Consider nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Patches, gums, sprays or lozenges that contain nicotine can provide your body with the nicotine it craves while you quit.
- NRTs are available over the counter (no prescription needed).
- You can use more than one type of NRT or combine NRT with medication and/or other stop-smoking aids like support groups or counselling.
- The evidence to support vaping as a smoking cessation tool is inconclusive.
Consider medications
- You can also ask your healthcare provider about what medications are available to help you quit.
- Champix© (varenicline). This medication blocks the affects of nicotine in your brain so you don’t want to smoke. A prescription is required for this medication.
- Zyban© (burpropion). It isn’t known exactly how this medication works to help you quit smoking. It can help you deal with the withdrawal affects of quitting. A prescription is required for this medication.
- Medication works best when paired with counselling. Quitting with the help of counselling and medication will give you the best chance to quit smoking for good.
You may also be interested in:
- Living Well with Interstitial Lung Disease (printable fact sheet)
- Living Well with Interstitial Lung Disease (printable checklist)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Patient’s Perspective (video)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Doctor’s Perspective (video)
- Interstitial Lung Disease: A Caregiver’s Perspective (video)
- Breathe BETTER, Stay STRONG Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation program