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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which is the best NICORETTE® product for me?

NICORETTE® has a range of products to suit a range 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 $50-$80 per week, compared to NICORETTE® which costs around $25-$50 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® ?

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® treatment.

Can I take other medicines with NICORETTE® ?

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, paracetamol, caffeine, theophylline, oxazepam, oestrogens, warfarin, lignocaine, insulin, imipramine, pentazocine.

Seek medical advice from your doctor or a pharmacist.

When shouldn't I use NICORETTE® ?

When you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. There is medical evidence that nicotine in any form may be harmful to an unborn child. Therefore it is recommended that you do not use NICORETTE® if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

When you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Nicotine passes freely into breast milk and can affect the health of the baby. Therefore it is recommended that you do not use NICORETTE® if you are breastfeeding or intend to breast-feed.

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.

Does Nicotine cause cancer?

The fact is, it's not the nicotine, but the thousands of toxins present in tobacco and its combustion products that are responsible for the vast majority of tobacco-caused disease. NICORETTE® contains nicotine in controlled doses - just enough to relieve your cravings, but sparing you the damaging tar and carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke, which are the primary causes of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Do I need to use NICORETTE® for the entire 12 or 16 week programme?

Avoid stopping the programme before 12 or 16 weeks, as your body may still be craving nicotine. The 16 week 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 or NICORETTE® Gum 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.