Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (generally called NRT) aims to reduce the cravings and withdrawal symptoms that occur when you stop smoking. Clinical trials show that NRT can increase the chance of quitting smoking by 50-70%, compared to quitting without help.
NRT can be used whilst pregnant and breastfeeding if a woman is otherwise unable to quit smoking. In pregnancy, oral NRT is preferred to patches. However, if a woman cannot tolerate oral forms of NRT, or requires combination therapy to control withdrawal symptoms, patches can be used but should be removed at night. Whilst a woman is breastfeeding, using oral NRT before breastfeeding is recommended, however it is always better to use NRT instead of smoking. To find out more go to Breastfeeding and smoking or vaping | Australian Breastfeeding Association
NRT products are available over the counter in pharmacies, supermarkets and other stores. All inpatients of a NSW Health Facility, who have used NRT whilst in hospital, should leave with 3x days of FREE NRT upon discharge, the same. Patients can also be provided with a script for nicotine patches by their GP. A script will provide them subsidised nicotine patches subsidised under the PBS: Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | The Closing the Gap (CTG) – PBS Co-payment Program
- Medicare Card = no more than $30
- Concession Card = no more than $7.80
- Closing the Gap/Medicare Card = no more than $7.30
- Closing the Gap/Concession Card = $0.00 (FREE)
For more detailed information, including how Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) works, precautions, and guidance for pregnant or breastfeeding women go to iCanQuit | Quit Smoking | Nicotine Replacement Therapy | NRT
If you would like to get in contact with a member of the Health Promotion Team, please email mnclhd-hp@health.nsw.gov.au
Available from pharmacies and some supermarkets, without a prescription, NRT comes in different forms, as listed below. You can watch videos on how to use each one.