Available through thackers pharmacy is the smoking cessation program designed to aid the process of stopping smoking through counselling, providing life style advice, addressing the worries the smoker may have and provide the most suitable products to aid the process. Throughout the process giving the smoker the choice is essential in the success of the program. If you are entitled to free prescriptions then this stop smoking service is FREE otherwise it is the same as a prescription charge. We can help you quit smoking.
Deaths related to smoking are among the highest known in the UK accounting for around 114,000 deaths in the UK alone each year. These include lung cancer, cardiovascular disease and emphysema as well as other chronic lung diseases.
Cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemical compounds and at least 400 toxic substances. Substances includes tar – a carcinogen (substances that cause cancer), nicotine – the addictive substance leading to addiction but also increases the level of cholesterol in the body, carbon monoxide – poisons substance that reduced the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, as well as rat poison.
There are many factors that need to be considered with regards to the l ong term affects of cigarettes including the number of cigarettes smoked per day, the duration of smoking (number of years), and the concentration of toxic substance in the cigarette.
There are many different ways and products available for smokers who are thinking about quitting. These are designed to address the different concerns and addiction habits that smokers may have. It is essential that throughout the whole process smokers are reminded of the benefits of quitting to smoke and that just because they have tried a product that may not have worked there are many other options still available.
Available through thackers pharmacy is the smoking cessation program designed to aid the process of stopping smoking through counselling, providing life style advice, addressing the worries the smoker may have and provide the most suitable products to aid the process. Throughout the process giving the smoker the choice is essential in the success of the program. If you are entitled to free prescriptions then this service is FREE otherwise it is the same as a prescription charge, which is £7.40. We can help you quit smoking.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the use of different nicotine delivery systems to deal with the addictive substance of smoking which aids the process of quitting smoking. They deal with the withdrawal symptoms and cravings smokers have when quitting. Many different products are available such as nicotine patch, inhaler, nasal spray, gum and lozenge.
Nicotine patches: there are many different brands and strengths of patches depending on patient preference and at was stage they are with quitting to smoke. The use of 16hr patches or 24hr patches differ depending on the smoking habits of patients. The patch is designed to release a steady release of nicotine in order to deal with the cravings to smoke as a side effect of the addictive power of the nicotine. Most smokers start with the higher strength patches and slowly reduce the strength. There are guidelines on how and where to apply the patches which we will go through.
Nicotine inhalator: the inhalator is a mouthpiece with a replaceable cartridge. Again it is designed to deliver nicotine to deal with the addiction process. However, the inhalator has an added advantage that if the patient has a physical addiction by the use of cigarette, the inhalator can deal with this addiction. The inhalator can also be used to prep the patient in reducing the number of cigarettes smoked.
Nicotine gum: this delivery system is designed to release nicotine from the gum and for it to be absorbed into the bloodstream. In order for this to happen, then this medicine should not be chewed like a normal chewing gum. Instead it should be chewed slowly and once the flavour intensifies, the gum should be placed around the cheeks allowing the nicotine to be absorbed. Once the gum begins to lose its taste, then the gum should be replaced, usually this occurs within 30 minutes. The gum should be used whenever there is a urge to smoke, aiding the process of quitting to smoke. There are two different strengths 4mg and 2mg, and the choice in strength depends on the number of cigarettes smoked per day.
Nicotine lozenges: The lozenges work in a similar way to gum and also comes in different strengths. The concept behind both is that there should be a gradual reduction in the numbers used
Nicotine nasal spray: the nasal spray is particularly effective for heavy smokers as it has a rapid rate of absorption of nicotine. It is important that patients on this product read the instructions on how and how many to use.