Quitnow Stop Smoking Medication Guide
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Quitting Resources QuitNow Stop Smoking Medication Guide QUITNOW STOP SMOKING MEDICATION GUIDE Table of Contents page Intro 2 The B.C. Smoking Cessation Program 2 Nicotine Patches 3 – 5 Nicotine Gum 6 – 7 Nicotine Lozenge 8 – 10 Nicotine Inhaler 11 – 13 Nicotine Mouth Spray 14 – 16 Bupropion Sr (Zyban®) 17 – 18 Varenicline (Champix®) 19 - 20 1 Introduction This Medication Guide provides detailed information about various stop smoking aids that are approved for use in Canada to assist you with quitting smoking. While it is normal to experience withdrawal symptoms and cravings during the quit process, medications can significantly reduce the intensity of those symptoms and can double and even triple your chances of quit success. Note: This Medication Guide is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or pharmacist. Medications Covered by the BC SmokinG Cessation ProGram In BC, the government’s Smoking Cessation Program helps you quit smoking by helping you with the cost of smoking cessation aids. Prescription stop smoking medications are covered as benefits under PharmaCare. Non-prescription nicotine replacement therapy products (i.e. patches and gum) are provided FREE to BC residents. Products covered under the Smoking Cessation Program include: 1) Two non-prescription (over-the-counter) Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products: a. nicotine gum (Thrive™); OR b. nicotine patch (Habitrol®) 2) Two prescription druGs: (See your doctor for prescription) a. bupropion (brand name Zyban®); OR b. varenicline (brand name Champix®) To learn more about how to access FREE or subsidized smoking cessation medications, visit the B.C. SmokinG Cessation ProGram website. Stop smokinG aids NOT covered by the B.C. SmokinG Cessation ProGram include: 1. Nicotine lozenge 2. Nicotine inhaler 3. Nicotine mouth spray While you may be tempted to opt for the medication that is covered by the B.C. Smoking Cessation Program, you may first want to discuss your options with your doctor or pharmacist to determine what is the best choice for you. 2 NICOTINE PATCHES: HABITROL® This section describes the Habitrol® patch (7mg/14mg/21mg), the only brand covered under the B.C. Smoking Cessation Program. The patch only contains nicotine and none of the other toxins that are in tobacco smoke. The patch sticks to your skin like a bandage, providing a slow and steady release of nicotine into your system to help reduce withdrawal and cravings. Stop smoking completely before you start using the patches. For information on quitting smoking, check out our Guide to QuittinG. AdvantaGes of usinG the Habitrol® patch: Easiest to use of the available NRT products. Useful for heavier smokers who need steady release of nicotine. Designed to temporarily replace some of the nicotine that cigarettes would normally supply and thus reduce the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal such as cravings, irritability and anxiety. You can choose the strength of the dosage. This is dependent on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day. See below for suggested dosages or talk to your doctor or pharmacist about dosage. WarninGs & Precautions: Do not use if you have severe eczema, psoriasis or other generalized skin disorders. Consult your pharmacist or physician prior to using the patch if the following apply to you: pregnant or breastfeeding being treated for any serious heart condition heart attack or stroke within the last 2 weeks require kidney dialysis use any prescribed medication regularly. Smoking alters the effects of some medications, and when you quit smoking it may be necessary for your doctor to adjust the doses, especially if you are diabetic, taking medications for high blood pressure or heart disease, or taking antidepressants, tranquilizers or sleeping pills. Stop usinG the patch immediately and see your doctor if you have: chest pain irregular heartbeat 3 palpitations leg pain persistent stomach pain rash or hives How to use the Habitrol® patch: DosinG Dosing should be individualized based on how much you smoke. To choose which dosage of the patch is right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or refer to the product monographs and suggested dosing below. The Habitrol® patch should be applied and left on the skin for 24 hours per day. Other patch products may be different. Habitrol comes in three patch sizes, which give doses of 21 mg/day (Step 1), 14 mg/day (Step 2) and 7 mg/day (Step 3). Typically a pack-a-day smoker would wear each size for 3 to 4 weeks, gradually reducing nicotine delivery by going from Step 1 to Step 2 to Step 3. SuGGested startinG doses: # of First Month Month 2 Month 3 ciGarettes Weeks 1-4 Weeks 5-8 