Medications can increase your chances of quitting and staying quit, especially if you are dependent on nicotine. Combined with other tactics, like counseling, medications can make quitting and withdrawing from nicotine a little easier. Talk to your health care provider to learn which medication may be best for you, and which options are covered by TRICARE®.

Learn More About Tobacco Cessation Medications

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Products like nicotine gum and patches give you low doses of nicotine to replace the nicotine you were getting from tobacco products like cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) can help with nicotine withdrawal and lessen your urge to use tobacco. Learn more about the options that might work best for you and discuss them with your health care provider.

Medicines Without Nicotine

Medications without nicotine can help with withdrawal when you quit and can lessen the urge to use tobacco. Talk to your provider about:

• Bupropion
• Varenicline

Important: Use all medications exactly as they are prescribed for you. Do not use medications in larger amounts or for longer than recommended by your health care provider. Be sure to tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines including anything over-the-counter. Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. Take note, the content on this site reflects general information about tobacco cessation medications and is not a substitute for the advice of a medical provider, nurse or pharmacist.

TRICARE Covers Tobacco Cessation Medicine at No Cost

Are you covered by TRICARE? If you are 18+ years old, not eligible for Medicare and are covered by TRICARE, you can get medicines that can help you quit tobacco at no cost. These medicines include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and drugs that help reduce your nicotine cravings.

To get your tobacco cessation medicine at no cost, you must:

1. Get a prescription from a TRICARE-authorized health care provider. This could be your primary care provider; you don’t need to see a specialist. Even though some of these medicines can be purchased over-the-counter, to have them covered by TRICARE, you need a prescription.
2. Fill the prescription through a military pharmacy or the TRICARE Pharmacy Home Delivery. These medications are not covered at retail pharmacies.

You always have the option to pay out of pocket and buy NRT from local retailers or your local Exchange. For more information on covered tobacco cessation services, visit the TRICARE Tobacco Cessation Services page.

If you are not covered by TRICARE, you can:

1. Check with your insurance to see your coverage for medicines without nicotine.
2. Buy NRT from a local retailer or Exchange, if you have access.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medicines to Help You Quit

Still have questions about medicines that can help you quit or stay quit? Look through the “Frequently Asked Questions About Medicines” to learn more about the medicines that can help you quit. Take note, this information is not a substitute for the advice of a medical provider, nurse or pharmacist.

You should always talk with your health care provider about which medication is right for you and your situation, especially if you are on Active Duty. Some medications may have restrictive use depending on military occupation and status.