Quitting gradually

London Drugs pharmacy carries a number of smoking cessation products including Nicoderm* patches, and Nicorette® gum and lozenges. The Nicorette® Reduce to Quit™ program puts you in the driver’s seat, by allowing you to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked. The program has been approved by Health Canada as a means for smokers to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes smoked before they stop completely. According to the manufacturers of Nicorette,® this approach may increase the likelihood of quitting by more than four times for people who have been previously unsuccessful in their quest to give up smoking.

Since close to 95 per cent of people who quit “cold turkey” relapse in the first year, a gradual reduction strategy is welcome news for those attempting to stop smoking for good. Utilising nicotine replacement therapy in this way makes quitting a more manageable goal, thereby increasing the success rate. Please note that nicotine patches and gum should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. You should not use nicotine products if you are pregnant or nursing, are under 18 years of age, have an abnormal heart rhythm (arrythmia) or other heart condition. It is important that you read the patient monograph enclosed with the patches, gum and lozenges.