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Quit Support

Methods & Medications

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT like the patch or gum works by reducing the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings caused by quitting or reducing smoking or vaping. It delivers a controlled dose of nicotine to your body over time. Each product is available in different doses so talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare professional about the correct dose for you.

NRT currently comes in 5 forms: patch, inhaler, gum, lozenge and oral spray. Each is available without a prescription at your drugstore, and the cost varies from approximately $4 to $8 a day. Although they all contain nicotine, they are much safer than tobacco and they don’t cause cancer. Before using NRT, be sure to speak with your pharmacist, doctor, or other healthcare professional about medicines you are currently taking and what option might be best for you.

 

Prescription medications

There are currently 2 quit-smoking medications you can get that need a prescription from your doctor: Champix and Zyban. Both are available in pill form and actively target your brain and how it processes nicotine. They cost about $3 to $5 a day.

Find more information on methods and medications at Smokers Helpline here.