How to Quit

The journey to becoming tobacco-free is different for everyone and takes practice. Explore this section to learn about the proven ways to increase your chances of quitting for good.

How to Quit

The journey to becoming tobacco-free is different for everyone and takes practice. Explore this section to learn about the proven ways to increase your chances of quitting for good.

How to Quit

The journey to becoming tobacco-free is different for everyone and takes practice. Explore this section to learn about the proven ways to increase your chances of quitting for good.

How to Quit

The journey to becoming tobacco-free is different for everyone and takes practice. Explore this section to learn about the proven ways to increase your chances of quitting for good.

Medications

Medications help by reducing cravings for nicotine, the addictive drug found in tobacco. They also reduce physical withdrawal symptoms from nicotine, like irritable mood, restlessness and trouble sleeping. You can then focus on the mental side of quitting tobacco.

It is best to use medication and counselling together for the best chance of quitting tobacco for good.

Quitting Sounds Good To Me Poster - En

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) gives your body nicotine, the addictive drug found in tobacco. These products do not contain the 7,000 poisons found in cigarettes, cigarette smoke or chewing tobacco.

These products are available in different forms, including: patch, gum, lozenge, mouth spray and inhaler.

You can start using nicotine products before your quit day to reduce tobacco use slowly or on your quit day to quit right away.

NRT DOUBLES your chances of quitting tobacco for good.

Type: Patch

Medications - Patch

Description

The patch sticks to your skin like a bandage, to slowly release nicotine to your body.
There are three different strengths of patches. The one you use depends on how much you smoke or chew. Your Health Care Provider can help you choose the right patch.
You usually use the patch for eight to 10 weeks, but it can be used for longer.
You can use the patch with other NRT products (such as gum), as well as other quit medications.

How to Use

Apply the patch to a clean, hair-free area on your upper body or upper outer arm. You should apply each patch to a different place on the body.
Remove the backing.
Press the patch onto your skin for 10 seconds.
Wear a patch for 24 hours.
If you are having trouble sleeping, remove the patch at bedtime and put on a new patch in the morning.
Always wash hands before and after handling the patch.
Keep the patch away from children and pets.

Video about how to use the patch

Side Effects

Headaches;
Trouble sleeping;
Upset stomach; and
Mild itching, burning and tingling skin during the first hour of wearing the patch (this is normal), and redness of the skin when the patch is removed.

Type: Gum

Medications - Gum

Description

Nicotine gum gives you a burst of nicotine to help with cravings. It can be used together with the patch.
There are two strengths of gum. The best one for you depends on how much you smoke or chew. Your Health Care Provider can help you choose the right one.

How to Use

You should not chew nicotine gum like regular chewing gum.
Use the "bite and park" technique. Bite the gum once or twice, then "park" it between your cheek and gums.
Wait one minute, then bite and park the gum again.
Repeat the bite and park process for 30 minutes.
It takes 15 to 30 minutes for the gum to start working. This means you should start using the gum before you need it. For example, if you had a routine of smoking on coffee breaks, you should take the gum 30 minutes before a coffee break.
Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes before using and while chewing the gum.
Keep the gum away from children and pets.

Video about how to use the gum

Side Effects

Upset stomach;
Mouth, throat or gum irritation;
Sore jaw;
Headaches; and
Trouble sleeping.

Type: Lozenge

Medications - Lozenges

Description

The nicotine lozenge is similar to a cough drop. Each lozenge has just enough nicotine to help you manage a tobacco craving.
Some people with teeth problems prefer the lozenge over the gum. It can also be used together with the patch.
There are three strengths of lozenges. The one you use depends on how much you smoke or chew. Your Health Care Provider can help you choose the right one.

How to Use

Place one lozenge in your mouth.
Allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly. This should take 20 to 30 minutes. This means you should start using the lozenge before you need it. For example, if you had a routine of smoking on coffee breaks, you should take the lozenge 30 minutes before a coffee break.
Move the lozenge from one side of your mouth to the other.
Do not chew, swallow or suck on the lozenge.
Avoid eating or drinking for 15 minutes before using and while the lozenge is dissolving.
Keep the lozenge away from children and pets.

Video about how to use the lozenge

Side Effects

Upset stomach;
Mouth, throat or gum irritation;
Trouble sleeping; and
Headaches.

Type: Inhaler

Medications - Inhaler

Description

The inhaler is an option for people who miss the hand-to-mouth action of smoking. The inhaler replaces the action of smoking with the action of taking a puff of your inhaler.
The inhaler can be used together with the patch.
You can use a nicotine inhaler as needed for tobacco cravings.

