Nicotine replacement therapies to quit smoking

Although smoking is an expensive habit, let's face it, nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) to help you quit smoking can seem like expensive purchases as well.  The reluctance to spend money on NRT leads many smokers to try to do it "cold turkey" – the most popular method for quitting smoking, but also one that frequently leads to relapse.  

The use of store brand over-the-counter aids or medication to quit smoking can triple your chances of success(1).  Two of the more common over-the-counter aids are nicotine polacrilex gum and nicotine lozenges.  These therapies are oral dosage forms of nicotine replacement therapies and work as temporary aids to help you quit smoking by reducing nicotine withdrawal symptoms.  Other effective smoking cessation products, including patches, nasal sprays and medication, are available both over-the-counter and by prescription.  

Store brand savings

There are a number of options consumers have to save money on quitting smoking therapies.  The first option is to consider purchasing store brand NRT products.  Store brand products offer significant savings over the national brand and are equivalent to the national brand, in terms of FDA quality standards and efficacy.  The store brand NRT products can be found at leading retailers across the nation.

Regularly monitor retailers' circular flyers and websites, and remember retailers will often discount NRT products – especially around popular "quit dates" such as New Year's Day (Jan.) and the Great American Smokeout (Nov.), sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Prescriptions and pretax savings

In addition to the savings over-the-counter store brand NRT products provide, consumers can also realize potential savings by asking their healthcare provider to write a prescription for these products.  By going the prescription route, many insurance providers will offer the same NRT product for the cost of your lowest-tier co-pay, which may be less than the "shelf" price.  In many states, Medicaid covers the costs of both over-the-counter NRT products and prescriptions for quitting smoking.  For more information on the specific coverage in each state, visit the American Lung Association's website.  Other available avenues for savings include:  

• Many employers offer free medication or assistance for employees looking to quit.  It is always worth checking with your human resources department to find out if these resources are available to you.    
• Some state quit lines may offer free or discounted smoking cessation medication.  Learn more by calling 1-800-QUIT NOW

Tips to Get Started

Your decision to stop smoking is an important one.  Tips to get started:

• Follow a support plan.  Personalized plans are available at smokefreehabits.com.
• Throw away all of your cigarettes, lighters and ashtrays.
• When you feel an urge to smoke, do something else.  The urge usually passes within two or three minutes.
• Carry things to put in your mouth, like gum or hard candy.
• Be active.  Take a walk with a friend, ride your bike, walk the dog or play tennis.
• Go to places you are not allowed to smoke.
• Ask friends and/or family for support whenever you need it