Staying Quit

Quitting isn’t easy. It can take multiple tries before you quit for keeps. Be prepared for slip-ups and have a plan to get back on track. Our coaches are always here to help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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E-cigarettes/vapes are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as aids to quit smoking.

E-cigarettes/vapes may help some people quit smoking but are not without risk. Nicotine in any form is not safe. Many  of the same toxic chemicals found in cigarettes and secondhand smoke are also in vapes. Vaping nicotine damages your lungs and send heavy metals into your body with each inhale. Research shows that the best way to quit nicotine is with counseling and quit medications. If you quit smoking by vaping – congratulations! Now work on quitting nicotine completely. Let us help!

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products - or quit medications - that do not need a doctor's prescription might by suggested by your coach. These medications can help with cravings and withdrawal and are free through the SC Tobacco Quitline. You may be referred to your own health plan if those benefits are better than what we can offer. People insured by SC Healthy Connections Medicaid can get a starter kit of NRT after enrolling in SC Tobacco Quitline services. Medicaid participants will then be referred to their Medicaid provider to continue getting quit medications. SC Healthy Connections Medicaid covers all seven FDA-approved quit medications with no copay, no pre-authorization, and will even cover combo medications. Talk to your doctor about the quit medications, including prescription medications, that are right for you.

Non-Prescription Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) Products:

• Gum - Releases nicotine when you chew and park it between your gums to allow you to control your dosage.
• Patch - Good for long-lasting craving relief. Placed on the skin, it gradually releases a steady supply of nicotine into your bloodstream.
• Lozenge - Use like a regular lozenge. Nicotine lozenges offer the same benefits of gum without chewing.

Prescription-Only Products:

• Inhaler - Allows you to inhale a set amount of nicotine through your mouth.
• Nasal Spray - Allows you to spray a set amount of nicotine into your nose.
• Bupropion - Helps with cravings, anxiety, and irritability. This medication does not contain nicotine and can be used in combination with NRT products.
• Varenicline - Makes cravings and withdrawal easier to handle. It works by making tobacco use feel less enjoyable. Follow your doctor's orders about using varenicline with other quit medications and medications for depression or anxiety.

Combo Therapy:

Can't decide what will work best for you? It's true that people are more successful with the added support of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products. You can have an even greater impact by combining different types of NRT products.

You can combine the longer-lasting patch with either gum or lozenges, which act faster. You can use nicotine gum and patches together, or you can use nicotine lozenges and patches together. The patch can provide up to 24 hours of nicotine to keep you comfortable, while the gum or lozenge can add a quick boost of nicotine to get you through challenges and help you manage cravings.

The combo therapy approach can give you more relief than you might get using any single product. Talk with your doctor or coach to see if combo therapy is right for you.

Note: There can be side effects from quit medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects will vary from person to person.

Disclaimer: The content on this website is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not meant to be medical or professional advice. No material on this site should be used in place of professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions about medical conditions or treatment.