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lthough smoking is often touted as an expensive habit, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to aid in quitting smoking can seem like an expensive purchase as well. The reluctance to spend money on smoking cessation products leads many smokers to try to do it “cold turkey” - the most popular method for quitting smoking, but also one that frequently leads to relapse. However, the use of NRT products to quit smoking can almost triple a smoker’s chances of success. Two of the more common over-the-counter medications are nicotine gum and nicotine lozenges. These treatments are oral dosage forms of nicotine and work as temporary aids to help reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Other effective smoking cessation products are available both over-the-counter and by prescription, including
patches, nasal sprays and other medications. “Your best chances for success in quitting smoking are using a medication and counseling. There are a number of options consumers have to save money on quitting smoking therapies,” says Dr. Tom Peterson, smoking cessation expert and chair of Tobacco Free Partners. “They don’t need to go at it alone just because money is tight. The first option is to consider purchasing ‘store-brand’ NRT products, which can be found in most retailers across the nation under their own brands. Store-brand NRT products are significantly less expensive but are equivalent to the national brands, in terms of both FDA regulation and efficacy.” To find even more savings, individuals can regularly monitor retailers’ circular flyers and websites, and retailers will often discount NRT