#HEALTH: Busting nicotine therapy myths

#HEALTH: Busting nicotine therapy myths

NICOTINE replacement therapy (NRT) has been a common way to help smokers quit for over 30 years, but many still have reservations about it.

Some believe NRT is harmful; others think it is as addictive as smoking.

However, that is not the case. NRT aims to reduce nicotine cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms and avoid harmful chemicals present in tobacco smoke. It provides low doses of nicotine to the brain, acting as a replacement for the nicotine in cigarettes.

Those who use NRT products have a higher chance of kicking the habit compared to those who quit cold turkey.

BUSTING NRT MYTHS

– NRT is as harmful and addictive as smoking.
The adverse effects of smoking are mostly from the toxins in cigarette smoke, not nicotine.

– Quitting will result in moodiness and irritability.
It is never easy to quit smoking — withdrawal symptoms may range from irritation and restlessness to mood changes. Nevertheless, most smokers who quit while using NRT products find symptoms less intense.

QUITTING SMOKING EFFECTIVELY

NRT brand NICORETTE provides anti-smoking products in the form of medicated patches and chewing gum that are approved by the Ministry of Health.

1. NICORETTE Invisi Transdermal Patch
This product can help smokers control their nicotine cravings for up to 16 hours. The patch releases controlled amounts of nicotine through the skin into the bloodstream.

It comes in three doses — 25mg/16hr, 15mg/16hr and 10mg/16hr — with each pack containing seven patches.

2. NICORETTE Gum
This icy mint flavoured chewing gum works fast to relieve nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The idea is to chew a piece of gum each time there is an urge to smoke.

It comes in two different strengths — 2mg and 4mg.

DOUBLE THE SUPPORT

For greater efficacy, NICORETTE Dual Support is a method that combines both products to give smokers a better chance of kicking the habit for good.

According to the brand, using two anti-smoking products simultaneously can significantly increase the success rate of quitting.

The patches are able to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings throughout the day, while the gum can relieve breakthrough cravings.

Find out more about NICORETTE products and how NRT can help smokers quit today.

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KKLIU 0670/EXP 31.12.2025. This is a medicinal product advertisement. This product is not suitable for children. Do not use this product if you have serious heart disease, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Not for use by non-smokers. Consult a health professional before use.

 

The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care.

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