Smoking Control

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the UK, responsible for approximately 76,000 deaths each year. Quitting smoking is one of the most impactful steps you can take for your health, reducing your risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and many other conditions. However, nicotine addiction makes quitting difficult, which is where nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) can help.

NRT works by providing a controlled, low dose of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke. This helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier to break the smoking habit. Clinical evidence shows that using NRT can double your chances of successfully quitting compared to willpower alone.

Cloud Pharmacy stocks over 220 smoking cessation products, including nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, mouth sprays and inhalers from trusted brands. All products are dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy team and delivered discreetly to your door.

NRT products are suitable for adults aged 18 and over who smoke and want to quit or reduce their cigarette consumption. These treatments may be appropriate if you:

• Are ready to set a quit date and stop smoking
• Want to gradually reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke before quitting fully
• Have tried to quit before without success
• Experience withdrawal symptoms such as cravings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, or restlessness when you try to stop

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or midwife before using NRT. They can advise on the safest options. NRT is generally considered safer than continuing to smoke during pregnancy, but medical guidance is recommended.

• Do not smoke while using NRT products, as this can lead to nicotine overdose
• Tell your pharmacist if you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver or kidney disease, a stomach ulcer, or thyroid problems before starting NRT
• Nicotine patches should be applied to a clean, dry, hairless area of skin and rotated daily to avoid skin irritation
• Nicotine gum should be chewed slowly and intermittently (the "chew and park" method) - chewing too quickly can cause nausea, hiccups and jaw discomfort
• If you experience persistent side effects or symptoms of nicotine overdose (nausea, dizziness, rapid heartbeat), stop using the product and seek advice

Nicotine Patches

Patches deliver a steady, controlled dose of nicotine through the skin over 16 or 24 hours. They are available in step-down strengths (typically 25mg, 15mg and 10mg for Nicorette, or 21mg, 14mg and 7mg for Niquitin), allowing you to gradually reduce your nicotine intake over an 8–12 week programme. Patches are suited to people who smoke consistently throughout the day and prefer a "set it and forget it" approach.

Nicotine Gum

Nicotine gum provides rapid relief from cravings by releasing nicotine as you chew. It is available in 2mg (for those smoking fewer than 20 cigarettes per day) and 4mg (for heavier smokers) strengths. Nicorette gum comes in freshmint and fruitfusion flavours. Gum is ideal for people who want to manage cravings as they occur throughout the day.

Nicotine Lozenges

Lozenges dissolve slowly in the mouth and release nicotine over several minutes. Like gum, they are available in 2mg and 4mg strengths. Nicorette Cools and Niquitin Minis are popular options. Lozenges are discreet and convenient, suited to people who prefer not to chew gum or who find gum uncomfortable.

Inhalators and Mouth Sprays

Nicorette QuickMist mouth spray delivers a fast burst of nicotine when sprayed under the tongue or inside the cheek, providing craving relief in as little as 60 seconds. The Nicorette nasal spray also offers rapid delivery. These formats are suited to people who experience intense, sudden cravings and need immediate relief. They also mimic the hand-to-mouth action of smoking, which some people find helpful.

• Step 1: Browse the range or filter by category (patches, gum, lozenges, sprays)
• Step 2: Select the product and add it to your basket
• Step 3: Complete a short online assessment
• Step 4: Once approved, your order is dispensed and dispatched with discreet delivery

NHS - Stop smoking treatments: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/
NICE - Tobacco: preventing uptake, promoting quitting and treating dependence (NG209)
NHS - Nicotine replacement therapy: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stop-smoking-treatments/
MHRA - Nicotine replacement therapy: product safety information