Are smoking cessation products safer than smoking? 

Overview

Thinking about giving up smoking, but wondering if nicotine products are any safer? We know that smoking causes serious health issues, such as heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These risks come from the toxic substances in tobacco smoke. In Australia, studies¹ show that tobacco smoke has over 7,000 chemical substances, with over 69 known carcinogens.

Smoking cessation products are a better choice than ongoing tobacco use. Let’s explore what these products are, how they work, how they compare to smoking, and key points to consider before using them.

What are smoking cessation products?

There are several proven options available to help Australians stop smoking, including nicotine replacement therapies, prescription medications, and behavioural assistance².

• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT): These include patches, gums, lozenges, sprays, and inhalers.

• Prescription medications: These include drugs such as Varenicline (Champix) and Bupropion (Zyban).

• Non-nicotine options: These include behavioural support like counselling, support lines (for example, Quitline in Australia), and telehealth support.

How do they work?

Here’s a breakdown of their mechanism:

• They gradually reduce nicotine cravings by supplying nicotine in a controlled way (in the case of NRT), rather than through smoking.

• They relieve withdrawal symptoms that appear when a person quits smoking, like anxiety, mood changes, and concentration issues.

• They enable people to quit without breathing in harmful toxins, tar and carbon monoxide that come from burning tobacco.

• Many programs combine treatment with behavioural support to achieve higher success rates.

Are they safer than smoking?

Yes, much safer. Let’s look at the reasons:

• Smoking delivers thousands of chemicals into your lungs and bloodstream, and many are toxic and carcinogenic.

• NRTs provide nicotine without the tar, carbon monoxide, and many combustion-related toxins. According to the Australian practitioners, “smoking cessation using NRT is always less harmful than continuing to smoke³.”

• NRT products and prescription medicines used to quit smoking are regulated and authorised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), ensuring they are safe, high-quality and effective for use.

• Australia’s healthcare system recommends NRT and behavioural support as primary treatments for people trying to quit smoking.

Overall, for people who smoke, switching to a regulated cessation product is significantly safer than keeping up the habit.

Common misconceptions

Here are some myths and clarifications:

• “Nicotine itself causes cancer” – Myth. While nicotine is addictive, most smoking-related illnesses, like cancer and heart disease, are caused by numerous toxic substances in tobacco smoke.

• “Quitting cold turkey is better” – While some people manage to quit on their own, relapse rates remain high. Using NRT together with behavioural support significantly improves your chances of staying smoke-free.

• “Using nicotine products just replaces one addiction with another” – NRTs and prescription medicines are meant to be for temporary use to support gradual withdrawal from nicotine, not as a long-term substitute for smoking.

Side effects & safety tips

Here is a quick table for better understanding:

Safety notes:

• Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, and far less dangerous than ongoing smoking.

• NRTs are generally safe for most people, including individuals with stable heart conditions.

• If you have had recent heart problems or serious health issues, it’s wise to consult a health professional before using NRT.

How Hola Health can help you

At Hola Health, we provide personalised online doctor consultations to support your smoking cessation journey. Our telehealth doctors can:

• Review your smoking habits and nicotine dependence level.

• Recommend the most suitable cessation product or combination (patches, gum, lozenge, sprays, or prescribed medicines) tailored to your individual needs.

• Offer behavioural support through telehealth, including quit planning, withdrawal management, and progress monitoring.

• Conduct regular follow-ups, adjust your plan as required, and assist with gradual nicotine reduction.

Ready to quit? Book an online telehealth consultation for quitting smoking today—it’s convenient, supportive, and built around you.

Conclusion

Smoking cessation products are much safer than smoking itself. They help you reduce dependence gradually while protecting your health. If you’re ready to quit, support is available—consider consulting your GP or a qualified healthcare provider to get the help you need.

FAQs

Are nicotine patches and gums safer than cigarettes?

Yes. Nicotine patches and gums deliver nicotine in regulated doses, without exposing you to tar, carbon monoxide, or the many chemicals in cigarette smoke. Research indicates that NRT is less harmful than ongoing smoking.

Can nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) cause addiction?

NRT provides nicotine and can maintain nicotine dependence temporarily, but it’s far less addictive than cigarettes because it doesn’t have the same rituals, chemicals, or quick nicotine hits. The goal is gradual reduction.

Are vaping products considered a safe way to quit smoking?

Vaping products (e-cigarettes) are not considered a first-line smoking cessation therapy in Australia. The TGA hasn’t approved them as standard cessation products, and their long-term health effects are still uncertain. Current clinical guidelines prioritise NRT and prescription medications over vaping.

What are the side effects of smoking cessation products?

Side effects are usually mild. Patches may cause skin irritation or insomnia. Gum or lozenges may lead to mouth irritation, hiccups, or an upset stomach. Sprays or inhalers may cause throat irritation. These effects are less harmful than smoking-related damage.

Do I need a prescription for smoking cessation products?

Many NRT products (patches, gums, lozenges) are available over the counter in Australia. Prescription medications like varenicline and bupropion require a doctor’s prescription. Behavioural counselling may be recommended.

How long should I use nicotine replacement therapy?

It depends on individual objectives and nicotine dependence. Standard guidelines suggest an initial treatment period of approximately 8–12 weeks, which can be extended if necessary. Some people continue using NRT for longer under medical supervision, with a gradual reduction plan in place.

Can I use more than one nicotine replacement product at the same time?

Yes, in fact, many Australian guidelines suggest using a combination NRT (e.g., patch plus gum or lozenge) for people with higher nicotine dependence, as it increases quit success and is safe when used correctly.

Where can I get help to quit smoking online in Australia?

You can access supports such as:

1. The National Cessation Platform, through the Australian Government Department of Health, is for quitting smoking and vaping.
2. Online consultations through providers like Hola Health.
3. The Quitline: call 13 78 48 in Australia for quitting smoking and vaping.