If you have already quit smoking – congratulations! You have done the best thing possible to improve your health and slow the progression of your COPD.
If you smoke, today is a great day to quit smoking. Quitting prevents additional lung damage and makes it less likely that you will get chest infections, coughs and mucus build-up.
You are not alone during your quit journey.
People have been most successful in quitting when they combine counselling/support services along with nicotine replacement therapies or other medications. We suggest developing a quit plan with the help of your health care provider to find the best options for you. Certain medications may not be recommended for you (E.g., interactions with other medication etc.). Medications can have side effects as well. For this reason, it is best to work with your health care provider.
Karen, diagnosed with COPD and quit smoking
Medical treatments to help you quit smoking
- Nicotine replacement therapy (NRTs), (nicotine patch, gum or lozenges, nasal spray and mouth spray). The goal of NRTs is to replace the nicotine you get from smoking without the harmful health effects. Nicotine is the addictive component in tobacco. You can get these without a prescription at most pharmacies.
- Bupropion hydrochloride and varenicline tartrate: These are prescription medication in a pill form that work on the “addiction centre” in the brain, reducing your craving to smoke.
E-cigarettes (vapes) are Not Proven to be a Safe and Effective Way to Quit
Health Canada has stated that vaping can increase your exposure to chemicals that could harm your health (E.g. cause lung damage). People who use e-cigarettes inhale unknown and harmful substances. We encourage people who are trying to quit smoking to use quit methods that are known to be safe, effective and approved by Health Canada.
Resources to help you Quit Smoking
- Lung Association Helpline 1-833-385-LUNG (5864)
- Your family doctor or pharmacist
- The Lung Association’s Smoking Cessation Support Group (Saskatchewan Quits)
- Ready. Set. Quit. A free downloadable guide to assist you with your journey to kit smoking.
- A local quit specialist
- Smokers Helpline