Patches, gum & more

How does it work?

The patch is placed on your skin like a bandage, and delivers a steady amount of nicotine to satisfy cravings and reduce withdrawal. When used as directed, there is evidence that the nicotine patch can increase your chances of successfully quitting.

How do I get started?

Nicotine patches are available over the counter at your local pharmacy. They are fully covered for eligible BC residents by visiting your local pharmacy and signing a declaration form. You will be given a 4-week supply of the product that you want. You can have two refills, for a total of 12 weeks, and you have to go through the same process each time. 

Be sure to read the instructions on the package before using it, and if you have any of the listed medical conditions or are unsure if the patch is right for you, talk with a health care professional.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include mild itching, burning and tingling, headaches, dizziness, anxiety, sleep problems, upset stomach, and vivid dreams.

How does it work?

As you chew it, the gum releases nicotine, which is absorbed through your gums and cheek. To work correctly, it shouldn’t be chewed like regular gum. You must bite the gum a few times, then “park” the gum between your cheek and gum.

When used as directed, there is evidence that nicotine gum can increase your chances of successfully quitting. 

How do I get started?

Nicotine gum is available over the counter at your local pharmacy. They are fully covered for eligible BC residents by visiting your local pharmacy and signing a declaration form. You will be given a 4-week supply of the product that you want. You can have two refills, for a total of 12 weeks, and you have to go through the same process each time. 

Be sure to read the instructions on the package before using it, and if you have any of the listed medical conditions, or are unsure if the gum is right for you, talk with a health care professional.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include: hiccups, upset stomach and jaw pain caused by chewing, headaches, trouble sleeping, and nausea. Many of these side effects can be avoided by using the gum as directed, or changing the way you chew it.

How does it work?

The nicotine lozenge looks like hard candy and is placed in the mouth, where it slowly dissolves, releasing nicotine to help reduce nicotine withdrawal and cravings to smoke. When used as directed, there is evidence that the nicotine lozenge can increase your chances of quitting successfully

How do I get started?

Nicotine lozenges are available over the counter at your local pharmacy. They are fully covered for eligible BC residents by visiting your local pharmacy and signing a declaration form. You will be given a 4-week supply of the product that you want. You can have two refills, for a total of 12 weeks, and you have to go through the same process each time. 

Be sure to read the instructions on the package before using it, and if you have any of the listed medical conditions, or are unsure if the lozenges are right for you, talk with a health care professional.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include mouth, throat or tongue irritation, nausea, stomach upset, headaches, hiccups, and taste change.

How does it work?

Nicotine mouth spray delivers a specific amount of nicotine to the user with each spray, and can control cravings in 60 seconds.

The nicotine spray helps to reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms and urges to smoke. When used as directed, there is evidence that the nicotine mouth spray can increase your chances of quitting successfully

How do I get started?

Nicotine mouth spray is available over the counter at your local pharmacy. It is not covered under the PharmaCare BC Smoking Cessation Program. Be sure to read the instructions on the package before using it, and if you have any of the listed medical conditions, or are unsure if the spray is right for you, talk with a health care professional

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include tingling lips, hiccups, strong taste, throat irritation, nausea, heartburn.

Prescription drugs like Varenicline (Champix) and Bupropion (Zyban) do not contain nicotine, but work directly on the brain to stop cravings before they begin. They can be used on their own or in combination with nicotine products like patches and gum, but you'll need a prescription, so speak to your doctor first.

Varenicline

How does it work?

Varenicline, also known as Champix®, blocks the effects of nicotine and reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms. If you start smoking again while taking the medicine, you won't feel as satisfied. This improves your chances of quitting.

How do I get started?

Varenicline is only available by prescription from your doctor. It is one of two prescription medications covered under the The PharmaCare BC Smoking Cessation Program. You can get coverage for 12 weeks and is based on your income level and Pharmacare plan.

Note: Start taking Varenicline two weeks before you quit smoking. This builds up the level of medicine in your body.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, gas and constipation, insomnia and abnormal dreams, headaches, mood and behavioural changes.

Bupropion

How does it work?

Bupropion also known as Zyban®, can help balance chemicals in your brain to reduce your withdrawal symptoms and cravings to smoke. When used as directed, there is evidence that Bupropion can increase your chances of quitting successfully

How do I get started? 

Bupropion is only available by prescription from your doctor. It is one of two prescription medications covered under The PharmaCare BC Smoking Cessation Program. You can get coverage for 12 weeks and is based on your income level and Pharmacare plan.

Note: Start taking Bupropion about two weeks before you quit smoking. This builds up the level of medicine in your body.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, shakiness or nervousness, weight loss.