Question 1

How does medication help people to stop smoking?

Accepted Answer

Medicines and nicotine-based products can help you give up smoking. They help reduce your craving for cigarettes and can alleviate withdrawal symptoms. There are two types of aids: Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) You can buy these yourself at a chemist’s or pharmacy. For example, nicotine patches or nicotine gum. Prescription medicines These are prescribed by your GP or specialist.

Question 2

What are nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs)?

Accepted Answer

Nicotine replacement therapies are aids such as patches, chewing gum or lozenges. These contain a small amount of nicotine, but not the other harmful substances found in tobacco. They come in various forms: Plasters These release nicotine through the skin at intervals throughout the day. Chewing gum or lozenges You use these at times when you really feel the need for a cigarette.

Question 3

Are nicotine plasters or other smoking cessation aids covered by the NHS?

Accepted Answer

Medicines and nicotine-based products can help you give up smoking. They help reduce your craving for cigarettes and can alleviate withdrawal symptoms. There are two types of aids:
1. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) You can buy these yourself at a chemist’s or pharmacy. For example, nicotine patches or nicotine gum.
2. Prescription medicines These are prescribed by your GP or specialist.
Nicotine replacement therapies are aids such as patches, chewing gum or lozenges. These contain a small amount of nicotine, but not the other harmful substances found in tobacco. They come in various forms:
- Plasters These release nicotine through the skin at intervals throughout the day.
- Chewing gum or lozenges You use these at times when you really feel the need for a cigarette.
This varies depending on the health insurer and your policy. Sometimes the costs are reimbursed in full or in part, and sometimes not at all. The conditions for reimbursement may also differ from one health insurer to another. We will provide you with as much information as possible about reimbursement before the programme starts. Are you unsure about your reimbursement? If so, please contact your health insurer and check your policy. That way, you can be sure which reimbursement applies to your situation.

Question 4

Why is guidance needed when using these medicines?

Accepted Answer

A support tool alone is often not enough to enable you to give up smoking for good. Changing habits and behaviour plays an important role.

That is why, as part of our Stop Smoking Programme, you will receive support from a coach. In many cases, your health insurer will only reimburse the cost of aids if you are also taking part in the Stop Smoking Programme.

Question 5

Can anyone use these resources?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes, but in some situations extra caution is needed. For example, if you are pregnant, have heart problems or high blood pressure.

You should therefore always discuss with your doctor whether smoking cessation aids are suitable for your situation.

Question 6

Can I choose which aids I want to use?

Accepted Answer

Together with your coach, you will discuss which support tools you would like to use and what is best suited to your situation.

Your coach will enter this information on a form which you will take to your GP. The GP will then assess whether this option is suitable for you.

Question 7

What medication is available on prescription?

Accepted Answer

There are also medicines that are only available from a GP or specialist. Examples of these include bupropion and varenicline.

These medicines act on the brain. As a result, you may feel less of a need for a cigarette and smoking may feel less pleasant.

During the initial consultation, we will discuss together whether this is suitable for your situation.

Question 8

Are there any side effects I need to be aware of?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some people experience side effects when using smoking cessation aids.

With nicotine patches, for example, this may include a dry mouth or red skin. With prescription medicines, side effects such as difficulty sleeping or headaches may occur.

Your coach will guide you in using the aids and will help you find solutions if you experience any side effects.

Question 9

Can I start using these resources straight away?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you take part in our stop-smoking programme, you can make immediate use of stop-smoking aids. Together with your coach, you will discuss which resources are best suited to your situation.

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