NRTs give you a controlled dose of nicotine to help manage cravings while you quit smoking. It’s available in different forms:

• Patches (16hr or 24hr)
• Lozenges
• Microtabs
• Inhalators
• Nasal sprays
• Mouth sprays
• Chewing gum.

Find out more about how NRTs work and their benefits (NHS)

With this treatment type, you can opt for single therapy (one product) or dual therapy (e.g. patches and lozenges).

Our trained advisors will help you choose the right combination and provide a prescription. You may need to pay for this, but we'll explain how to save money with a prescription pre-payment certificate.

There are two options to choose from if your GP confirms it's suitable for you:

• Bupropion (Zyban) - a tablet that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It doesn’t contain nicotine and works by affecting brain chemicals linked to addiction. It may be suitable if you've tried other treatments without success.
  
  Bupropion may be less effective than other options like varenicline or NRTs + behavioural support.

• Varenicline - designed specifically to help people quit smoking. It works by making smoking less satisfying and easing withdrawal symptoms. It’s one of the most effective treatments when used with support from a trained advisor.
  
  In Hertfordshire, varenicline is only available on prescription as part of a structured quit programme.

Vaping is a popular and effective way to quit smoking. It mimics the hand-to-mouth action of smoking but is significantly safer than smoking.

To be eligible for vape products on our support programmes, you must:

• be 18 or older
• be motivated to quit
• have tried other medications
• not currently be using NRT, bupropion, varenicline, or e-cigarettes.

There are different ways to access a vape:

• Apply through Swap to Stop
• Download the Smoke Free app
• Purchase your own product.

Find out more about the benefits of e-cigarettes and the e-liquid options available

Some people benefit from using a vape alongside a single NRT product (like patches or lozenges). This combination can help manage both the physical cravings and the habit of smoking.

A trained advisor will help you decide if this approach is right for you.