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Preventing the lung cancer victims of the future by helping smokers to quit, educating young people to prevent them starting to smoke and to lobbying government to take action.

Tips to Help you Quit - Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Nicotine Replacement Therapy really does help people quit! Currently there are nicotine patches, gum, microtabs, lozenges, inhalator and nasal spray. All products are available over the counter at you local pharmacy or ask your GP.

All products have been scientifically tested and results show that they can double your chances of stopping – as long as you use the right product in the right way. Your Pharmacist, Practice Nurse, GP, as well as your SUPPORT advisor can show you how to use the product correctly.

How does it work?

NRT works by delivering nicotine into your body without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals that are found in cigarettes. This means you can still get some nicotine, without experiencing all the health risks of smoking. Once your nicotine withdrawal symptoms are controlled you will find it easier to kick the habit of smoking.

Is NRT safe?

NRT is much safer and less addictive than cigarettes. Just follow the instructions on the packet. The biggest problem is that people don’t use enough NRT to reduce cravings or they don’t use the NRT product for long enough.

Nicotine Patches

Patches come in different strengths according to your level of addiction. They deliver a steady dose of nicotine through the skin, and are easy and discrete to use. However, you cannot control the dose and wearing a patch won’t help with the desire to put something in your mouth.

Nicotine Gum

The gum comes in two strengths, 2mg and 4mg. Whatever strength you use, you must use enough and use it correctly. Chew the gum whenever you get a craving.  The gum comes in mint, fruit or liquorice flavours.

Inhalator

This is a plastic holder with nicotine cartridges. You draw on it like a cigarette, so the nicotine vapour passes into your blood stream through the lining of your mouth. The product can help quitters who really miss the sensation of putting something into their mouth.

Microtab

Microtabs are small tablets that are placed under your tongue. As the tablet nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth. The microtab should not be chewed, sucked or swallowed as this prevents it from working.

Lozenge

The lozenge can be sucked slowly and then left to rest in the same way as the microtab. The lozenge comes in two strengths - 2mg, 4mg in mint or original flavour.

Nasal Spray

The spray is suitable for those with a heavy addiction. It can cause irritation to the nose and eyes.

IT IS VITAL THAT YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED WITH ALL NICOTINE REPLACEMENT PRODUCTS TO ENSURE THAT YOU CAN USE YOUR CHOSEN PRODUCT CORRECTLY AND GAIN THE FULL BENEFIT FROM IT.