<PAGE>
File No. 333-60905
Rule 497(d)
Supplement Dated November 2, 1998 to the
Prospectus Dated October 15, 1998
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nuveen Unit Trusts, Series 18
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Prospectus, the following
information replaces the sales charge provisions for wrap accounts (including
deferred sales charges):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Percent
Initial Deferred Maximum of Net
Sales Sales Sales Amount
Charge Charge Charge Invested
------ ------ ------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Wrap Accounts....... 0.00% $0.35 1.00%* 1.010%
</TABLE>
*All Units of the Trusts will be subject to the applicable deferred sales charge
per Unit regardless of sales charge discounts. Investors who, as a result of
sales charge discounts, are eligible to purchase Units subject to a maximum
total sales charge less than the applicable maximum deferred sales charge will
be credited the difference between these amounts at the time of purchase.
Units may be purchased with the reduced sales charge provided for "wrap
accounts" referenced above by:
1. investors who purchase Units through registered investment advisers,
certified financial planners and registered broker-dealers who in each case
either charge periodic fees for financial planning, investment advisory or asset
management services, or provide such services in connection with the
establishment of an investment account for which a comprehensive "wrap fee"
charge is imposed;
2. bank trust departments investing funds over which they exercise
exclusive discretionary investment authority and that are held in a fiduciary,
agency, custodial or similar capacity;
3. any person who for at least 90 days, has been an officer, director or
bona fide employee of any firm offering Units for sale to investors or their
immediate family members (defined as spouses, parents, children, grandchildren,
grandparents, parents-in-law, sons- and daughters-in-law, siblings, a sibling's
spouse and a spouse's siblings); and
4. officers and directors of bank holding companies that make Units
available directly or through subsidiaries or bank affiliates.