A guide to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
Learn about the patches, gums, lozenges, and nasal sprays that help people who smoke quit nicotine.
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Nearly 70 percent of people who smoke say they want to stop, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Quitting smoking can help to lower the risk of many serious health conditions. This includes heart disease, many types of cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Kicking the habit is not easy. But there are tools available to help, such as medications, counseling, and self-help materials. Many people have found success through nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), too. NRT eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings caused by the loss of nicotine from cigarettes. It comes in several different forms.
Could NRT could help you or someone you love quit smoking? Here’s the lowdown on four forms of NRT approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking & Tobacco Use: Smoking Cessation: Fast Facts. Reviewed March 21 + 13
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking & Tobacco Use: Smoking Cessation: Fast Facts. Reviewed March 21, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Smoking & Tobacco Use: Benefits of Quitting. Reviewed October 25, 2023.
- Smokefree.gov. Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy. Accessed January 31, 2024.
- Smokefree.gov. Know Your Triggers. Accessed January 31, 2024.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Want to Quit Smoking? FDA-Approved and FDA-Cleared Cessation Products Can Help. Current as of July 21, 2022.
- MedlinePlus. Nicotine Transdermal Patch. Revised October 15, 2015.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips From Former Smokers: How to Use Nicotine Patches. Reviewed September 12, 2023.
- American Cancer Society. Nicotine Replacement Therapy to Help You Quit Tobacco. Revised August 2, 2021.
- MedlinePlus. Nicotine Gum. Revised October 15, 2017.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips From Former Smokers: How to Use Nicotine Gum. Reviewed September 12, 2023.
- MedlinePlus. Nicotine Lozenges. Revised January 15, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tips From Former Smokers: How to Use Nicotine Lozenges. Reviewed September 12, 2023.
- MedlinePlus. Nicotine Nasal Spray. Revised July 15, 2016.
- American Lung Association. Benefits of Quitting. Updated May 31, 2023.
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