Tabaquismo — terapia de sustitución de nicotina (TSN)

Why / when / how

Nicotine replacement therapy helps people who smoke to achieve abstinence sustained over time, and its combination of more than one formulation improves cessation outcomes compared with the use of a single one. The certainty of the evidence for the critical outcomes is high. This is why the recommendation is strong in favor, because the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.

Cautions

Before intervening on substance use and exposure to toxicants, assess the patient's consumption pattern, dependence, and clinical conditions, and individualize the approach. Discontinuing substances that produce physical dependence may require medical supervision because of the risk of a withdrawal syndrome, so it should not be stopped abruptly without assessment. Advise seeking professional care in the presence of any warning sign, including in crisis situations, and refer to specialized addiction treatment/environmental health services, according to the case. Reassess the course periodically.

Quantitative evidence