Nicotine Dependence

NHSL Medicines Guidance
NHS Lanarkshire

Nicotine Dependence

Preferred list (P)

NICOTINELL® patches

  • Nicotinell® 24-hour patches are the nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) formulation of choice.
  • If patches are unsuitable or if combination NRT is deemed appropriate, only alternative products from the Nicotinell® range should be considered (i.e. gum or lozenge).

VARENICLINE tablets

Prescribing Notes:

  • Smoking cessation support is available through local Stop Smoking services, including community pharmacies.
  • An updated community pharmacy Patient Group Direction for the supply of varenicline for smoking cessation is expected.
  • Product choice should be determined by patient circumstance and professional judgement.
  • NiQuitin® and Nicorette® products are non-formulary in NHS Lanarkshire, with the exception of NiQuitin minis lozenge.

NHSL Joint Adult Formulary Key

To indicate the category of a formulary medicine, updated sections adopt the following key:

Preferred list (P): First-line formulary choices.

Total list (T): Alternative choices when preferred list options not effective/not tolerated, or not indicated.

Specialist initiation (S1): Specialist initiation, or on the advice of a Consultant or Specialist Practitioner in this therapeutic area. Continuation in primary care is acceptable.

Specialist use only (S2): Supply via hospital, Homecare Service or a hospital based prescription (HBP) for dispensing by community pharmacy. Not prescribed in primary care setting.

Editorial Information

Last reviewed: 31/01/2022

Next review date: 31/01/2025

Author(s): NHSL.

Version: Please refer to the introduction section for an explanation of the review dates above.

Approved By: ADTC

Reviewer name(s): ADTC.