transdermal Patch (Step 3) is the lowest-strength nicotine replacement therapy patch and the final stage of the Nicorette 3-step programme, used after completing the Step 2 (15mg/16h) patch, or as a starting dose for lighter smokers advised by a pharmacist to begin directly at this strength. It helps gradually reduce nicotine intake to zero, delivering a controlled final dose through the skin over 16 hours before nicotine replacement therapy is stopped completely. It is available without a prescription at pharmacies in Malaysia.

As the final stage of the step-down programme, Step 3 plays an important role in helping users stop relying on nicotine altogether, whether from cigarettes or from replacement products. Completing this last step as directed, rather than stopping the programme early or continuing patches beyond the recommended duration, supports the best long-term chance of remaining smoke-free.

Nicotine delivered from the patch is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream at a steady rate over 16 hours, providing a controlled level of nicotine that helps reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms and cravings that occur when a person stops smoking. By replacing some of the nicotine previously obtained from cigarettes without the harmful tar and toxins in tobacco smoke, the patch makes it easier to break the smoking habit while gradually reducing dependence as the program moves through lower-strength patches.

Apply one new patch each morning to clean, dry, non-hairy skin on the hip, chest, upper arm, or back, pressing it firmly in place for a few seconds. Remove the patch after about 16 hours, and apply a fresh patch to a different skin site the next day to reduce skin irritation. Step 3 (10mg/16h) is typically used for around the final 2 weeks of the program, after completing Step 2, before stopping nicotine replacement therapy altogether.

Apply one 10mg/16h patch daily, worn for 16 hours and then removed, typically for about the final 2 weeks of the program, following completion of the Step 2 (15mg/16h) patch. This is the lowest-strength patch in the program and is intended to help taper off nicotine replacement completely once this step is finished.

Nicorette Transdermal Patches typically have a shelf life of around 2 to 3 years from manufacture when stored correctly and unopened; check the expiry date printed on the sachet and carton before use. Do not use a patch beyond its expiry date, as nicotine release may no longer be reliable.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, keeping each patch sealed in its individual sachet until ready to use. Keep out of reach and sight of children and pets, and dispose of used patches carefully by folding the sticky sides together, as used patches still contain enough nicotine to be harmful, especially to children and animals.

• Known hypersensitivity to nicotine or any component of the patch
• Non-smokers and children (not intended for use)
• Recent heart attack, unstable or worsening angina, or serious irregular heart rhythm, unless a doctor has advised otherwise
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women, unless a doctor has assessed that the benefits outweigh the risks compared with continued smoking
• Severe skin conditions affecting the patch application sites

• Nicotine can affect how quickly the body processes certain medicines when a person stops smoking, including some medicines for asthma, depression, and heart conditions, so dosage of these may need review
• Theophylline, clozapine, and other medicines broken down via the same liver pathway affected by smoking may reach higher blood levels after quitting, and doses may need adjustment by a doctor
• Avoid combining with other nicotine replacement products or cigarettes at the same time unless directed by a doctor or pharmacist (to avoid excess nicotine intake)
• Caffeine and alcohol intake may need monitoring, as smoking cessation itself can change how the body handles them

• This is the final and lowest-strength step – use it to taper off nicotine replacement completely
• Continue rotating the application site daily until you finish the program
• Prepare a plan for managing cravings without any nicotine replacement once Step 3 is completed
• Do not extend Step 3 use indefinitely without pharmacist advice; the goal is to stop nicotine replacement after this step
• Reach out to a pharmacist or quit-smoking support service if cravings remain strong as you finish the programme
• Celebrate progress – completing all three steps significantly improves your chances of staying smoke-free

Step 3 (10mg/16h) is the final and lowest-strength stage of the Nicorette programme, used to taper nicotine intake down to zero after completing Step 2, or as a starting dose for lighter smokers as advised by a pharmacist. Completing this final step as directed, rather than stopping the programme early or continuing patches beyond the recommended duration, supports the best long-term chance of remaining smoke-free.