The New York State Smokers' Quitline (Quitline)
reminds New York State residents that cigarettes and vape products are highly
addictive. To overcome this addiction, the use of FDA-approved medications
known as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help alleviate physical
cravings as part of a tobacco-free journey. As is the case with all
medications, NRT is most effective when used as directed.
"The FDA includes seven types of NRT medications,
each with its own unique method of delivery," said Dr. Martin Mahoney, the Quitline's medical director and professor of oncology
at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y. (Dr.
Mahoney is pictured at left, shown in a video-still from a NRT lozenge tutorial
at nysmokefree.com.
"Sometimes, tobacco and vape product users need to try different NRT
medications to determine what works best for them. Combining medications can be
quite effective to tackle both short-term and long-term urges. NRT is very safe
to use, but I recommend tobacco users first consult their healthcare
professionals and the Quitline's knowledgeable Quit Coaches when beginning a
quit-journey."
The Quitline provides coaching support seven days a week via phone at 1-866-NY-QUITS
(1-866-697-8487), through text messaging and online at nysmokefree.com. Most
participants are eligible to receive a free starter kit of NRT medications
shipped to their home address, usually consisting of nicotine patches and/or
nicotine gum or lozenges.
The Quitline's Quit Coaches found
sometimes people use NRT too sparingly or, conversely, as a permanent
substitute for cigarettes and/or vape products. When used as directed, NRT
medications should be eventually weaned once the person transitions to a tobacco-free
lifestyle. Continued use of cigarette and/or vape products while using NRT will
essentially render the medication treatment ineffective.
Some of the Quit Coaches also offer the following considerations for effective
NRT use:
- "Rotate where you place
the nicotine patch each day to avoid skin irritation – place it
below your neck, above your waist and away from your heart." – Effie
- "Make a plan to
decrease your nicotine gum usage each week, and use the gum to control
urges rather than to replace past smoking/vaping routines." – Darlene
- "Avoid acidic
substances such as coffee, soft drinks and juices for 15 minutes prior to
and during nicotine gum use, in order to improve the medication
absorption." – Ange
- "When using the
nicotine lozenge, remember not to chew or suck on it – rather, place it
between your gum and cheek." – Caitlin
NRT is an important part of a quit-journey; additional resources for behavior
modifications will increase the odds for prolonged success in becoming
tobacco-free. The Quitline encourages all participants to develop a
comprehensive quit-plan in consultation with their healthcare professionals and
to participate in a local cessation program if available. While no one approach
works best to become tobacco-free, proven FDA-approved NRT medications can make
the quit-process easier. Overcoming nicotine addiction, despite its challenges,
is one of the best things one can do to live a happier, healthier and longer
life.
The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a service of
the New York State Department of Health and based at Roswell Park Comprehensive
Cancer Center. It is one of the first and busiest state quitlines in the
nation, and has responded to nearly 3 million calls since it began operating in
2000. The Quitline encourages tobacco and vape product users to talk with their
healthcare professionals and access available Medicaid or health insurance
benefits for medication support. All New York State residents can call 1-866-NY-QUITS
(1-866-697-8487) for coaching and resources, free of charge, seven days a week
beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.nysmokefree.com
for more information.
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by
the drive to eliminate cancer's grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets
through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope.
Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer
Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn
more at www.roswellpark.org,
or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@roswellpark.org.