Weeks 9-12 per day Dose of Patch Dose of Patch Start with May choose to continue or step May choose to continue, step down to More than 10 Step 1 (21 down to lower strength (Step 2: lowest strength (Step 3: 7 mG) or stop using mG) 14 mG) the patch completely. Start with May choose to continue or step May choose to continue or stop using the 10 or fewer Step 2 (14 down to lower strength (Step 3: patch completely. mG) 7 mG) How to APPLY the Habitrol® Patch Open the patch wrapper immediately prior to usage, as it will lose the nicotine contained if opened well before use. If applicable, remove the old patch prior to putting on the new one and safely discard in garbage out of reach from children and pets. Peel the liner off the back of the new patch. Place on a non-hairy, clean, dry area of skin (such as the upper arm, hip, back or shoulder) and free of creams, lotions, oils or powder. Women should avoid placing the patch on their breasts. Press firmly for 10-20 seconds, especially along the edges. Wash your hands after applying. 4 The patch should be worn for approximately 24 hours and then removed and discarded. Do not leave it on for more than 24 hours as it may irritate your skin and it loses its strength. Replace your patch at the same time each day to help you to remember to change it. In order to avoid skin irritation, use a different spot for the patch each day. The same area should not be used again for at least one week. What are the common side effects of usinG the Habitrol® patch? headaches cold or flu-like symptoms dizziness anxiety sleep problems vivid or abnormal dreams stomach upset mild itching, burning and tingling are normal in the first hour of wearing the patch redness of the skin when the patch is removed Note: Remove the patch and consult your doctor if you experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, leg pain or persistent stomach upset while using the patch. ThinGs to remember when usinG the Habitrol® patch: Mild itching, burning and tingling are normal in the first hour of wearing the patch. Do not use more than one nicotine patch at a time. Using more than one would increase your risk of experiencing side effects. Do not cut or trim patches. This will interfere with how the nicotine is released from the patch. Only use the nicotine patches as directed. Remove the patch two hours before prolonged strenuous activity or going scuba diving. These activities may increase your risk of experiencing side effects. If you find yourself still craving cigarettes while using the patch, speak with your doctor or pharmacist to see what options (such as using nicotine gum and the patch together) are available for you. But remember that PharmaCare will only cover one smoking cessation aid per calendar year: January 1st through December 31st). 5 NICOTINE GUM (THRIVE™) This section describes Thrive™ gum (2mg/4mg), the only brand of nicotine gum covered under the BC Smoking Cessation Program. Thrive™ gum is a non-prescription (over-the-counter) nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) product and only contains nicotine and none of the other toxins that are in tobacco smoke. Each piece of gum has nicotine in it, which is released when chewed, allowing you to receive nicotine when you have a craving for a cigarette. For information on quitting smoking, check out our Guide to QuittinG. AdvantaGes of usinG nicotine Gum: It’s good for occasional smokers to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings and manage stress. You can use the gum to help you reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke daily. WarninGs and precautions: Stop usinG the nicotine Gum immediately and see your doctor if you have chest pain, irregular heartbeat, palpitations, leg pain or persistent stomach pain. If you have an active jaw disease or jaw/dental pain you should use a different form of NRT, as these conditions will make it difficult to chew the gum. Consult your doctor or pharmacist prior to starting the nicotine gum if the following apply to you: pregnant or breastfeeding being treated for any serious heart condition heart attack or stroke within last 2 weeks require kidney dialysis use any prescribed medication regularly How to use nicotine Gum properly: Nicotine gum is available in two strengths (2mg and 4 mg) so choose which is right for you. Nicotine gum shouldn’t be chewed like regular chewing gum: Avoid acidic food or beverages like coffee, tea, juice, and soda 15 minutes before using the gum. The acid in these products can prevent your mouth from absorbing the nicotine from the gum. Use bite-park technique. 'Bite' the gum once or twice, then “park” the gum in the corner of your mouth (between your cheek and gums). Wait one minute, bite the gum a few more times, and then “park” the gum again.