How to Use

Line-up the markings on the mouthpiece and separate the two pieces.
Take one cartridge out of the foil-wrapped tray.
Press the cartridge into the mouthpiece’s bottom and replace the top of the mouthpiece.
Twist the mouthpiece so the markings do not line up.
Put the tapered end of the mouthpiece in your mouth.
Take in short puffs. Do not inhale deeply. The cartridge will empty after about 20 minutes of puffing.
Remove the cartridge from the mouthpiece when you are finished and put into the garbage.
Keep the inhaler and cartridges away from children and pets.
Clean the mouthpiece regularly with soap and water.
Do not eat or drink during use.

Video about how to use the inhaler

Side Effects

Upset stomach;
Mouth or throat irritation;
Headaches;
Trouble sleeping; and
Runny nose.

Type: Mouth Spray

Description

The mouth spray is a quick and discreet option to help with nicotine cravings.
The mouth spray can be used together with the patch.
You can use a nicotine mouth spray as needed for tobacco cravings.

How to Use

Push down on the top of the container and spray into the air a couple of times before using the device for the first time to prime it.
Spray the liquid into your mouth, avoiding the throat and lips.
Do not swallow for a minute or so.
Use one more spray if the craving does not go away after five minutes.
Each container has 150 sprays.
Keep the container away from children and pets.
Do not eat or drink for 15 minutes after using.

Video about how to use the mouth spray

Side Effects

Upset stomach;
Mouth or throat irritation;
Headaches; and
Trouble sleeping.

Champix / Zyban:

Type: Champix^™ (Varenicline)

Description

Varenicline (Champix^™) is a medication to help you quit tobacco by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Champix^™ TRIPLES your chances of quitting tobacco.

A Doctor or Nurse Practitioner can prescribe it for you.

How to Use

This medication is usually taken once a day for the first three days, then two times a day for 12 weeks.

Take this medicine with food and lots of water. It can help reduce an upset stomach.

You should start this medicine one to two weeks before your quit date.

Nicotine replacement products, like the patch and gum, can be used with Champix^™ if you are still craving nicotine during treatment.

Champix^™ may not be the best medicine for you if you:

Are pregnant or breastfeeding; or
Have kidney problems.

Side Effects

Upset stomach;
Trouble sleeping;
Strange dreams; and
Headache.

Type: Zyban^™ (Bupropion SR)

Description

Bupropion SR (Zyban^™) is a medication to help you quit tobacco by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Zyban^™ DOUBLES your chances of quitting tobacco.

A Doctor or Nurse Practitioner can prescribe it for you.

How to Use

This medication is usually taken once in the morning for the first three days, then once in the morning and once in the early evening for 12 weeks.

Take this medication with or without food.

You should start this medicine one to two weeks before your quit date.

Nicotine replacement products, like the patch and gum, can be used with Zyban^™ if you are still craving nicotine during treatment.

Zyban^™ may not be the best medicine for you if you:

Drink alcohol regularly;
Have high blood pressure;
Have a seizure disorder; or
Are taking other prescription or non-prescription medications.

Side Effects

Dry mouth;
Trouble sleeping;
Headache; and
Shakiness or nervousness.

How To Get Medications

Visit your health centre to talk to a Nurse or Doctor.

If your community has a pharmacy, take your prescription to the Pharmacist. The Pharmacist will then prepare it.

If your community does not have a pharmacy, your Nurse can fax the prescription to the nearest pharmacy. The pharmacy will prepare your prescription and ship it to your health centre.

Talk to one of our quit coaches by phone at 1-866-368-7848, Facebook, email [email protected] or live chat. They can help you decide what product is right for you.

Call or visit your pharmacy to discuss your medication options. Some are available without a prescription.

Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and most other health insurance plans cover the cost of quit medication.

The Government of Nunavut

Mailing Address

Tobacco Has No Place Here
Building 1107, 3rd Floor
P.O. Box 1000, Stn. 1000
Iqaluit, NU
X0A 0H0 Canada
Phone: 1-867-975-5700
Email: [email protected]

Medications

Champix / Zyban:

Type: Champix™ (Varenicline)

Description

How to Use

Side Effects

Type: Zyban™ (Bupropion SR)

Description

How to Use

Side Effects

How To Get Medications

Mailing Address

Type: Champix^™ (Varenicline)

Type: Zyban^™ (Bupropion SR)