Stop Smoking Let Boots help you to kick the habit

I want to quit: How can Boots help me?

We have stop-smoking products, pharmacy support, advice, and even a prescription medicine which you can access through an online consultation without the need to visit your doctor. We have both in-store and online options, so you can get the support you need in the way that suits you best.

What are my options?

Where can I buy nicotine replacement therapy products?

Stopping smoking: Nicotine replacement therapy

Boots has a wide range of products, online and in store, to help curb those cravings.

Boots has different types of nicotine replacement therapy products, including gum, patches, nasal sprays and inhalators, so you can choose the type of product that best fits your lifestyle.

Visit our online health shop

Where can I get face-to-face help?

NHS Stop Smoking Services: What's involved?

We understand you will need a lot of willpower and support. If you prefer to speak to a pharmacist in person then an NHS Stop Smoking Service at Boots could be suitable for you.

NHS Stop Smoking services* vary across the country, but in general they will involve:

• A private and confidential consultation with your Stop Smoking advisor who will find out about your smoking habit. It will give you a chance to ask any questions you may have and then discuss what your options are.
• Attending regular sessions with your Stop Smoking advisor so that you get ongoing support to help you stay on track.
• Supply of appropriate nicotine replacement products that you may find helpful, such as patches, lozenges and gum.
• In some Boots pharmacies we can offer you a Smokerlyzer test to find out more about your carbon monoxide levels.
• Advice about the health benefits of stopping smoking and top tips to help you curb the cravings you are likely to feel.

*Charges may apply. Available in selected stores.

To find your nearest participating store, please check our store locator.

What is the prescription treatment available online?

Prescription medicines: Champix

If you have already tried to quit with nicotine replacement therapy, you may be able to get a prescription medicine from the Boots online Stop Smoking Clinic.

Champix is a prescription medicine to help you give up smoking which you can access via an online consultation from Boots.com without the need to visit your doctor first.

However Champix is not suitable for everyone and you must be aged 18 or over to order it from Boots. Firstly, we will need to assess whether you can take this medication through our online consultation.

How much does Champix cost?

The cost of Champix will vary depending on the quantity ordered. As a guide, a usual course of treatment lasts 12 weeks.

Quantity	Cost
Starter Pack (2 weeks) *	£48.45
Four weeks supply	£89.40
Eight weeks supply	£171.3

*On first completing the online consultation, if appropriate, you will be offered the Champix Starter Pack which contains two weeks supply with both 0.5mg and 1mg tablets. On reordering, you will be given the choice of which strength of tablet with which to continue.

What do I do next?

When you click to get started, if you are an existing customer you will be asked to log in to your account. If not, you will be asked to register for an account. This only takes a few minutes and you will then be able complete the online consultation and order your treatment.

You will then follow three simple steps:

Step 1	Step 2	Step 3
Complete the online consultation	Choose your treatment quantity, select delivery option and make your payment online.	Collect your treatment from one of our selected Boots pharmacies or have it delivered to you.

How do I take Champix?

If you are considering taking Champix, here is some more patient information.

The usual course of treatment for Champix is 12 weeks. You need to start taking it one to two weeks before the date you actually want to stop smoking, so that your body can adjust to the treatment.

Timing	Dosage
Week 1: First three days	Take one 0.5mg tablet each day
Week 1: Days four to seven	Take one 0.5mg tablet once in the morning and once in the evening, at about the same time every day
Until the end of the treatment which may be 12 or 24 weeks	Take one 1mg tablet twice a day

If you experience any adverse effects from taking the Champix Starter Pack we can reduce the dosage that you are taking. The second time you order we will ask if you wish to continue on the 1mg tablet or not. Further orders cannot have a different strength.

Are there any side effects?

Champix can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Reported side effects include:

• Headaches
• Difficulty sleeping
• Abnormal dreams
• Nausea

Other possible side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Stomach discomfort

Less common side effects include:

• Feeling weak or unwell
• Mood swings
• Disturbed vision

What if I need a repeat order?

You can purchase multiple packs of Champix to cover 12 weeks of treatment. If it has been successful but you feel a longer period of treatment will help you stay off nicotine, then you may be able to continue treatment for a further 12 weeks.

Is Champix the only option?

Champix is the only prescription medicine to help you stop smoking that you can get from Boots without going to see your doctor. Zyban is another prescription treatment but you must have a prescription from your doctor to get this from Boots.

If you don't want a prescription medicine or it is not suitable to help you to stop smoking, there are other products you could consider. The Boots health shop has many nicotine replacement products including patches, lozenges and gum, which you may find beneficial.

You can also visit participating Boots stores to find out more about the NHS Stop Smoking Service, to see if this might be suitable to you.

Whatever you decide, we know that giving up smoking is important for your health, so please remember that a Boots pharmacist will always be happy to talk to you and give you any advice and support that you need.

Click here to find out more about our online clinics.

Read more on the Patient Information Leaflet.

Click here to read a copy of the patient guide

I already have a prescription, where can I get it dispensed?

How can I get my medicines?

If you already have a prescription you can choose to take it to a Boots pharmacy or you can get it dispensed online.

If you already have a prescription for a smoking cessation treatment you can either take it into your Boots pharmacy, or you can follow three simple steps to get your prescription dispensed online.

Stopping smoking: The benefits

Remember that although it may take time, stopping smoking is good for your health. By stopping smoking you are reducing the risk of developing serious illnesses such as certain forms of cancer and heart disease. You've made the first important step by reading this information, so let us work with you to get the help you need. Whatever you decide your Boots pharmacist will be able to help and advise you.

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