The market for Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products is expected to grow exponentially in the next decade. According to a report by Globe Newswire, the market value for NRTs may reach up to $300 billion by 2032. Smokers increasingly turn to these products to cut back or eliminate the habit. NRT methods are said to increase the chances of quitting, with multiple studies proving that nicotine therapy is more effective than going cold turkey.
Even with this demand, some are still unaware of NRT as an option and its benefits. This article explores how it works and lists today’s most common NRT products.
A background on NRT
In 2018, around 55% of adult American smokers wanted to quit the habit. However, only 7.5% of these individuals were successful by the end of the year. There are multiple factors behind this but research from Oxford Academic highlights the importance of nicotine substitution for quitting, stating that it is the preferred method for regular smokers.
Replacement therapy is one such treatment in which users are given controlled doses of nicotine to combat the urge to smoke. Methods for NRT are usually smokeless and tobacco-free. They work by curbing cravings and alleviating withdrawal symptoms, which include weight gain, insomnia, and mood swings. As one of the most helpful tools for smoking cessation, a healthcare provider prescribes some NRT products, but some options are also available over the counter.
These products come in many forms, and listed below are some of the most commonly seen in the market:
Most popular NRT products
Pouches
NRT products have the advantage of being convenient and diverse. They can make the smoking cessation experience more enjoyable since they come in a range of unique flavors, as demonstrated by the ZYN nicotine pouches at Prilla. These pouches come in cinnamon, cool mint, coffee, and many more flavors. They are discreet to use as they only have to be tucked between the upper lip and the gum to release nicotine. Users also get to choose how strong they want their dosage to be, which means they can be used for a heavy smoker wishing to wean themselves off gently or an occasional smoker needing a low dose to keep cravings at bay.
Lozenges
Similarly, tablets from Nicorette are available in multiple strengths, depending on how many cigarettes an individual used to smoke. They are also taken orally but compared to pouches, they dissolve slowly on the tongue. Users are also instructed to move them occasionally from one side of the mouth to the other; they should not be chewed or swallowed. At the moment, they are only offered in traditional mint or fruity flavors.
Gum
For a more classic smoking alternative, there are gum NRT options. Sugar-free Nicotex Gum created by Cipla releases nicotine when chewed. However, their instructions are a bit more complicated than regular chewing gum. Users should bite down slowly until they have a tingling sensation in the mouth. The gum must then be held between the cheeks and the gums for a minute so that the body can absorb the nicotine. Their only flavor is mint, but fruit flavors are available from other brands.
Patches
For a non-oral administration, dermal patches are also a popular choice. The nicotine patches offered by NicoDerm come in three strengths and are typically placed on the skin for an entire day. Conveniently, they can still be worn while bathing and are commonly used on the arm, chest, or back. When replacing a patch, it’s recommended to stick it on a different area to avoid skin irritation. It’s also important to wash your hands after applying a patch to ensure no traces of nicotine are left on the fingers.
With all of these options for nicotine replacement therapy, quitting the habit can be easier. For more information on similar treatments, visit The Life Vision.
