Medication Overview
Medication Overview
Last activity on May 21, 2026
General Principles of NRT
- A combination of nicotine patch and a faster acting form should be considered the standard and single forms of NRT should only be offered if smokers do not wish to use the combined forms
- No clinically relevant interactions between nicotine replacement therapy and other medicinal products have definitely been established
- Smoking cessation itself may require the adjustment of some drug therapy
- NRT should be given for a minimum of 8-12 weeks
- Long term NRT use: Smokers can use NRT for as long as it is helpful; once they have stopped using it regularly they could keep a small (self-funded) supply with them to use if a strong urge to smoke occurs – it is better to use a piece of gum or a lozenge than to have a cigarette.
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