POM products

Pharmacies may be able to supply Champix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion) if there is a patient group direct (PGD) in place to support a smoking cessation service. Pharmacy staff can discuss options available with the pharmacist. 

E-cigarettes

These simulate cigarette smoking and deliver nicotine, and have been shown to help some people successfully quit cigarette smoking. 

E-cigarettes are not completely risk free, but the NHS says they are far less harmful than cigarettes. They do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, although they do contain potentially harmful chemicals, albeit at lower levels than in cigarette smoke. 

As of October this year, the MHRA updated its guidance so that medically licensed e-cigarettes can be prescribed as a smoking cessation tool. Whilst no products are medically licensed yet in the UK, this looks set to change. Look out for updates in 2022. 

Currently, by law, e-cigarettes must not be supplied to people under the age of 18. If customers ask about e-cigarettes, explain the options available and refer to the pharmacist, if required.