Convenient access to Smoking Cessation Treatments With GP24.

Our prescription service costs €25

This service is available to patients anywhere in Republic of Ireland.

Yes - this service is based on the same patient-doctor confidentiality that you would expect in a face-to-face consultation.

If you’re not entirely sure about your condition and have not had a previous prescription, it is recommended that you first chat with our doctor using either our Video Consultation or Phone consultation services first.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your health and wellbeing. When you stop smoking, your body begins to repair itself almost immediately — within weeks, your breathing and circulation improve, and your sense of taste and smell return. Over time, your risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) drops dramatically.

Giving up smoking doesn’t just benefit you — it also protects your family and friends from the dangers of second-hand smoke. Plus, quitting can save you a significant amount of money every year. Even if you’ve smoked for many years, it’s never too late to stop.

At GP24, our online smoking cessation service offers a convenient and effective way to quit using nicotine patches — helping you manage cravings and stay smoke-free for good.

You may be eligible to request smoking cessation treatment through GP24.ie if you:

• Are over 18 years of age

• You are motivated and committed to quit smoking

• You are not currently using other stop-smoking medications

However, this service may not be suitable for you if:

• You are under 18 years of age

• You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may be pregnant

• You are already using multiple smoking cessation treatments

• You have a history of psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia

• You have a history of seizures or a medical condition that increases your risk of seizures

• You have significantly reduced kidney function

If you’re unsure whether nicotine patches are right for you, our GP24 online clinicians can assess your suitability and guide you toward the safest, most effective treatment option.

Please note: While we can help you access effective smoking cessation methods like Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), GP24 does not provide prescription oral medications for quitting smoking.

Nicotine patches are a simple and effective way to help you quit smoking. They work by delivering a steady, controlled dose of nicotine through your skin and into your bloodstream. This helps to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms that often occur when you stop smoking.

Unlike cigarettes, nicotine patches do not contain harmful chemicals such as tar or carbon monoxide. Instead, they give your body the nicotine it’s used to — but in a cleaner, safer form — helping you gradually break free from addiction.

Each patch is worn on the skin for 16–24 hours, depending on the type, and replaced daily. Over time, the nicotine dose is slowly reduced, allowing your body to adjust until you no longer need it.

At GP24, our online doctors can assess your needs and prescribe the right nicotine patch strength to support your smoke-free journey safely and effectively.

Yes — nicotine patches are one of the most effective and trusted treatments for quitting smoking. They work by providing a steady, controlled dose of nicotine through the skin, helping to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms that often make quitting difficult.

Research shows that using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches, can double your chances of successfully quitting compared to willpower alone. Because nicotine patches deliver nicotine gradually, they help you manage your addiction safely — without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes.

When used correctly and consistently, nicotine patches can make quitting far more manageable. At GP24, our online doctors will assess your suitability and guide you on how to use patches effectively as part of your smoking cessation plan.

It’s best to start using nicotine patches on your chosen quit date — the day you stop smoking completely. This ensures your body begins receiving a steady supply of nicotine as soon as you stop cigarettes, helping to control cravings and withdrawal symptoms from day one.

Some people prefer to begin one or two days before their quit date to get used to the patches and reduce the initial urge to smoke — this can be helpful if you’re anxious about quitting.

The most important thing is to set a clear quit date and follow your treatment plan consistently.

Most people use nicotine patches for 8–12 weeks, gradually reducing the strength over time. The goal is to slowly wean your body off nicotine while managing cravings.
Your GP24 clinician will guide you on the best patch strength and duration based on your smoking habits and progress.

Nicotine patches come in different strengths — usually 21mg, 14mg, and 7mg. The right strength depends on how much you currently smoke.

If you’re a heavier smoker, you’ll usually start with the higher strength and step down gradually. The GP24 online doctors will determine the most suitable patch strength during your consultation.

It’s best not to smoke while using nicotine patches. Doing so can increase your nicotine levels and may cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or a racing heartbeat.

You should aim to stop smoking completely on your quit date, using the patch to replace the nicotine your body craves — without the harmful chemicals from cigarettes.

If you forget to apply your patch, put one on as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next patch, just skip the missed one — don’t double up.

To stay on track, try applying your patch at the same time each day, such as in the morning after showering.

Nicotine patches are generally safe and well-tolerated, but like any medication, some people may experience mild side effects — especially in the first few days of use. These are usually temporary and improve as your body adjusts.

Common side effects may include:

• Mild skin irritation or redness where the patch is applied

• Itching or tingling at the application site

• Difficulty sleeping or vivid dreams (often reduced by removing the patch at night)

• Mild headache or dizziness

Most people find these effects manageable, and they often ease within a short time. To reduce irritation, it’s best to apply the patch to a different area of clean, dry skin each day.

If you experience persistent discomfort or any unusual symptoms, you should stop using the patch and seek medical advice. Our GP24 online doctors can review your symptoms and advise on the best next steps to help you continue your smoke-free journey safely.

Stop taking the medication and seek medical advice immediately. You can also contact us for follow-up support or guidance from one of our GPs.

Complete an Online Questionnaire: Fill out a secure, confidential medical assessment form detailing your symptoms and health history

Medical Review: An Irish-registered doctor will review your information to determine if treatment is appropriate for you

Prescription Issuance: If suitable, a prescription will be sent directly to your chosen Irish pharmacy via secure Healthmail

Yes. To ensure your safety, you’ll need to complete a confidential health questionnaire, which will be reviewed by a Doctor before any prescription is issued.

Your medical information is reviewed only by Irish Medical Council Registered Doctors and is handled in line with GDPR and Irish data protection laws.

Your prescription will be sent electronically via the Healthmail system to the Irish pharmacy of your choice - you can nominate any pharmacy in Ireland to receive your prescription

Once your medical questionnaire is submitted, prescriptions are typically issued within 24 hours.

(Please note this may vary on weekends)

We aim to make your online prescription experience smooth and transparent.

• You can request a cancellation or refund within 4 hours of making your purchase.

• Once this period has passed, and if our doctors have already issued your prescription, refunds can no longer be provided.

If your prescription request is not approved because our doctors believe it is unsafe or medically unsuitable, you will:

• Be offered a safe alternative, if available, or

• Receive a full refund to your original payment card (processed within 1–10 working days).

If our doctors feel that your request requires a full consultation before a prescription can be safely issued, we’ll offer one of the following:

• A discount of the fee already paid for the prescription service towards an online video consultation with one of our GPs, or

• A refund if our doctors feel that an online consultation would not be suitable for your medical needs. In such cases, we will recommend that you visit your local GP instead.

Processing Refunds

All refunds are returned to the original card used for payment and typically take 1–10 working days to process, depending on your bank.