Some stop smoking aids are available on prescription, but you can also buy them in pharmacies.
There are three types of product to help you stop smoking; NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) products, tablets such as Champix, and e-cigarettes. The first two of these may be available on prescription from your GP or local stop smoking service. However, there may be time constraints or other criteria you need to meet in order to qualify for this. Your GP may also give you a prescription for stop smoking products if you have a health condition which is worsened by smoking. E-cigarettes are not available on a prescription.
Not everyone wants to visit their GP or local stop smoking service when they want to quit, and not everyone is eligible for a prescription.
Stop smoking treatments are also available from your local Well Pharmacy.
Don’t be put off by the fact that stop smoking treatments may cost you. The long term financial savings from giving up smoking will mean you make that money back in no time. According to the NHS, the average smoker saves £250 a month, or £3000 a year, when they give us. The NHS cost calculator can help you work out how much you could save a year.
Getting face to face support can increase your chances of quitting for good. Many Well Pharmacy branches offer this service - find out what support you can access at your local Well.