What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy?
Using the right product, and using it correctly, can improve your chances of quitting successfully.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a clinically proven method that helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while you quit smoking or vaping. It provides controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes or vape aerosols.
Instead of quitting abruptly, NRT helps stabilize cravings so you can focus on changing routines and building smoke-free habits.It provides controlled doses of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes or vape aerosols.
How NRT Works
Stay consistent
Using NRT regularly helps manage cravings and keeps you on track.
Stay consistent
Correct use helps stop sudden urges that often lead to relapse.
Supports gradual reduction
NRT lets you taper nicotine over time instead of quitting abruptly.
Focus on habit change
With physical cravings stabilized, you can focus on breaking routines tied to smoking.
How Much Nicotine Do People Actually Absorb?
Nicotine levels from cigarettes, vaping, and NRT are often misunderstood. Your body absorbs less nicotine than many people expect.
Cigarettes
A cigarette contains more nicotine than your body absorbs
Most smokers absorb approximately 1mg of nicotine per cigarette.
- Around 1mg if smoking while talking
- Around 2mg if smoking most of the cigarette
10 cigarettes/day → about 10–20mg absorbed
20 cigarettes/day → about 20–40mg absorbed
Vaping
Nicotine absorbed from vaping varies widely depending on:
Device type, Puff frequency, Nicotine concentration, Vaping style
Research estimates that many regular vapers absorb roughly:
10–30 mg of nicotine per dayHowever, absorption can vary significantly between individuals.
Cigarettes and vaping deliver nicotine in rapid spikes
Nicotine replacement therapy delivers nicotine more slowly and steadily, helping reduce cravings while your brain adapts.
Choosing Between 2mg and 4mg
Nicotine gum and lozenges are available in two strengths. The right option depends largely on how soon you typically use nicotine after waking.
Not sure which to choose?
Types of Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Nicotine Patch
What It Feels Like: “Set it and forget it.”
Best for:
• People who smoke or vape throughout the day
• People who want fewer decisions during the day
• Busy routines and work environments
How it Works:
Apply
Apply to clean, dry skin on your upper arm, chest or back
Press
Press firmly for 10 to 20 seconds
Wear
Wear for up to 24 hours
Rotate
Rotate the placement area each day to avoid irritation
Nicotine is delivered steadily through the skin, reducing background cravings all day.
21mg
14mg
7mg
Gradually reducing nicotine allows your brain to adjust over time.
Nicotine Gum
What It Feels Like: “Fast, flexible craving support.”
Best for:
• Cravings tied to habits (coffee, driving, after meals)
• People who want active control during cravings
• People who like having something to chew
How it Works:
Chew
Chew a few times until you notice the flavour
Park
Park the gum between your cheek and gum
Chew & Re-park
When the flavour fades, chew again and re-park
Repeat
Repeat for up to 30 minutes
Nicotine is absorbed through the gums, not through saliva. The chew and park method is what makes it work.
Nicotine Lozenges
What It Feels Like: “Slow, steady comfort that dissolves in the mouth.”
Best for:
• Meetings or customer-facing roles
• Commuting or on the go
• People who prefer not to chew gum
How it Works:
Place
Place one lozenge between your gum and cheek
Leave it
Let it dissolve naturally. Do not chew or suck it
Keep still
Keep it still for best absorption
Repeat
Use one every 1 to 2 hours as needed
Nicotine is absorbed through the lining of your mouth as the lozenge dissolves. Keeping it parked still is what makes it effective.
Mini Lozenges
Dissolve faster
Lighter mouth feel
Smaller and more discreet
Regular Lozenges
Longer dissolve time
More presence in the mouth
Better for longer cravings
Same nicotine strength, different experience.
Combination Therapy: A Smarter Way to Quit
Many pharmacists recommend combining two types of nicotine replacement therapy.
Patch = Seatbelt
Provides steady nicotine support all day.
Gum or Lozenges = Airbag
Help when sudden cravings appear.
Example combinations:
• Patch in the morning + lozenge after meals
• Patch during workdays + gum while driving
• Patch daily + stronger gum during the first weeks
This approach helps manage both background withdrawal symptoms and sudden cravings triggered by habits or stress.
Not Sure Which NRT Option Is Right For You?
Everyone's nicotine habits are different. The best plan depends on factors like:
• How soon you use nicotine after waking
• How often you smoke or vape
• How strong your cravings are
The Quitine Circle
Support Makes Quitting Easier.
The Quitine Circle is our free support community, open to everyone quitting smoking or vaping. No purchase is required, and you do not need to use Quitine products to participate.
Inside you will find:
24/7 Access to Peer Support Groups
Weekly Live Q&A with Health Coaches
The structured 90-Day Quit Program
A printable quit workbook
Community support
Guidance for managing cravings
The Quitine 30-Day Guarantee
You can try Quitine products for 30 days.If they’re not the right fit, you can request a full refund of the purchase price.Our goal is simple: Give you the tools and support to quit nicotine with confidence.
Why Thousands Choose Quitine
Quitine was designed to make nicotine replacement therapy simpler, more structured, and easier to stick with. Our goal isn't just to sell NRT products, it's to give you the tools and support needed to actually quit.
FDA-Approved Nicotine Replacement
All Quitine nicotine replacement products meet FDA standards and are designed to reduce withdrawal symptoms safely.
Complete Range of NRT Options
Patches, gum, lozenges, and mini lozenges allow you to build a plan that fits your routine and cravings.
Pharmacist-Developed System
Quitine was co-developed with guidance from pharmacists with decades of experience helping people quit smoking.
Built for Combination Therapy
Quitine products are designed to work together, allowing you to combine baseline patch support with fast-acting gum or lozenges.
Quitine Circle Support Program
Access our free Quitine Circle community, including the structured 90-Day Quit Program, tools, and support.
Real Human Support
When you contact Quitine, your message is reviewed by real members of our team. Not automated bots.
The Quitine 30-Day Guarantee
Try Quitine products for 30 days. If they’re not the right fit, you can request a full refund of the purchase price.
Ready to Start Your Quit Plan?
Take our short quiz to build your personalized nicotine taper plan and see which Quitine products are right for you.