What are NiQuitin Minis lozenges?
NiQuitin Minis are lozenges which you can use to help you to quit smoking for good, cut down, or go for a short time without smoking. They’re ideal for those who want to quit smoking but find that their cravings get too much, leaving them reaching for the cigarettes they’d rather leave behind.
These Niquitin 1.5mg lozenges are perfect for those who smoke less than 20 cigarettes a day. 4mg are for those who smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day.
What is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)?
Nicotine replacement therapy, or NRT, is a type of treatment that is designed to help you stop smoking. NRT products contain nicotine, which is found in cigarettes and can be used in place of cigarettes to ease your cravings and help you to quit. NRT products help to satisfy your body’s nicotine cravings so you’ll find it easier to quit for good, and they’re available as patches, gum, lozenges, nasal sprays, and many other forms.
How will NiQuitin Minis help me to quit smoking?
NiQuitin Minis are a type of NRT, and they can be taken in place of cigarettes to help ease your cravings. By reducing the urge to smoke, these lozenges can make it easier for you to quit completely when compared with quitting cold turkey. Many people who use NRT products like NiQuitin Minis find that they have more success than when they’ve tried to quit without help as they suffer from less unpleasant symptoms like feeling ill or irritable.
Should I be using these 1.5mg lozenges, or is another strength more suitable for me?
NiQuitin Minis come in 2 strengths, 1.5mg and 4mg. These 1.5mg lozenges are ideal for people who smoke fewer than 20 cigarettes a day. If you smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day, we’d recommend using the 4mg lozenges when you begin to quit smoking.
Can I take this product if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Niquitin Minis. It’s best if you stop smoking without using NRT at this time, but if you really are struggling to quit without help, then your doctor may recommend products like Niquitin Minis, which are safer for you and your baby than cigarette smoke.
Can I take these lozenges if I’m taking other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking NiQuitin Minis. Quitting smoking may alter the effect of your medicines or may mean that you need to change the dosages of any other medications you may be taking, so you should discuss this with a medical professional first.
How to take these lozenges
Put one lozenge in your mouth and let it dissolve, this will usually take around 10 minutes. Do not ever use more than 15 lozenges a day. The number of NiQuitin lozenges you should take will differ depending on how you’re planning to quit or cut down on smoking.
- Stopping smoking straight away: Use a lozenge whenever you have the urge to smoke. Begin by using 8 – 12 lozenges a day and then cut down gradually until you’re only using 1 – 2 lozenges a day. Then you can stop altogether.
- Cutting down smoking before stopping completely: Have a lozenge instead of a cigarette when you feel the strong urge to smoke. Cut down by as many cigarettes as you can by having a lozenge instead of a cigarette whenever you can. Over time, try to replace more of your cigarettes with lozenges until you don’t have to smoke any cigarettes at all. Then begin to slowly decrease the number of lozenges you have every day before stopping altogether.
- Cutting down smoking with no plans to stop: It’s always best to stop smoking if you can, but you can use these lozenges to cut down if you want to. When you feel the urge to smoke, have a lozenge instead and try to cut down by as many cigarettes as possible.
- Going without cigarettes for a short time: you can use these lozenges to replace cigarettes if you’re going to be in a situation where you can’t smoke for a while, for example, when you’re travelling on a plane, going into a hospital, or spending time around children and don’t want to damage them with second-hand smoke. Just suck on a lozenge when you’re feeling the urge to smoke instead of having a cigarette, use one lozenge every 1 – 2 hours with a maximum of 15 a day.
When should this product not be used?
NiQuitin Minis are not suitable for use in children under the age of 12. If you are under the age of 18, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using this product. Do not take these lozenges if you are a non-smoker. Do not take this product if you are allergic to nicotine or any of the other listed ingredients. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you:
- Are in the hospital because of a heart attack, severe heart rhythm disturbances, or stroke
- Have diabetes
- Have serious liver or kidney problems
- Have an uncontrolled overactive thyroid gland or an adrenal gland tumour
- Have stomach or duodenal ulcers or inflammation of the oesophagus or gullet
- Have had allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, throat, mouth, etc., or itchy skin rash
- Have ever had seizures or fits
- Have any concerns about becoming dependent (addicted) on this product
Do NiQuitin Minis have any side effects?
Like all medications, NiQuitin Minis can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. These side effects include:
- Soreness or irritation in your mouth or tongue, you may also feel sick
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Flatulence (wind)
- Hiccoughs
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Palpitations (feeling your heartbeat)
- Increased heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Rash
- Tiredness and feeling generally unwell
- Severe allergic reaction, e.g. wheeziness, tightness of chest, rash, feeling faint
If you experience these or any other side effects while taking this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 30 degrees C. Store in original packaging to protect from moisture. Do not take this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Important information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice: