Smoker Statistics• Tobacco use remains the single most

preventable cause of death in the United States • more deaths than alcohol, AIDS, illegal drugs, car

crashes, fires, murders, and suicides COMBINED

• Over 400,000 Americans die each year from tobacco-related illnesses• Someone dies from smoking every 72 seconds

• An estimated 25.9 million men and 22.8 million women in the US are smokers

Quick Facts• Lung cancer is the leading cause of death

for both men and women who smoke• Most preventable form of cancer• 87% of lung cancers are do to tobacco• There were 173,770 new cases of lung

cancer in 2004• The risk of dying from lung cancer

increases in smokers

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking• The moment you stop smoking your body starts to heal

itself:• 20 minutes

• Pulse rate drops to normal• Blood pressure becomes normal• Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal

• 8 Hours• Oxygen levels in blood increase to normal• Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal

• 24 hours• Chance of heart attack decreases

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking• 48 Hours

• Nerve endings start to re-grow• Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

• 2 Weeks to 3 Months• Circulation improves• Walking becomes easier• Lung function increases up to 30%

• 1 to 9 Months• Body’s overall energy increases• Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath

decreases• Cells in lungs re-grow increasing the ability to handle mucus and

reduce infection

The Benefits of Quitting Smoking• 1 Year

• Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker

• 5 Years• Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5-15

years after quitting• Risk of cancer is half of smoker’s risk

• 10 Years• Precancerous cells are replaced• Lung cancer death rate is similar to a non-smoker

• 15 years• Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker

Tips to Help You Quit• Use of nicotine replacement therapy strategies double

your chances of success• Participate in smoke-free activities• Ask for the support of others; tell them about your desire

to quit and when your quit date is• Avoid or change situations you strongly associate with

smoking• Reward yourself!• Encourage yourself not to smoke no matter what

happens, even in very difficult times• Plan new ways to deal with emotional and stressful situations

• Start thinking of and calling yourself a NON-SMOKERCLICK HERE FOR MOR INFORMATION ABOUT QUIT PLANS

Medication Therapy - OTC• Nicotine gum

• Nicorette®

• Nicotine lozenge• Commit® lozenge

• Nicotine patch• Nicoderm® CQ,

Nicotrol® etc..

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NICOTINE REPLACEMENT

Medication Therapy - Rx• Nicotine inhaler

• Nicotrol® (cartridges)

• Nicotine nasal spray• Nicotrol® NS

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NICOTINE REPLACEMENT

Medication Therapy - Rx• Buproprion SR

• Zyban®• Varenicline

• Chantix®

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NICOTINE REPLACEMENT

Wrap-up• Smoking is the most preventable cause of death in US• Quitting results in:

• Saved $$• Improvement in health status

• Blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular health, respiratory health (lungs),

• Avoidance of medication interactions

• Ask your pharmacist for helpful tips on how to quit:• Setting a quit date• Planning ahead for difficult situations• Anticipation of cravings• Relapse prevention• Withdrawal symptoms

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SMOKING CESSATION

Wrap-up• Variety of different treatment options

• Behavioral, non-pharmacologic, pharmacologic (OTC, Rx)

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist regarding your plans to quit, support and also, for recommendations on which product to choose

• Don’t be set back by side effects; you’re doing a world of good for yourself by quitting!!

• Follow-up with a healthcare provider (MD or R.Ph.) –We are here to support you!!!

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SMOKING CESSATION

THANK YOU!Pharmacy Outreach ProgramUniversity of Rhode Island

College of Pharmacy1-800-215-9001