5 Fast Facts About Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Cigarettes contain nicotine, a drug that causes addiction and tolerance (i.e., over time, the body needs more nicotine). This can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit smoking. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) increases the chances of quitting by easing these withdrawal symptoms. Let’s find out more.

NRT Reduces Cravings and Can Help You Stop Smoking 

NRT supplies nicotine to the body to replace the nicotine from cigarettes and to help reduce nicotine cravings when quitting. The amount of nicotine supplied is slowly reduced over time to decrease dependency and help you quit smoking.

Nicotine Patch, Nicotine Gum and Nicotine Lozenge Are Types of NRT

There are three types: nicotine patch, nicotine gum, and lozenge. They're sold in most pharmacies, where quitters can also get help and advice from pharmacists.

NRT Meets Different Needs

There are different NRT types, strength, and duration to cater to the different levels of dependency on nicotine, cigarettes per day, smoking habits and lifestyles.

Smoking and NRT Don't Go Well Together

NRT aims to reduce the amount of nicotine in the body to help you quit smoking. Smoking and using NRT at the same time increases the total amount of nicotine taken into the body and could make NRT less effective.

It's Normal to Have Nicotine Cravings on NRT

The 4Ds can help - distract, delay, drink water, deep breathing. Pharmacists can also give advice on NRT strength, types, and techniques.

Quit smoking made easier with Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

Resources for Quitting

Join the I Quit Programme and remain smoke free for 28 days and you are 5 times more likely to quit smoking. You can nominate your loved ones as a supporter when you sign up for the programme. Validate your smoke-free status and redeem a HPB eVoucher* worth $50 at the 28th day milestone. Keep going and you'll also receive eVouchers* worth $30 and $20 at the 3rd month and 6th month milestone respectively! Do note that NRT is not provided as part of the I Quit Programme.

*Terms and conditions apply


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