A community pharmacist is reviewing a prescription for a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) combination for a patient who wants to quit smoking. The

Question

A community pharmacist is reviewing a prescription for a nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) combination for a patient who wants to quit smoking. The prescription is for nicotine patches 21 mg/24 hours and nicotine inhalator 15 mg cartridges. The patient asks whether using both is necessary. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Combination NRT is more effective than single NRT, with the patch providing background nicotine and the inhalator managing breakthrough cravings

Answer

He should try the patch first for 2 weeks and only add the inhalator if it fails

Answer

He should use the inhalator alone as it better replicates the hand-to-mouth habit of smoking

Answer

Combination NRT is only recommended for people who smoke more than 40 cigarettes per day

Answer

Using both is unnecessary; the patch alone provides sufficient nicotine replacement

Combination NRT counselling — GPhC CRA MCQ