Exploring Products & Medications
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products work by reducing your nicotine cravings and relieving some of the unpleasant symptoms of nicotine withdrawal you may experience when you quit smoking or vaping.
The following NRT products are available without a prescription and are proven to be safe and effective when used properly.
NRT products are generally recommended to be used for around 12 weeks to help with cravings and withdrawal. They can be used for longer if needed. Over time, users reduce their dose as cravings become more manageable.
If you have questions, connect with the Smokers’ Helpline or consult with a healthcare professional (ex. your doctor or pharmacist) to explore smoking cessation options and determine which one might be best for you.
The patch helps to lower cravings for cigarettes and vapes by supplying a constant level of nicotine to the blood stream through the skin. The patch comes in three dosages, and which one you use depends on your level of nicotine use.
Consider using this product if you:
- Would prefer the option for once-a-day use which provides a steady, consistent supply of nicotine throughout the day.
- Would like a discreet form of nicotine replacement, where no one can tell that you’re using it.
How it’s used:
- The patch must be used properly to be effective. Consult the instructions that are included in the package when you purchase the patch.
- The patch is attached to the skin like a bandage. You apply a new patch daily onto a dry, non-hairy area anywhere above the waistline and below the neck.
- There are patches that are meant to be worn for 24 hours and those that can be removed at night (16 hours).
- It is recommended to change the patch site daily to help prevent skin irritation.
- It is not recommended to cut a nicotine patch in half because that may make it ineffective.
Dosage:
- Patches comes in three levels – 21 mg (Step 1), 14 mg (Step 2), and 7 mg (Step 3).
Tip: To help with tough cravings, it may be helpful to use another forms of nicotine replacement along with the patch. This is called combination therapy.
Watch out for:
- Possible side effects may include headache, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, stomach upset and diarrhea. Some of these effects may be nicotine withdrawal symptoms or may be caused by the nicotine in the patch. Your dose may need to be adjusted.
- It is normal to experience mild itching, burning, or tingling when you first apply a patch, but this should disappear within an hour. If the skin under the patch becomes swollen or red, or if you develop a rash, remove the patch and call your health care provider.
The nicotine is released by contact with saliva and absorbed through the lining of the mouth using a “chew, chew, park” method where the gum is chewed slowly several times and then put between the cheek and gum (park) to allow the nicotine to be released.
Consider using this product if you:
- Prefer to have control over how much nicotine you are getting and when you are getting it.
- Enjoy chewing gum.
- Want to replace the action of taking out a cigarette or vape and putting something in your mouth. If you have a craving, reach for a piece of gum instead of reaching for a cigarette or vape.
- Or if you are using the patch and would like to add an additional nicotine product.
How it’s used:
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- In order to be effective, the gum must be used properly. Rather than chewing it continuously, the gum should be chewed slowly until you can taste the nicotine or feel a slight tingling in your mouth. You then stop chewing and place (park) the gum between your cheek and gum. This will allow the nicotine to be absorbed. When the tingling is almost gone (about 1 minute), start chewing again. This “chew, chew, park” process should be repeated for about 30 minutes.
- Avoid acidic food or drink 15 minutes prior to or while using the nicotine gum (such as alcohol, soft drinks, coffee, tea, or citrus fruits/juices).
Dosage:
- Available in 2 different strengths: 2 mg and 4 mg.
Watch Out For:
- The most common side effects are burning throat, hiccups, or dental problems. These symptoms can often be eliminated/prevented through proper chewing technique.
Lozenges are taken when you have a craving. They dissolve in your mouth, releasing nicotine which gets quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
Consider using this product if you:
- Prefer to have control over how much nicotine you are getting and when you are getting it.
- Want to replace the action of taking out a cigarette or vape and putting something in your mouth. If you have a craving, reach for a lozenge instead of reaching for a cigarette or vape.
- Or if you are using the patch or another NRT and would like to add an additional nicotine product.
How it’s used:
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- The lozenge should be placed in the mouth and allowed to dissolve slowly; it should not be chewed or swallowed. A warm or tingling sensation may be felt as the nicotine is absorbed in the mouth.
- Occasionally shift the lozenge from one side of the mouth to the other.
- Each lozenge lasts about 20-30 minutes before it is dissolved completely.
- Avoid acidic food or drink 15 minutes prior to or while using the nicotine gum (such as alcohol, soft drinks, coffee, tea, or citrus fruits/juices).
Dosage:
- Available in 2 different strengths: 2 mg and 4 mg.
Watch out for:
- Mouth, throat or tongue irritation; nausea, stomach upset, headaches, hiccups, taste change.
The nicotine inhaler looks like a plastic cigarette with a mouthpiece. When you take a puff from the inhaler, the cartridge inside releases nicotine which is then absorbed into the bloodstream via the mouth.
Consider using this product if you:
- Prefer to have control over how much nicotine you are getting and when you are getting it.
- Want to replace the hand-to-mouth behaviour of smoking/vaping. If you have a craving, you can take a puff from the inhaler instead of a puff from a cigarette or vape.
- Or if you are using the patch or another NRT and would like to add an additional nicotine product.
How it’s used:
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- A person breathes in nicotine-filled air through the mouthpiece and replaces the nicotine cartridge as needed. Nicotine is best absorbed in the mouth, so take short shallow puffs on the inhaler rather than deep breaths.
- Each nicotine cartridge lasts for approximately 20 minutes of active puffing.
- Try different puffing ‘schedules’ to help control cravings. For example, puffing on the inhaler for 5 minutes at a time means that it will last for 4 uses; puffing on it for 10 minutes at a time means that it will last for 2 uses.
- Avoid drinking acidic beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, alcohol or citrus juices before and during use as this can reduce absorption of nicotine.
Dosage:
- Each cartridge delivers 4 mg of nicotine.
Watch out for:
- Possible side effects include mouth and throat irritation from the nicotine. This usually goes away or lessens as people adjust their use of the product.
- Do not exceed the recommended maximum number of cartridges per day.
Spray once or twice into your mouth when you are having a craving. The nicotine is absorbed quickly into your bloodstream.
Consider using this product if you:
- Prefer to have control over how much nicotine you are getting and when you are getting it.
- Want to replace the action of taking out a cigarette or vape and putting something in your mouth. If you have a craving, reach for the mouth spray instead of reaching for a cigarette or vape.
- Or if you are using the patch or another NRT and would like to add an additional nicotine product.
How it’s used:
- Point the dispenser as close as you can to your open mouth. Avoiding your lips, press down firmly on the dispenser to release a spray into your mouth. Don’t spray it in the back of your throat and avoid inhaling.
- Hold the spray in your mouth for few seconds before swallowing.
- Wait a few minutes; if you are still having a craving, you can spray again.
Dosage:
- Each spray contains 1 mg of nicotine.
Watch out for:
- Some users have reported a mild burning sensation on their lips if they come into contact with the spray. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about. To avoid, simply take care not to get any spray on your lips.