Commercial tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The negative health effects are numerous, and it’s estimated that 30.8 million adult Americans smoke cigarettes. In hopes of increasing access to medications to help individuals who are ready to quit, Eskenazi Health pharmacists are now able to prescribe tobacco cessation products.
All Eskenazi Health outpatient pharmacies are now “Quit-Smoking Pharmacies.” Patients can call or stop by any pharmacy to schedule an in-person or over-the-phone appointment with a pharmacist to get started. It can also be discussed with clinical pharmacists during clinic visits.
During the appointment, pharmacists will go over available medication options so that patients can find the medication that’s best for them and select a “quit date.” The pharmacist will then call the patient a few weeks following that date to monitor progress and provide further support. There is no charge for the consultation, and medication costs will go through insurance coverage if applicable.
The Indiana Quit-Smoking Pharmacies project is in collaboration with the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana Pharmacists Association, Indiana Department of Health, and Purdue University College of Pharmacy.
Please talk with an outpatient pharmacist or pharmacy technician to learn more.