Chapter 1: Clinical Overview
“What medicines do you take, and do you have any health conditions?”
If there are no other medicines or health conditions, continue to other questions to identify their age and whether they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You must refer to the pharmacist, if in your conversation you discover that your patient:
has cardiovascular disease, diabetes or renal (kidney) disease
is under 18 years of age
is pregnant or breastfeeding
is on prescription medicines, particularly for mental health
“How soon after you wake up do you have your first cigarette?”
If after 2 or more hours
Recommend the middle strength patch (e.g. 14mg) and one of a lower strength gum (e.g. 2mg), lozenge (e.g. 1mg), spray (1mg) or inhalator (15mg).*
Within an hour of waking up, then ask:
How many cigarettes do you usually smoke a day?
Less than 10 cigarettes a day
Recommend the middle strength patch (e.g. 14mg) and one of a lower strength gum (e.g. 2mg), lozenge (e.g. 1mg), spray (1mg) or inhalator (15mg).*
More than 10 cigarettes a day
Recommend a high strength patch (e.g. 21mg) and one of a higher strength gum (e.g. 4mg), lozenge (e.g. 2mg), spray (1mg) or inhalator(15mg).*
* Follow the recommended dose information on the product packaging