Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products – patches, lozenges, gum and mouth spray – help to reduce nicotine withdrawals such as cravings, irritability, mood swings and anxiety.
Studies have shown that using 2 forms of NRT – a patch plus one of the oral products like gum or lozenges – can improve quitting success.
Using NRT is always safer than continuing to smoke. NRT does not contain the many dangerous chemicals found in tobacco smoke and allows people to focus on breaking smoking habits and routines.
NRT products are available at pharmacies and some supermarkets. For more information on how NRT can help stop smoking, phone the Quitline on 13 7848 or speak to a doctor or a pharmacist. The most effective way to stop smoking is getting support through a service such as Quitline together with nicotine replacement therapy or quitting medication.
NRT Products
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Nicotine patches are applied by sticking them onto the skin. They work by releasing a low but consistent dose of nicotine into the bloodstream via the skin. They help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, making quitting easier, and increase the chance of successfully stopping smoking. Patches are best used in combination with an oral NRT product, please see below. People can get two courses of NRT patches per year, through the PBS, on prescription from a doctor.
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The gum, lozenge and mouth spray all work by replacing some of the nicotine that a person would normally get from cigarettes. The nicotine is absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Using these products can help reduce withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability and anxiety.
To release the nicotine:
- chew the gum slowly until the taste becomes strong (about 1 minute) then stop and rest (or park) the gum against the cheek. When the taste fades, chew a few times until the taste gets strong, then park the gum on the other side of your mouth. Avoid eating or drinking when chewing the gum.
- allow the lozenge to dissolve, moving it around every so often from one side of the mouth to the other. Do not eat or drink when the lozenge is in the mouth.
- spray the mouth spray onto the side of the mouth or under the tongue.
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Combination therapy means using two types of NRT products at the same time. Combining a patch with an oral form of NRT has been shown to increase stop smoking rates by 34-45% compared to using a patch alone.
Combination therapy is recommended if your client has not succeeded in quitting when using a single NRT product and is often recommended if they smoke heavily. Ask your client to talk to the Quitline, their doctor or a pharmacist about using combination therapy.
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Correct use of NRT is very important.
The instructions provided with the product must be followed. There is a greater chance of success using these products if used regularly throughout the day, as well as to cope with cravings. It is recommended that they are used for at least eight weeks.
Our Quitline counsellors can help make sure that NRT is being used the right way. If you need advice about the products, or any support along the way, please call Quitline on 137848. Support is tailored to individual circumstances and preferences.
Free NRT Program
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We are offering for a limited time, free NRT products.
Available to those who are:
NB: this is for a limited time only. For further information please contact us:
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