Quitting smoking concept. Hand is refusing cigarette offer.

I'm Ready to Quit Smoking!

By Lisa Johnson, PharmD April 15, 2019 Posted in: Wellness, Pharmacy, Cancer Care, Lung Health

How will quitting smoking benefit your life? Well, I could certainly give you a whole bunch of health and financial reasons. However, we all know that we decide what we will or will not do based on what is important to us as individuals. Someone may quit because of health reasons, while another may just simply be tired of it. On a different angle, if we don't quit because a loved one asks us to do so, that does not mean that they are not important to us. We just may need a little help from someone who is not close to us. Whatever the reason, let it be your motivation.

What are the Health and Financial Benefits of Quitting Smoking?

Health - Decrease risk of cancer, lung, heart, and gum disease. Give yourself a gift by keeping healthy.

Finance - If you smoke an average of one pack of cigarettes per day, you could save up to $2,000 per year. What have you denied yourself because you thought that you did not have the money to do it?

What If I've Already Tried Quitting but it Did Not Work?

Good news. You are not alone, and you are not a failure. It is very rare for someone to absolutely quit their very first time. Every time you try, you are doing your body good. You may have to try different methods to figure out which one works best for you. Studies show that you are three times more likely to quit if you combine counseling with smoking cessation products. CHI Health offers both. The CHI Health retail pharmacies would be able to help with you with some of the FDA approved products to help you quit. You should always consult your health care provider first. If you have specific health conditions or take certain medications, you may have to steer away from some of the products.

What Products are Available to Help Me Quit Smoking?

Most of the products that contain nicotine are over the counter. The nicotine replacement products help lessen some of the symptoms that come with nicotine withdrawal. The prescription medications have benefits also. Varenicline may help to stay smoke free for a longer period of time once therapy is completed. All the products have pros and cons (see chart below). Please consult your health care professional to discuss the options. Some of these may also be covered by your insurance with a prescription. Please remember that there is a three times greater success rate if you combine counseling with a smoking cessation product. Here’s to your health! You can do this!

Benefits of Smoking Cessation Products

Product	Benefits
Nicotine gum	Flexible dosing to manage withdrawal symptoms Relief of oral cravings Delayed weight gain An OTC (over the counter) option
Nicotine lozenge	Flexible dosing to manage withdrawal symptoms Relief of oral cravings Delayed weight gain An NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) option easier to use and more discreet than nicotine gum An OTC option
Nicotine patch	Once-a-day dosing Convenient, easy-to-use medication A less conspicuous NRT An OTC option
Nicotine inhaler	Flexible dosing to manage withdrawal symptoms Hand-to-mouth motion that mimics cigarette smoking
Nicotine nasal spray	Flexible dosing to manage withdrawal symptoms Fast delivery of nicotine and rapid relief of withdrawal symptoms
Bupropion or Zyban	Concomitant treatment of depression Delayed weight gain A prescription option A non-nicotine option Oral tablet
Varenicline or Chantix	A non-nicotine option A prescription option Oral tablet

Resources:

Pharmacist's Letter - Online Continuing Education and Webinars
Pharmacotherapy for Smoking Cessation. Volume 2018, Course No. 239

Tonstad S, Tonnesen P, Hajek P, et al. Effect of maintenance therapy with varenicline on smoking cessation: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2006;296:64-71.

Nides M. Update on pharmacologic options for smoking cessation treatment. Am J Med 2008;121(4 Suppl 1):S20-31.