Smoking Questions Frequently Asked

Which is the best NICORETTE® product for me?

The NICORETTE® range has products to suit all types of smokers, because people are different and so too are their smoking habits. Whatever type of smoker you are, you can be confident that your pharmacist can advise on which NICORETTE® product is most suitable for your needs.

How much will it cost me to use a NRT?

On average, a moderate to heavy smoker will spend approximately $55-$60 per week, compared to NICORETTE® product which costs around $30 per week. More important than the short term weekly cost of NRT is the long term cost to your health if you continue to smoke.

When should I start using NICORETTE® product?

Set a stop-smoking day so that your approach is planned. This allows you to:

Remove temptations (throw away cigarettes, hide ashtrays)
Juggle your social calendar (avoid tempting situations, parties etc in the early stages)
Tell family and friends that you are going to quit smoking - ask for their support.
When your stop-smoking day arrives, stop-smoking completely on that day and begin your NICORETTE® product treatment.

Can I take other medicines with NICORETTE® product?

If you are taking any other medicines, including medicines that you buy without a prescription in a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop, the way these medicines work may be affected once you stop smoking.

These medicines include: caffeine, theophylline, imipramine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine, pentozocine, clozapine, olanzapine, tacrine, flecainide.

Seek medical advice from your doctor or a pharmacist.

When shouldn't I use NICORETTE® product?

You have heart disease such as palpitations (fast or irregular heart beats or angina).
You have had a recent heart attack or a stroke.
You have long-term skin disorders like psoriasis or dermatitis.
You are a non-smoker or only smoke occasionally
You are under 12 years of age

Ask your doctor/pharmacist before you use

When you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant
When you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed
If you are under 18 years of age
If you have a stomach ulcer
If you have adrenal gland cancer
If you have an overactive thyroid
If you are taking insulin for diabetes
If you have kidney or liver disease
If you have uncontrolled blood pressure
If you have asthma

Do I need to use NICORETTE® product for the entire 12 week programme?

Avoid stopping the programme before 12 weeks, as your body may still be craving nicotine. The programme gradually steps you down from your nicotine addiction. Quitters are individual so speak with your pharmacist if you have any questions. Without any Nicotine Replacement Therapy, the temptation to smoke may be hard to resist if you don't complete the programme. The dosage is a guide only. The dose is individual and depends on how much nicotine you need to reduce the withdrawal symptoms.

What happens if I get a craving after I have finished the programme?

It may be useful to keep NICORETTE® Inhaler, NICORETTE® Gum and NICORETTE® Microtab with you even after you have finished the programme. Then, if you feel you are going to reach for a cigarette, you can avoid relapsing by reaching for your NICORETTE® product instead.

Where can I buy NICORETTE® product?

You can buy the full range of NICORETTE® products from your local pharmacy. NICORETTE® Gum and NICORETTE® Patches are available in most supermarkets