Ordering Information for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Products
For individuals seeking to order nicotine replacement therapy supplies, please visit our online store. You can also start quitting right now by calling the National Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. For counselors or facility administrators who wish to order NRT supplies in bulk, please fill out this form. A bulk order price list is available for download.
Improving the Odds of Success
Use of pharmacotherapy improves outcomes in smoking cessation, doubling quit rates when used in combination with counseling. Numerous effective medications are available for tobacco dependence and clinicians should encourage their use by all patients attempting to quit smoking (except when medically contraindicated). |
| Product | Dosage/Duration | Advantages | Disadvantages | Precautions/ Contraindications | Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicotine Patch (OTC) | One patch per day. Start with 21mg if > 10 cigs/day for 4 weeks; taper to 14mg for 2 weeks; taper to 7mg for 2 weeks. | Steady nicotine delivery – no more highs and lows – thus decreasing cravings. Low cost alternative. Easy to administer and widely used. | Cannot be used if skin reaction to adhesive or other skin problems. Passive – no action to take when craving occurs. |
Not recommended to use while smoking.
|
Skin reactions – rotate site each day, rash improved with hydrocortisone. |
| Nicotine Gum (OTC) |
One piece every 1-2 hours as needed. 25+ cigs/day use 4mg; < 25 cigs/day use 2mg. Use up to 12 weeks. | Able to use as needed. Can be easily combined with other therapies (like the patch) to reduce cravings. | Users tend to chew it instead of “parking” it. Can be difficult to chew. May not like the taste. | Jaw pain, nausea. | |
| Nicotine Lozenge (OTC) | One piece every 1-2 hours as needed. Smoke first cig w/in 30 min of waking use 4mg; after 30 min of waking use 2mg. Use up to 12 weeks. | Easy to use. Flexible dosing. Can be easily combined with other therapies (like the patch) to reduce cravings. | May not like the taste. More expensive option than gum and patch. | Hiccups, nausea, heartburn. | |
| Nicotine Inhaler (Rx) |
Puff as needed. Use 6-16 cartridges/day for up to 6 months. | Able to use as needed. Mimics hand-mouth behavior. | Requires prescription. Cost. Visible. | Cough, mouth/throat irritation (usually mild). | |
| Nicotine Nasal Spray (Rx) | Use 1-2 sprays per hour; 8-40 doses/day. Duration 3-6 months. | Able to use as needed. Rapid relief of symptoms. | Requires prescription. Cost. May be difficult to use properly. | Nasal irritation, possible dependence. | |
| Buproprion/Zyban (Rx) | Begin 1 week before quit day; 1 pill for 3-7 days then 1 pill twice/day. Duration 3-6 months. | Safe to smoke while taking. Does not contain nicotine. Easy to use. | Requires prescription. Cost. Side effects common. Passive – no action to take when craving occurs. |
History of seizures or eating disorders. |
Insomnia, dry mouth, headache, anxiety, rash. |
| Varenicline/ Chantix (Rx) |
Begin 1 week before quit day; Days 1-3 take 0.5mg/day; Days 4-7 take 0.5mg x 2/day; Day 8+ take 1mg x 2/day. Duration 3-6 months. | Does not contain nicotine. Easy to use. | Require prescription. Cost. Side effects common. |
Other medications. |
Nausea, changes in dreaming, constipation, gas and/or vomiting |