It is important to choose a clean, dry and hairless area of skin on which to position the patch, to make sure that it sticks properly.
Avoid areas where the skin creases (such as over a joint) or where the skin folds when you move.
Also avoid skin which is red, broken or irritated.
Do not remove the patch from its sealed protective sachet until you are ready to use it.
Cut open the sachet along the dotted line, taking care not to damage the patch inside.
Take out the patch carefully.
A clear, protective liner covers the sticky side of the patch - the side that will be put on your skin.
With the sticky side facing you, pull half the liner away from the patch starting at the middle.
Hold the patch at the outside edge (touch the sticky side as little as possible) and pull off the other half of the protective liner.
Immediately apply the sticky side of the patch to your skin.
Press the patch firmly on to your skin with the palm of your hand for at least 10 seconds.
Make sure it sticks well to the skin, especially round the edges.
When applying the patch, avoid touching the eyes and nose.
When you have finished, always wash your hands with water only.
Do not use soap which may increase nicotine absorption.
Water will not harm the patch, if it has been applied properly.
You can bathe, swim or shower for short periods while you are wearing the patch.
Change your patches: A new patch should be applied once a day and at about the same time each day, preferably soon after waking.
Leave each patch in place for 24 hours, and always choose a different area of skin on which to place the new patch.
Do not reuse the same skin site for at least seven days.